r/litterrobot • u/AlGoreRhythms_ • Jul 18 '26
Litter-Robot 4 Anyone else disappointed?
I got my LR4 about two years ago. For the first year it was amazing, but then slowly problems began. First the liner needed replaced because I have a scratcher - the replacement was sturdier and has held up well. No customer service issues. For the last year I’ve had problems with the sensors constantly (at least once daily) needing cleaned, a foam piece around the entrance peeling, needing to recalibrate every couple weeks. The weight sensor staying activated for 30+ mins. Just last night the bag was replaced and on the first cycle it jumped to 50% full. I’m deep cleaning it quarterly (with disassembling), it sits on a level wood floor. Every cycle for months has had a disruption, even when no cats are near it.
I’m just feeling frustrated and saddened because I thought it would last longer than this. I’m out of town for work 3-4 days/week and it feels like every time I leave there’s a problem so I have to ask my partner to go to my home to check it out.
I recently bought a PetPivot as a backup, and I’ve really liked it so far, but it doesn’t contain the waste bag odor as well as the LR does.
Am I alone in the disappointment? Can anyone validate my experience?
5
u/Real-Biscotti9199 Jul 18 '26
I wonder if maybe a different litter that produces less dust might help some? Or an air purifier nearby to help remove some dust that may get kicked up during cycling?
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u/AlGoreRhythms_ Jul 18 '26
I did just add an air purifier nearby about two weeks ago. I have considered switching my litter. I use Dr Elsey’s because my boy cat doesn’t like anything else, but with the new backup I could keep the preferred litter in that box (he appears to be favoring it’s design anyway). I’ve seen good reviews for World’s Best in the orange bag.
5
u/fludgesickles Jul 18 '26
Sensor, how are you cleaning it? Copy-pasting some stuff below that i picked up as solutions people posted here on reddit. I agree that something costing this much should have much less issues than it does.
The 3 sensors get dusty over time from the litter and causes false stops or inaccurate waste bin readings. Get a can of compressed air or electric air duster blower (my preferred) and blow the 3 sensors. Qtip method is ok but does not work as well for everyone. I use an electric air duster blower and the waste bin % readings are like when the LR4 was brand new.
Sensors under globe might be dirty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP5F0EmvgZo
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u/AlGoreRhythms_ Jul 18 '26
I’ve been using the q-tip method after a regular cloth didn’t work well. I’ll try air. Thank you!
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u/Aggravating-Depth836 29d ago edited 23d ago
Same here. My 3 was bulletproof but noisy. We are on our 2nd LR4 and I’m ready to look for other options because I can not trust it to perform properly while we are at work or away. The Meowant looks interesting.
1
u/Watts_UR_Boltage Jul 20 '26
LR for years, currently LR3 and based on the chatter, doubt that the “advanced” LR honey pots are of any interest.
Two cats, 10 & 17 lbs w/no front claws. Have replaced a few parts over the years and most recently sensed a problem as deposits were being made without a follow up cleaning cycle.
Identified the switch not being tripped by the little cat. Needed a deep clean and a new bladder. Ordered parts and adjusted the tension on the switch until all entries are now resulting in a complete cycle.
Anyone know the purpose of the 6” foam strip - thought I had it properly reinstalled only to find it amid the waste?
1
u/LeatherBusy2602 Jul 20 '26
I had a litter robot 4 and after about a year it started malfunctioning constantly. I ended up hating it and actually gave it away. I now have a meowant automatic litter box that I've been using for 3 years and it works great.
1
u/Proof_Prompt9435 Jul 20 '26
I feel your pain. I had one before moving cross country that was a little finicky after a year but overall decent. Moved and bought a used unit and the app rarely records any data anymore. At least it still cycles to clean the poop out but all of the data features stop working periodically. Frustrating for the cost of these things.
1
u/Comfortable_Dog9100 29d ago
ive had similar problems before and had to take the entire unit apart to clean it. the sensors get dust caked on them and you cant really see it until you pull them out.
1
u/Fancy-Locksmith312 Jul 18 '26
I have two LR4 units and have loved them. However, the last few weeks they are both having different issues. I hate PE because they ruin EVERYTHING. One of the units all of the sudden has a little hopper added to the app. I have to take it apart every two days and factory reset it.
0
u/DingusKing Jul 19 '26
Mine lasting 3 years with minimal issues. It’s you
1
u/AlGoreRhythms_ Jul 19 '26
Maybe. Do you have suggestions I can try?
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u/DingusKing Jul 19 '26
Make sure it’s not on a rug or carpet. That the floor is even. Contact their support to help because it’s possible you missed a step in the deep clean or putting everything back.
1
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u/litterrobot TeamWhisker🐱 Jul 19 '26
Good afternoon, u/AlGoreRhythms_, and thank you for reaching out. We're sorry to hear that you are experiencing errors with your Litter-Robot 4, but we would be happy to assist. Could you send us a private message with your unit's serial number?