I have actually had two of these machines. The first one I used for about a year before the motor burned out. I had tried other mechanized pooper scoopers and this one did a barely acceptable job. It always clogged with large 'loads,' and the rakes would get clogged with my cat's excrement. The second one I bought was actually the latest model and it did an even worse job. I spent more time cleaning up 'after' the box than I ever did with an old-fashioned litter box. Then in frustration, I went to the message boards and found salvation: The Litter Robot (<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Litter-Robot-LRII-Automatic-Self-Cleaning-Litter-Box-Black/dp/B000LJFQF4/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Litter Robot LRII Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box, Black</a>).