Someone mentioned that the direct drive is the source of the motor failures and I agree 100%. If there is any sort of obstuction, the motor does not have an electronic or thermal cut-out so it just burns up. Bad design.
In the 4 years that I have owned this product, the motor died twice in less than 4 years. The first time the motor died, Maytronics replaced it. Now the second time Robostar/Maytronics (Israeli company) won't fix it. WARNING: THE 3 YEAR WARRANTEE STARTS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE AND DOES NOT EXTEND IF THEY REPLACE THE MOTOR. They replaced the motor in 2007 and it died in 2008. They will not replace it. They want $900 for a replacement. I said no way. They won't ship it back to me unless I pay a $100 diagnostic fee. So now I have a $1200 paperweight. Scary huh? Avoid this unit.
Jack Mahon
Marlborough, MA
Apr 28, 2009 Rating
Thanks for the warning! by: Curt
I believe that the direct drive contributes to most of the Dolphin failures when small objects get stuck.
