I should have know the first time I use this vacuum that it be a piece of garbage , but I hold onto it because I hear so many good thing about Oreck . the first time I vacuum , the smell of burn rubber -lrb- the belt -rrb- be so bad and it barely pick anything up . so as I be advise , I replace the belt -lrb- after one use for a few minute , the original belt be already melting -rrb- . I live in a small apartment with hardwood floor , no pet and one wool carpet - there be no reason for the vacuum to malfunction like this . the vacuum continue to have the same problem , but when I readjust the belt before every use , it become somewhat tolerable , except for the many time I have to clean out the different compartment because of buildup -lrb- again , not sure how there could be so many issue with such a small , tidy apartment -rrb- . after some research , I learn that Oreck tell its customer to vacuum more `` gently , '' otherwise the belt be prone to burn or come apart . I tend to slowly glide and do not manhandle my vacuum , but I decide to vacuum very slowly and gently to see if it would fix the problem I be have . the problem have not subside , and have become even worse . I can not vacuum my one , small carpet without the smell of burn rubber , a complete lack of suction after about 2 minute , and have to readjust the belt or replace it every single time I want to use it . I be throw this thing away . save yourself the annoyance and the money . I have a small upright dirt devil that cost about $ 35 that work better than this thing . also , I never think I would miss have tool so much - you can not get anywhere near the baseboard and all the dirt that build up along you wall with this thing . and even if my vacuum have a manufacturer 's defect , why have not Oreck replace it ?