snowblowers

I have a 2004 Sears (private label Yard Machines / MTD I believe) 9 HP and 29". The electric start broke when it was 4, so I've been pull starting ever since.

It's actually done well over the years, had a spell where it wouldn't run unless fully choked, but then, it self corrected.

Today will be the 3rd use this season. Upon the second, somehow, the pin lock couldn't be inserted in the right wheel, making usage extremely difficult. I don't have a differential on mine like my bro. So essentially only the left wheel would get power, creating right turns.

I spent 1 hour in the snow trying to fix it, and finally did. Don't know what happened--seems like a combination of the wheel being frozen (rust) to the hub, and the hole being filled with some sort of black rubbery debris.

I first inserted a paper clip (for real) to prove the hole was there. But I could not get the pin through the hole, so I got a smaller bolt and put it through. It snapped immediately.

Kept trying and trying with the pin, and finally got it inserted. Point is, there are times to persevere where the results will pay back exponentially. Also, I continue to believe it's the little things in life. I think many people would simply get a new machine. My parents were never like that, my dad used things until there was no more useful life in them. But today, seems, that's all my mom ever says. your car is 20, get a new one (they're six figures now officially). Your refrigerator is 24? Get a new one. She just said after listening to the above, your bro got a new machine, you should too ($2,300).

I believe we change when we age, and also, it's the little things in life.

The end.