I use my many years of pinball repairs towards other product repairs. Snowblowers are the worst for sending to a repair shop for yearly maintenance for me in the past. Usually $200 - $300 repair bills, so after the first few years that ended for me. Biggest rip off is unique parts & belts. Hard to get, expensive, & might be weeks to get in stock. So I switched to generic heating belts from the wholesaler. Also did away over time of crap safety devices. My own machine, & I remember when we didn't have all this crap for safety for stupid people! I drilled the body to accept a mini clothes line tensioner for auger belt drive. So it is always spinning. We had powder snow today, & a lot more coming. Usually we have wet heavy snow in eastern Canada.

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Had my golf pro lose some finger tips. He didn't want to explain his stupidity. Also had a guy ripping (saw) his 2' x 4' in his hand, he also lost out.

Small clothes line part. Replaced eye rod, $1.

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A lot of safety features is ok. But it does add huge bills to equipment maintenance & repairs. Think of how much more wear is done to pull cords on lawn mowers with safety lever. Had one wear out in the first season. I'm a adult & if I operate it myself i'm the operator. That said I wouldn't let others use it (hacked).

I remember when you weren't forced to wear a helmet on a bike or skateboard, etc. Had cool dangerous play ground stuff back in the 60's & 70's. Smoking was allowed inside, & seat belt use was optional.