I think I may have already answered my own question after doing a bunch of research looking for a replacement spring. Seems I can buy the spring for about 125.00 but, in all honesty, I had no idea what it was even for till doing the research and therefore, I am not sure I should spend the money for a new one. Have used my machine off and on for 350 or so hours and never paid much attention to it till a branch got in it and I ended up bending it pretty badly. Does anyone actually use it or do you agree that I would be just as well without it? Shouldn't be to hard to take off. Thanks.