Polar here too. Regarding gin, I just discovered this gin recently and it is absolutely delicious. $25 for a bottle at the only store near me who sells it. Highly suggest giving it a try.
Yeah I mounted mine on the frame as well. I got a replacement just haven't installed it yet. "Death Rattle" is a great way to describe the shut down, lol!
It's a great mower, love it. Excellent cut. I use it on a side hill that I wont take my zero turn on and some other areas around the house. It also comes in handy in the spring in some areas that stay a little softer for a while.
Had the same issue. I have been aiming some very bright LED lights up toward the roof starting in early spring and leave them on overnight. Knock on wood I don't think I have any in the barn now.
I love to mow and find it to be therapeutic. Also drives me nuts to see beautiful homes with sh*tty lawns full of weeds and a foot high. That's just me though!