I have had starter problems with this thing since it was new. The starter gear did not fully engage and chewed up the ring gear. JD sold me a kit consisting of a relay to help get current to the solenoid for better pull in. Helped a little. I bypassed some of the circuitry in series with the starter. That helped a bit more. I have had to replace the starter twice and the ring gear once. Is my experience common or did I get a lemon. My wife won't let me get rid of it because the cat likes to sleep on the seat or I would have dumped on someone who is a better mechanic than I am or some gullible stooge years ago.