Stephen Bilancia

I purchased a Weed Eater Smartcut on May 1, 2011. Used it for one season...but during the season it seemed to slow in speed of moving forward and reverse. Tuned it up before the start of this season...spark plug, oil, filter...etc. On May 11, 2012 was cutting the grass and it stopped moving completely. No forward, no reverse. The motor runs great, blade engages fine. Lifted up the back end with jack stands...and do see the friction disk and friction wheel are spinning when placed in forward or reverse, however the wheels will not turn. I checked to see if the parking brake was engaged...it was not. When up on jack stands, the wheels turn freely.

I called Weed Eater and was told to contact a warranty service center. They only have 5 in my area. 3 are no longer in business, 1 had no idea they are a service center and would not look at it under warranty, and the last 1 said they will not deal with Weed Eater any longer because of their history. Right now I have a $1000 lawn ornament. Any ideas on how to proceed? My next step is to roll it to the curb (if I can) and put a free sign on it.

Please help....

Stephen