We already have replaced the belts and pulleys last year. The gear case, auger, and motor are ruined at this point. That's $400 of parts and new one is $750. Fails the 50% rebuild test but we got 3ys past the 4yr design life. My day job is mechanical engineering with specialty in pumps and fixed assets.
I leave the welding to experts though.
Even God doesn't help those who don't help themselves.
My preference is to provide directly to those I know can & will use the goods. After all, I work hard for it. Friends & neighbors who share what we each don't grow, or poor production -- I'm all over that! 
. My animals are my favorites to share with. This year, produce auction for what I hope to be a bumper crop. Yes, $$$. If good results, I'd increase next yr.
It's going into rounds across street. Was a little overgrown but good. Saw about 60 taken off yesterday, prob double that to go.....then fields 1/2 mile up. Square or rounds? Good for him!! He takes care of the fields well.
instead of having them help! I MUST get a weaning field secured!! Have 5 with barns, so...That's top of list. Better get at it.
Sized it up. A rat snake, thinking couple ft, young one. It's at 8' up, I'm not. Thinking ladder & snake won't be good at same time . Go to barn, get machete, see an older can of wasp spray. Aha. So off I go, loaded....and being old, didn't spray the usual 20' but it went where I needed. Didn't seem to like it and started down, rather slowly, too, so effective to mellow it. I climbed the 6' divider to greet it in other half of building, when it decided to go from where I came -- no! Grabbed it's tail and pulled. Thankfully it was a little dazed from spray!! Machete slams, then tossed onto the side drive to bask in the sun. Way bigger than thought at first. Explains some missing eggs & nervous hens! 
. Look out, seems I'm on a killing spree. 
