Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Seized Tecumseh 9hp 318cc snowblower engine, reason price, oil level

Question
I have a 1 year old snowblower in New England. Last year it was nly used
once, and this year, on the first snow, it seized. Oil was OK. Engine idle rev
seemed high during this second use of the snowblower, and the seizing
happened when it was idling, with the blades not engaged.

Its past warranty, but clearly shouldn't fail this soon. Do I rebuild or buy a
new engine. And If rebuild, how do I make sure this doesn't happen again? I
expect that one of the throttle or choke cables must have been stuck (and I
know I probably should have stopped when I noticed the whining high idle)  

Answer
Dear Thomas,
The only time I have had an engine seize was when my customer didn't remember to top up the oil after running if for a few weeks after I'd repaired it. For your 1 year old machine to seize, my guess would be that you must have had a piston overheat and seize.  This usually only happens when the oil level is too low.  
As far as your question re: rebuilding the machine, or buying a new one, I would be pricing around.  If you find a good mechanic, who offers you a reason price, then it's worth considering.

All the best,

Howard