Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murry Mini Cultivator, flower beds, growing tomatoes

Question
Mr. Truthmeister:
I have above cultivator, 2 years old, no prior issues and well kept. While  I was using it this weekend it stopped suddenly, when I tried to restart the pull cord would not release. This small machine is a 2HP 10" cultivator. Any suggestions on what I should check to self repair or would it be best to seek professional help. I am not a small engine expert, but I do normally perform routine maintenance, part replacement and minor repairs. My wife would really like for me to finish the flower beds I started! Any input is appreciated.

Answer
OK Ryan, you aren't going to like this.  Get the shovel out and start spading the garden.  This unit cannot be repaired by the dealer for less than the cost of a new one.

It is a throwaway!  What you can do is tear down the unit piece by piece.  Lay the parts out in the order you took them apart.  When you get it all tore down clean all the parts with carb cleaner and reassemble in the opposite order.  It will probably run.  It will only take about 5 hours.

FYI... My great grandma, Nanny, said a tiller ain't worth a damn if you are growing tomatoes.  You Have to spade by hand for a quality crop.  Maybe that's why I don't like tomatoes!  Way to much work. Nanny didn't do much spading, that's what she had grandkids for!