Thanks for your reply Deejay. I'm leaning towards keeping my eye out for a 45. The missus is leaning towards "why the hell did you buy the one you've got if it's no good. We can't afford another lawn mower".

So if I can change it over without spending too much money, I think that's what I will do. I'm hoping I can sell mine for $300 to $400 and pick up a 45 for about the same or a little bit more. It will be sad to see the 33 go though. I love the fact that it is about 20 years or so older than me and still cuts my lawn well.

Then if I need to spend a little bit on the 45, I can do it without the wife knowing how much I really spend on it.

Thanks for your advice!