That was a common complaint with those little tractors, I've heard it many times. Spec Cast replaced several, but I wonder how many were repaired like you had to do. I have heard from a few members that they just glued theirs back together rather than messing with it, and if they are happy, so am I. Make sure you keep the boxes it came in, one day they will be worth as much as the little tractor.
Have a great day!!!
Andy