I love my Kitchen-Aid. I've had it for probably twenty plus years, and I use it A LOT. For mixing doughs, for grinding grains (for bread and beer making), for whipping up the most fabulous italian buttercream frosting, etc. About two years ago it required work for the first time, when it would only work on one speed. I took it to an authorized repair place, they did whatever they did, (for about $150?) and it's been working flawlessly since. While it was in need of repair, I did some investigating into hand grinding tools, including using a bike to power such an appliance, and my conclusion was: FIX THE DAMN KITCHEN AID! (A quality grinder, hand or bike powered, costs a small fortune!) I would say, contact KA and say, "yo, dudes, what's the deal?" Four years of service from this appliance, even under heavy use, is not acceptable. Good luck with the Mixer Fixer. The Master Mixer Fixer. The Most Marvelous Mixer Fixer. Oy, stop me......