Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Non-mechanical genius here. Need some advice. I have a Craftsman 9hp snow blower purchased in 2001. I checked it out in November prior to the season (lubed, oil, started, etc.) and it ran fine. When I went to start it yesterday for the first time for action, the electric starter just "whirrs". I can start it with the pull cord so it runs. since it "whirrs" it seems to be getting power, but something isn't connecting to the motor to turn it over. I am assuming I need to get a new starter but thought I would check with some experts first. Any help out there? Thanks in advance.