how to repair my electric starter?

I have a Toro lawn mower, model 20070, with a Tecumseh engine.
It has an electric starter and a manual. Motor model
LV148EA/LV195EA. The mower is only a little over 2 years old. So naturally the warranty is up.
Problem: the electric start will not work, it just makes a grinding noise and smells a little bit. i don't turn the key for long periods of time. It starts fine using the manual start. It has only been used about 12 times and it should have lasted longer. i complained to the Toro people and they told me to take it to a dealer. I don't have a pick up so getting it to a dealer will be a small problem. I was wondering if you might have some idea how i could repair it or troubleshoot it or change out the whole starter system.

thanks jerry