DR Power Equipment Lawn and Leaf Vacuum 2011 coupling problem Internet

I have 2011 Lawn and Leaf Vac that was bought new in a off season and stored until 2013. I purchased it from a family member, the owner passed away before ever using it. First time using it 2013 the coupling broke within the first half hour of using it for no reason and now warranty is out. The best DR Power could do is charge me double what the rubber coupling is actually worth over $50.00! Which broke again yesterday 2014 first time I used it this year within 5 minutes of running. I had a backup one that I purchased on amazon.com for under $25.00, Martin 7JEM exactly what they sent me to replace the original which was different, it was a 2 piece coupling I thought the Martin was an upgrade but is no better. This is obviously a design flaw. They should make good and offer a new type of coupling that can actually handle the torque for free. I`m not the only one with this problem obviously. I read the other complaints with the same problem.