I am the plaintiff in a small claims court...

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The appeal itself goes to district court (which is the standard civil court where non-small claims matters are filed).

An appeal on a matter of law is heard by a judge only (not a jury), and that judge will decide that issue.

For an appeal on the question of law, the court would hear new argument as to why the law was incorrectly applied.  For a question of fact, the defendant would have to show a fact-based error (for example, the judge had one or more material facts of the case incorrect).

On a question of act, the defendant could get a new trial.

Both sides present argument in an appeal.

Regarding a question of fact, here is what I wrote above: For a question of fact, the defendant would have to show a fact-based error (for example, the judge had one or more material facts of the case incorrect).

A new trial would be in district court.  You can have a lawyer - need is a subjective term and depends entirely on your specific circumstances.

As an example, if the judge in his ruling held that the defendant caused the engine to become cracked by intentionally striking it with a hammer, and found the defendant liable on that basis (when the facts did not show that is what happened).