Hi again Jeff, grumpy is spot on there, if the reel spins freely and is not actually touching the bedknife (there is approx 1/1000" clearance) there could be a bearing prob, but I tend to believe through your input that is an adjustment issue.
If this is the case and the previous owner has continually adjusted the reel/bedknife clearances incorrectly, the reel and the bedknife could be "out of true" due to wear.
This causes extra strain on the drive train as well.
The remedy, if this is the case, is to have the reel and bedknife professionally reground and replacing the bearings (as they are not expensive) and after re-installation, adjust it correctly.
We can step you through the process if you require any assistance.
Could you please post some pics of your machine, and especially the reel and bedknife area, so as we can see the condition of both.
