Is there a zerk/grease fitting on the gearbox? I have heard that Earthway has great customer service and parts should be easy to get. Sounds like it might just need some lube.

No grease zerks. I sent customer service an email stating that it is only a year old and asking about part number 60333.
Seems that all earthway, spyker, john deere 20 series are all made by Brinly-Hardy. just different colored wheels and buckets depending on the brand.

Earthway wrote back tonight and said to put it on a load test to see if the noise goes away. also earthway is not made by brinly, My mistake....schematics look pretty darn close though.