My 1445 has 1725 hrs and the deck will not stay float . It has a danfoss hydraulic control valve . I am not sure if or how to adjust the detent to keep the deck in float
More than likely it is rusted up inside of of cap take it off some slide off others need to be popped off or pull spool with it has spring and detent balls in it so if you do try and take it apart wrap a rag around it just in case parts come flying out
Yes I use heavy duty assembly grease but anything will
Work to be honest use what is available I do this for a living so have access to many different Lubes