Machine knitter ribber problem

This is a plea for help. I have a Knitmaster which has been stored for some years and I’ve recently got it out with the intention of using up some of the yarn I’ve been keeping. So far, so good. The machine works fine but the ribber (SRP 60) won’t have any of it. I’ve checked and rechecked the settings. It casts on ok but then just gets stiffer and stiffer as I get into the actual rib until it becomes impossible to move along the bed. Oiling has had no effect. Anyone out there know what may be wrong here? I’d be very grateful for some help.