On my woods seeder, the gears are metal. If I dont keep them lubricated, corrosion will make them difficult to adjust as needed. Yes, dust sticks to the gears lubricated with wd 40. I have used so called dry lubricant - dust also sticks to that. When I get done using mine, I hose those metal gears off an spray with wd 40. I always try to run all the seed out before putting it up for extended time. I can also open the seed cups on the large seed box and “drain” the seeds out. Make sure you close before adding more seed, or you will have a pile of seed on the ground