I would just about bet you money that the chopper knives are worn out. look at them. If the side that is rotating into the straw is rounded and the other side is not, take them out and turn them over. Be careful, there is a bushing inside each knife. If both sides are rounded, you need new knives. You are very fortunate that you caught the vibration in your chopper shaft. This almost always leads to a ruptured fuel tank if left unfixed. Been there, don't want to do it again. By the way, if you have an air ratchet you can really use it to turn the knives over or to replace them.