I add 1/2 cup of Calgon powdered bath beads in the box from Walmart (that stuff is hard to find, any kind if bath oil beads will do) to coat the inside of the tank after every flush. This helps flush the solids and will lubricate the valve seals. I also have an access panel,
Trap Flap | Mobile Home Depot , in the underbelly to spray silicone lubricant on the valve actuator rod.
If you're having trouble pulling the handle, check the cable behind the basement wall to make sure it's not wrapped in tight circles causing tension. It should make a long sweeping curve into the underbelly. It is fairly easy to unscrew from the front and re route behind without having to replace...until it breaks!!!