Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Remove MTD Lawn Tractor Rear Wheels, punch point, stock wheel

Question
I have an old Agway MTD tractor and a MTD 1996 tractor.  The rear wheels are secured to the axel by a machine bold and washer. Of course, the wheels refuse to come off the axel willingly.  I see that each stock wheel has two 3/8 inch holes drilled about 2.5 inches off the centerpoint of the axel. I'm wondering whether an automotive timing gear puller bolted through the two wheel holes would budge the wheel if I put the axel retaining machine machine back in 2/3 of its length and tightened the center extractor bolt on the gear puller down onto the center point of the retaining machine screw? Maybe, drill a shallow punch point in the center of the retaining screw to keep the extractor bolt from drifting? Whatta ya think?  THanks, Carl  

Answer
A gear puller will not damage the axle if you use it as described.  However, you can crush a rim...but that may happen anyway.

I would not use a torch to heat the rim because the axle will absorb some of the heat and may snap.

Soak the axle with lots of penatrating oil, not WD-40 but Kroil or PB Blaster.

Let me know if this helps.
Eric