Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Wheel Removal on Lawn Tractor, wheel hub, wheel horse

Question
I have a Wheel Horse lawn tractor and I am trying to remove one of the rear wheels to replace the tire which has basically dry rotted.  It is held in place with an E-clip and has a keyway.  I have removed the E-clip, but I cannot get the wheel all the way off because the key is towards the back of the keyway and every time I try to pull the wheel off it sticks partway and will not allow the wheel to come off any further.  Can you tell me a way to get the key to loosen up to allow the wheel to come off?

Answer
Hi Brian,

Check the key for burrs and the keyway for dirt, debris or rust.  Clean everything the best you can and soak it all with WD-40.  Then just muscle it off with whatever force it takes.  Pull and push the wheel/hub and it should come a little further each time, until it comes off.

Good Luck,
Michael