Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Wheel Removel, rear wheels, riding mowers

Question
How do you remove the rear wheels, tire and rim from riding mowers, like Murry, MTD and so on. I have a few that I would like to change around and have noticed two holes in the rims, do I need a puller of some sort.

Thanks for any help

Answer
On cheaper mowers (such as Murray and MTD) the wheels usually slide onto the axle with a keyway and/or a shear bolt through the rim and axle perpendicular to the axle axis.  These do not come off easily because they are usually seized to the shaft.  If you do get them off (which may require heat and/or cutting the rims off the axles), make sure you use plenty of anti-seize compound when you re-assemble.  If you just want to do a tire (or tube) repair, do it on the machine and forget about trying to get the rims off.  Hope this helps.