The machine was bought secondhand and in otherwise immaculate condition. I recently had punctures to both tyres and have found it impossible to remove the wheels from the drive shafts. They are held in position by means of a key and appear to have become seized.

jackie, January 2008

I have an STX38 and have removed the rear and front wheels. If you can't get the key off, try cutting it away with a dremel. But you must take care not to damage the axel notched area

Danny, February 2008

I've really no idea what a stx38 is - assume its a garden machine? Anyway, no matter. The wheels are likely to be held by a key which often rusts in - you could try some WD40 spray or similar. However, I use a product called 'Tyreweld' which, when injected through the valve, seals existing puntures and also protects against new ones. It seals holes up to around 5mm.

John, January 2008