Tried the usual methods. It's a grey market Yanmar compact
tractor needing a bit of electrical TLC behind the console. Only,...the console won't be breeched until the steering wheel is removed. Tried jaw pullers, flame torch to heat up the casing, pounding, hammering, praying.....the works, -- and it wasn't budging. Then recalled one YouTube
video showing an overhead chain hoist being attached to a similar problem through a tow strap wrapped through the steering wheel.
It worked! By attempting to raise the tractor by the attachment through the steering wheel using the front loader of a separate tractor, the wheel finally broke free with no apparent damage to the shaft splines or the wheel. Just another 'fixit' possibility for those who may need a similar solution to a like problem....