If its a Lawnboy, and has a Lawnboy engine (even if the engine has been swapped to another deck) then the blade collar is not welded to the drive-shaft. But, that being said, some have been on so long that they "seem" to be welded. You are probably going to have to destroy the collar (new ones are available), to get it off. You need to use a puller. You first pull on the flange, this will distort the flange and as it is tack welded to the backing ring that mates with the drive shaft, eventually it will separate off, and you are left with a little ring still stuck to the drive-shaft. You can then get in there with your puller and pull off the ring. IT WILL COME OFF, but you may have to use mighty force on the puller.
You can get inexpensive "pullers" at tool places like Harbor Freight. You don't need a professional quality "Craftsman" tool for light lawnmower use.