How easy do the wheels turn? It may be that you need to oil the axles and wheels and turn them by hand until they free up more. I would think that they should spin freely if properly lubricated.
I would use something other than WD 40 as a lubricant. Something like 3 in 1 oil or a similar light oil. Personally, I use a light oil that is made for dental tools.
I know I have a JAD Hiawatha that has never been run. I bought it in 2012 at Cal Stewart and the wheels turn so hard that I know it needs a lot of attention (oil and turning the wheels by hand to get the oil into the bushings) before I would ever put power to it.
NWL