What part of the planet do you reside that "plumbers" do not remove bath tubs?

The way to remove the tub would depend on the tub material Cast Iron normally is broken in place using a sledge hammer wearing lots and lots and lots of protective gear to protect the eyes /ears and skin from shrapnel and flying pieces of enamel

If it is an acrylic tub or cheap steel tub then the tub waste is removed and the tiles surrounding the tub removed and the tub taken out.

THIS IS NOT A DIY JOB

I appreciate your honesty. The more I research this project, the more I believe you are correct. I will keep looking for a plumber that WILL do the job.

By the way -- it is a cheap steel tub that I am replacing.

thanks again

Because it is a steel tub it is a lot easier and safer to remove as the tub shoe can be cut out quite easily with a reciprocating saw (sawzall) and then chiseled out. The problem is installing the new tub which I strongly suggest is Americast or equal again I am shocked no plumbers are available