Wow, what a great bonus with that house! I have a the next smaller tractor with the next smaller blade--GT225 with a 42" blade. My tractor is identical save for the smaller engine and mower deck; the blade is the same but 2" shorter. The blade slips into the same mount that holds the front deck hangar, and is held from falling forward by the braces (arms), which slip over two lugs in the middle of the frame. These lugs are not related to the deck lift system, but they are the same ones which support the tiller frame if you ever get one of those (highly recommended). As far as the lift goes, if you have a hand lift, there's just a threaded rod which clamps to the deck lift handle. Unfortunately, the design does not allow any down pressure (in the interest of protecting the handle). It's a bit primative, but it works.

The blade does NOT use the D-shaped holes. To hook it up, just lay the blade out on your lawn with the braces laid back, pull your deck-less tractor up to it, and slip the blade into the open slot. Go underneath and attach the braces to the lugs with spring clips. Then attach the lift mechanism to the deck lift arm. I never bother to adjust the assist spring, but you might want to add more tension. Set the skid shoes (runners) for the desired height, and set the angle pin for left, right or straight plowing. If the process seems complicated, you're doing it wrong.

The blade is good for a lot more than moving snow. It's also very effective for re-grading loose soil after tilling, or spreading gravel.

You probably already know this, but the equipment you got with the house cost over $8k new. Congrats.

Thanks for all the helpful tips marineguy! It is all set up and ready for action (if we even get snow...). I really set it up b/c the drive way is getting some dips that need to be levelled off. I'll see how it works with gravel if it ever quits raining. The gal originally wanted 3k for the tractor when I checked out the house. Told her I could do 1K and it was done, pretty happy with that (should have written it in to the contract). The snow blower has never been used, the plow is well used and the trailer is handy. Not exactlly brand new but no complaints, they even left oil, oil filters, air filters, blades, spark plugs and a fuel filter! I guess there are some perks to moving to British Columbia. Thanks again for all the help, much appreciated. I'll check out that tiller.

Does your plow have the manual angling kit installed? I am in the process of installing a 48" blade on a GT245 and I neglected to get the angling kit. I was wondering if I could fab something to work. Any pictures?

The manual angling kit for my tractor consists of me getting off the tractor, pulling the pin, angling the blade, and putting the pin back in. Not the most efficient system, but fine for occaisional use.

I stopped at the dealer and they want $150. OUCH!

marineguy,

You wouldn't have a pic of how it mounts in the front do you? How do the arms mount to the black plow frame? Where do the open slots go in relation to the plow frame? My open slots are wider than the plow frame.