I have one in the shop with the same problem. You'll have to remove the left and right auger by removing the bearing blocks which are probably bolted externally. Then the whole assy should pull off the shaft. If you're lucky, you can split the case and get repair parts. Otherwise, figure a few hundred for the assy.

I would look seriously at the larger single-stage machines - they are lighter and easier to handle than the 2-stage blowers. They will handle up to a six-inch snow pretty easily. The Toro 421Q has been getting some pretty good reviews. Depending on if you want to spend the $$, a Honda can't be beat. Ariens makes good 2-stage machines, but their single-stage machines seem to take a backseat to Toro. When selecting a snowblower, stick to HATS: Honda Ariens Toro Simplicity/Snapper You do NOT want to walk on the snow prior to blowing it, if at all possible. Just the pressure of your footsteps can compact the snow enough to turn it to ice, which is difficult for any snowblower to pick up. Tough snowpack or ice can be nearly impossible to clear with your average snowblower, although the tracked machines can have a real advantage here if you know how to adjust their cutting depths. Tracked machines are more difficult to handle and cost more $$. If you get many snows over six inches, then you might consider a small 2-stage, like an Ariens 624. If the smaller snows are much more prevalent, go with a 5-7hp single-stage. Leave the big 9-13hp snowblowers to the folks who regularly blow out twelve inches or more. If you make a mistake and buy a cheap snowblower like I did (Craftsman aka MTD), you can recoup some performance by installing an impeller kit (search the 'net for Clarence Impeller Kit). You might more good info at the opeonthenet forum. Here is a link that might be useful: OPEonTHEnet

grandm1, True, the only blade that will allow manual angling from the cab is the 48", part BM19415. It is not designed specifically for the GT235, it will fit just about every late model Deere garden tractor through GX series. But you need to note that while the blade that fits the GT series will also fit the older 240/325 series, the blade that was made specifically for the 240/325 and family (BM18130)will NOT fit the GT series due to clearance issues on the GT undercarriage. Here are some pictures to clear things up. First, I must mention that the really big difference between the 42/44" and 48" blades are the 42" just mounts to the front frame of the tractor, then has two braces which attach to the mid-frame to provide additional support. It pivots on the front frame mount. The braces are just there to prevent the front tractor frame from bending. The 48" blade has its own frame, like a snowblower. It mounts to the same point mid frame, and unlike the 42", it pivots on those mid-frame mounts. This is certainly a more rugged design, and the blade is less likely to ride up on ice due to the pivot being further back. To use the 48 blade, you need to get the front lift kit for the GT series, which uses the front section of the tractor's frame to mount a jackshaft which will lift the front part of the 48" blade's frame via a tie-rod clamped to the deck lift handle. This is the same lift setup used with the 42" snowblower. This is the front lift kit: (you will not need parts 1,2,3, your tractor already has that D-hole incorporated in the frame. Hopefully I haven't confused you. Now that I've shed light on the two bracing systems: if you find a 48" blade for sale online (used), and it has a straight frame, it is made for the 240/265/325 tractors. It will not work with your GT tractor. See pic: You need this frame: This frame (the bent one) will work with any of the tractors. The two holes in the back near the J-hooks are for the 240/265/325 tractors. The GT series use the front holes (as shown) with the front lift kit). All these diagrams are on the JD parts catalog, linked below. Go to "Equipment Search" and type in "Blade" then scroll down to the 42, 44, 46, 48 front blade and click on "sectional index" to see the breakdowns. Do you have a foot or hand lift? If you have a hand lift, that other blade I mentioned will work with the right mounting parts. I mounted my GT's 42" blade to my old 111H before I found one online specifically for it which included the braces and rear frame weights (for $50). The 42 inchers are all compatible, like I said, you just need to buy the proper braces and mounting hardware. You'll still need to buy the blade angle kit from Deere. That's something like $180 new. You might find a 48 blade for sale which has it mounted, but it's unlikely. I've been looking for one for my Dad for about a year and only saw one, which went for the retail price when you count shipping. If you have any more questions, ask. I've spent quite a bit of time researching compatibility of the GT series, and it's paid off, having found a like-new 42" blade for my GT225 for $100, and a pair of new-in-box 42" snowblowers for both my GT225 and my GT262 for a total of $300 (plus $50 in gas to have my brother pick them up). In both cases, the sellers didn't think they'd fit my tractors. In both cases, they did. Here is a link that might be useful: jd parts

Congratulations Bluesman. Buying a brand name that has been around a long time is usually a good decision, and Ariens is such a product. And I'm sure that after you use it for a while there will be features you wish you had and maybe some that you wish you didn't have. But you will figure out some 'work-arounds' and make it work for you, that's the way it goes with me. I bought a Husquevarna 24" with a 7HP about 6 years ago, when my last son moved out, (I wasn't about to go out and shovel). I didn't have a place like this to go for advice, so I just asked around at work and among my friends. I paid a big buck, but I'm one of those that believes you get what you pay for. It's been a great machine for me, but then again my driveway is flat, which is a really big factor. Good Luck. Oh, and by the way, now that you have your shiny new machine....I guarantee a mild winter