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

What a pleasure that must be! I'm surprised your verbena is blooming now. We passed a house a couple weeks ago with a huge bed of yellow and orange tulips in front of their white picket fence. It was absolutely stunning! I told dh they must have a special bulb fridge. Growing tulips down here is too much of a hassle for me, but I love seeing them. Whole Foods had tulip bouquets for $4 today. Had to buy one for the stovetop.

Coeur d'Alene had 127 inches of snow by yesterday and then a little more fell. This was a new seasonal record and nearly double normal. Seems like when I lived right in town about 30 years ago, there was more snow to deal with. I think that might be true but with a certain amount of melting, some drifting, and days of shoveling - it's real hard to make much sense out of the landscape. I'm considering "burrowing" next. There were winds of 35 - 40 mph with gusts near 50, today. Lots of roads in and out of communities in the Columbia Basin are closed because of drifting and white-out conditions. I think it is now going to turn to rain except for up where you are, Margaret. And, even western MT may get rain by Sunday. Hopefully, there won't be very much. digitS'

I am guessing that you showed the picture of a natural stone path to your gardener, and that is not within his area of expertise to install, or he doesn't have the stone cutting tools required. So he suggested the stone+rocks example because that's easy for anyone to lay. I actually have a seldom-used stone pathway with natural flagstone laid on soil. Originally it had bark chips in between, instead of the loose round rocks that he shows in the photo. It was easy to lay and inexpensive since I had some flagstones. It was fine for 10 years until the larger stones started to sink into the soil, and the bark chips disappeared. Now, weeds grow like crazy in between the stones. And it never was a safe flat walking path - not what you want..