Changing snow blower skid shoes is a straightforward maintenance task that typically takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on your model and tools. Skid shoes are crucial for protecting the auger housing and preventing damage to your driveway surface. Replacing them when they show significant wear ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your snow blower.
Why Replace Snow Blower Skid Shoes?
Skid shoes bear the brunt of contact with the ground, lifting the auger housing slightly to prevent it from scraping the surface. Over time, they wear down, especially on rough or uneven terrain. Worn skid shoes can lead to the auger scraping your driveway, causing damage to both the surface and the snow blower itself. They also impact the efficiency of snow removal, as the auger may not be at the optimal height to clear snow effectively. For snow blower buying guides on this site.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a wrench set (typically 1/2-inch or 9/16-inch, but check your snow blower’s manual), a socket set, a wire brush, and, of course, new replacement skid shoes. Some models may also require a screwdriver or pliers. Always ensure your snow blower is turned off and the spark plug wire is disconnected for safety before starting any maintenance.
- Wrench set (appropriate size for your model)
- Socket set (matching wrench sizes)
- Wire brush
- New replacement skid shoes
- Safety gloves
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Skid Shoes
First, position your snow blower on a flat, stable surface. Tilt the snow blower back so it rests on its handles, exposing the underside of the auger housing where the skid shoes are located. This provides easy access to the bolts. Use your wire brush to clean any accumulated dirt, rust, or debris from around the existing skid shoes and bolts. This will make it easier to loosen the nuts and bolts.
Next, use your wrench or socket to loosen and remove the nuts securing the old skid shoes. There are typically two bolts per skid shoe. Once the nuts are removed, you can slide the old skid shoes off. Inspect the mounting holes and bolts for any damage or excessive wear. If the bolts are rusted or stripped, it’s a good idea to replace them along with the skid shoes.
Now, align the new skid shoes with the mounting holes. Insert the bolts through the holes and secure them with the nuts. Do not overtighten the nuts initially. You’ll want to adjust the height of the skid shoes. For most paved surfaces, the skid shoes should be set to leave a small gap (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch) between the scraper blade and the ground. For gravel driveways, a larger gap (1/2 to 1 inch) is recommended to prevent picking up stones. Once the height is set, fully tighten the nuts, ensuring they are snug but not so tight that they strip the threads.
Adjusting Skid Shoe Height for Optimal Performance
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | SuperHandy Electric Snow Thrower Walk-Behind Blower Corded AC 120V 15A 18 x 10 Inch Clearing Path 25 Feet Throwing Distance 720 lbs/Min LED Headlights for Driveway Walking Path Yards |
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| 2 | EGO Power+ Electric Snow Shovel Attachment, Use with Cordless Power Head Multi-Head System, Battery, Charger and Power Head Not Included - SSA1200 |
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| 3 | Cordless Snow Blower(No Battery), Compatible with Dewalt 20V Max Battery, 20" Brushless Snow Thrower with Directional Plate & LED Lights, Electric Snow Blower Ideal for Walkways and Driveways |
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| 4 | EGO Power+ SNT2110 Peak Power 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Snow Blower with Steel Auger Battery and Charger Not Included,Black |
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| 5 | SuperHandy Electric Snow Thrower Adjustable Angle 17" Clearing Width 5.7" Intake Height 23' ft Throw Curved Serrated Blade 48V-2Ah Battery Portable Wheels Easy Maneuver Safety Switches Comfort Handle |
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| 6 | Westinghouse WSnow13S AC Corded Electric Snow Shovel, 13-inches Wide with 20 ft. Throwing Distance, Plows 300 lbs/min for Driveway/Steps/Sidewalk/Porch |
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| 7 | Brushless Cordless Electric Snow Shovel for use with Makita 21V Battery, 12” Snow Thrower with Adjustable Direction, Lightweight Snow Removal Tool for Driveway,Patio,Walkways |
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| 8 | VOLTASK Cordless Snow Shovel, 48V | 13.5-Inch Cordless Snow Blower, Battery Snow Blower with Directional Plate (2 * 24V Battery & Dual Quick Charger Included) |
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| 9 | EWORK Corded Snow Shovel 11-Inch 1200W 10A Powerful Electric Snow Shovels, 6-Inch Clearing Depth, 23-Foot Max Throw Distance, Power Snow Blower for Driveway, Steps, Sidewalk, Porch |
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| 10 | Westinghouse WSnow11S AC Corded Electric Snow Shovel, 11-inches Wide with 20 ft. Throwing Distance, Plows 300 lbs/min for Driveway/Steps/Sidewalk/Porch |
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Properly adjusting the height of your skid shoes is critical for both effective snow removal and protecting your equipment. If the skid shoes are set too low, the scraper blade will dig into the surface, potentially damaging your driveway or the snow blower’s auger housing. If they are set too high, the snow blower will leave a layer of snow behind, requiring additional passes or manual shoveling. Always refer to your snow blower’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations on skid shoe adjustment for different surface types.
When to Replace Skid Shoes
You should regularly inspect your snow blower’s skid shoes, especially after each heavy snow season or if you notice a decrease in snow clearing efficiency. Look for signs of significant wear, such as thinning metal, deep grooves, or if the skid shoes are no longer providing adequate clearance for the scraper blade. Replacing them proactively will save you from more costly repairs down the line and ensure your snow blower is always ready for winter.
