Skid shoes or skid plates are polymer or metal pieces present on either side of the snowblower’s auger housing, containing the shave plate and augers.
These skid shoes create a gap between the auger and the surface while using the snowblower. By maintaining the gap, the snowblower skid shoes prevent the auger from damaging the ground underneath the machine.
Today, I’ll talk all about how to adjust snowblower shoes safely, so read on!
Why Is It Important To Adjust Snowblower Skid Shoes?
Snowblower skid shoes work to adjust the height of the auger housing to keep the auger from damaging the ground while using the machine. Setting the shoes at the proper height prevents the shave plates and auger from scraping the surface underneath while removing snow.
However, these skid shoes wear down over time, so you need to check the height of the auger housing. The shave plate should always be ¼ inch higher from the ground. If there’s any change in this height after using the snowblower, you need to adjust the skid shoes immediately.
The skid shoes are reversible, so you can flip them if one side wears out with time. But, if both the sides of these snowblower shoes are damaged, it’s time to replace them with new ones. Hence, adjusting the height of skid shoes ensures the longevity and durability of your snowblower.
How Can You Adjust Snowblower Skid Shoes Safely?
Adjusting the skid shoes is quite a straightforward task and usually takes around 15 minutes to get the job done. You’ll need a wrench set, cardboard or a small piece of wood, and your protective working gloves for this task.
Step 1: Raise The Auger Housing
First and foremost, you have to prop up the auger housing to access the skid shoes safely. Use sturdy cardboard or a small piece of wood to jam it under the shave plates and raise them.
It’s best to use cardboard that’s almost as wide as the shave plates. While placing the cardboard, be careful that it is placed just under the shave plates and not the skid shoes.
If you are using a piece of wood, consider its height before using it to prop up the shave plates. It’s best to choose a sturdy piece of wood of the same height for accurate adjustment.
Step 2: Loosen The Bolts On Skid Shoes
Now, it’s time to use the hand wrench to loosen the bolts on the skid shoes that keep them attached to the auger housing. Once you loosen the bolts, the skid shoes will drop straight to the ground. Always remember to wear your protective gloves while working with a wrench.
Step 3: Adjust The Skid Shoes
After the bolts come loose, adjust the snowblower skid shoes to your desired height and retighten the bolts. You can also use a measuring tape to check whether the height of both the skid shoes has been adjusted evenly.
Furthermore, flip the shoes before adjusting their height and retightening the bolts. At the same time, if the snowblower shoes have completely worn out, this is also the perfect stage to replace them entirely with new ones.
Step 4: Check Your Work
Carefully remove the cardboard or wooden piece from below the shave plates after adjusting the height of the snowblower shoes. Make sure not to ruin the ground while removing the cardboard. I think it’s best to place the snowblower on a flat and even surface while adjusting the shoe height to avoid any accident.
If you plan to use your snowblower on an uneven gravel surface, make sure to maintain a higher height adjustment of the skid shoes to prevent them from throwing gravel. On the other hand, a lower height adjustment should work just fine for even and well-paved surfaces.
Final Thoughts
While using a snowblower is excellent for removing snow from your driveway and backyard, it requires proper maintenance. You surely don’t want to ruin the auger and shave plates by letting them scratch the solid ground while using the snowblower.
That’s why you need to take a look at your snowblower skid shoes from time to time and adjust their height. In that way, you can extend the longevity of your snowblower by protecting its auger and shave plates. Simply follow the steps I’ve mentioned above, and you’ll be good to go.