How to adjust snowblower skid shoes

The snowblower skid shoes control the height of the auger housing, which contains the augers and shave plate. When set at the correct height, the skid shoe prevents the augers and shave plate from scraping against the ground. Skid shoes wear down during snowblower use so check shave plate height regularly and adjust the skid shoes as shown in this repair guide/video to keep the shave plate ¼-inch high.

Each skid shoe is reversible, so when one side wears out, you can flip it over and use the other side. When both sides wear out, it’s time to replace them. Follow the steps in our How to replace a snowblower skid shoe repair guide/video to install new skid shoes.

Use this basic procedure to adjust skid shoes on these brands of snowblowers:

• Craftsman

• Ariens

• Husqvarna

• Troybilt

• MTD

• Noma

Instructions

1. Lay down cardboard

Lay down a sheet of cardboard or flattened shipping box that’s almost as wide as the shave plate.

Place the cardboard so that it’s under the shave plate but not under the skid shoes.

2. Adjust the skid shoes

Loosen the skid shoe bolts on both sides so the shoes drop down flat on the ground.

Tighten the skid shoe bolts.

3. Store the cardboard

Keep the sheet of cardboard handy so you can adjust skid shoe position regularly and prevent excessive shave plate wear.