How to replace snowblower skid shoes
Skid shoes raise the shave plate about a quarter inch to keep the plate from scraping against the ground and wearing out quickly. 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 the skid shoe with a manufacturer-approved snowblower part. Replace both at the same time to ensure they're the same thickness.
This step-by-step repair guide shows how to replace snowblower skid shoes—using cardboard to set the shave plate at the proper height when installing the new skid shoes.
Use this basic procedure to replace skid shoes on Craftsman, Ariens, Husqvarna, Troybilt, MTD, Murray, Snapper, Poulan and Noma snowblowers.
How to replace snowblower skid shoes
Instructions
- 01.
Remove the key
Remove the key from the snowblower.
PHOTO: Remove the key.
- 02.
Lay down cardboard
Lay down a sheet of cardboard or flattened shipping box that’s almost as wide as the shave plate and is about a quarter-inch thick.
Place the cardboard so that it’s under the shave plate but not under the skid shoes. The cardboard raises the shave plate to prevent wear on the plate.
PHOTO: Lay down cardboard.
- 03.
Remove the skid shoes
Use a wrench to loosen the skid shoe mounting nuts.
Remove the nuts and washers and pull off the skid shoes.
PHOTO: Remove the skid shoes.
- 04.
Install the new skid shoes
Insert the new skid shoes on the mounting bolts.
Install and tighten the washers and mounting nuts on the new skid shoes with the shoes flat on the ground.
PHOTO: Install the new skid shoes.
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