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.

Instructions

1. Remove the key

Remove the key from the snowblower.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.