How to replace a snowblower shave plate
The shave plate is a scraper blade that runs along the bottom of the auger housing. It protects the auger housing from wear and scrapes up snow the auger leaves behind.
Check the shave plate regularly and replace it using the steps in this repair guide/video if the plate is worn or damaged.
The shave plate wears out quickly if you don’t keep the skid shoes adjusted properly to lift the shave plate ¼-inch high. Watch our How to adjust the snowblower skid shoes video to see how to position skid shoes to avoid excessive shave plate wear.
This repair procedure works for common Craftsman, Ariens, Husqvarna, Troybilt, MTD, Murray, Snapper, Poulan and Noma snowblowers.
How to replace a snowblower shave plate video
Instructions
- 01.
Drain the engine fuel
Remove the gasoline from the engine.
- 02.
Reposition the drift cutters
Reposition the drift cutters so you can tip the snowblower onto its impeller housing.
PHOTO: Reposition the drift cutters.
- 03.
Tip the snowblower forward
Carefully tip the snowblower forward onto its impeller housing.
PHOTO: Tip the snowblower forward.
- 04.
Remove the skid shoes
Remove the skid shoe bolts and pull the skid shoes off the impeller housing.
PHOTO: Remove the skid shoes.
- 05.
Replace the shave plate
Remove the shave plate mounting bolts and pull off the shave plate.
Install the new shave plate.
PHOTO: Replace the shave plate.
- 06.
Reinstall the skid shoes
Loosely reinstall the skid shoes.
Tip the snowblower down and set the skid shoes to the recommended height. Adjusting the skid shoes as they wear keeps the shave plate from scraping the ground, helping it last longer.
- 07.
Reposition the drift cutters
Adjust the drift cutters to their original positions.
Symptoms for gas snowblowers
Repair guides for gas snowblowers
Replace the fuel filter on your snowblower if it's clogged or damaged.
To prevent snowblower auger and shave plate damage, adjust the skid shoes regularly to keep the shave plate ¼-inch high. It's an easy adjustment that you can handle yourself.
Rebuild the carburetor on your snowblower if the engine isn't getting fuel.
Articles and videos common to all snowblowers
Find easy DIY tips to fix your snowblower when it won't start
Learn the steps to take to adjust and maintain your snowblower so it lasts longer.
Learn about major functional parts of your snowblower and when to replace them.