Your snow blower’s skid shoes and scraper bar play a critical role in clearing snow efficiently while protecting your driveway and the machine’s auger housing. Over time, these wear down or fall out of adjustment, causing the machine to scrape too hard, leave snow behind, or damage surfaces.

This guide gives you accurate, technician-approved steps for adjusting or replacing both skid shoes and scraper bars on most 2-stage snow blowers.

🧰 What Skid Shoes & Scraper Bars Do

Skid shoes and scraper bars work together:

Skid Shoes

• Located on each side of the auger housing
• Control how high the scraper bar and auger sit above the ground
• Prevent housing damage on uneven surfaces

Scraper Bar

• Located at the bottom rear of the auger housing
• Scrapes snow off the ground
• Must be set flat and evenly worn

If either part is misaligned or worn, clearing performance suffers.

🛑 Signs Your Skid Shoes or Scraper Bar Need Attention

Skid Shoes

• Metal-on-concrete scraping noises
• Uneven wear on one side
• Snow blower digs into gravel or pavement
• Skid shoes worn down to the bolt heads

Scraper Bar

• Leaves a thin layer of snow behind
• Rubber or metal worn unevenly
• Lower corners worn faster than center
• Snow blower bounces on uneven terrain

🔧 Tools & Materials Required

• Socket set or adjustable wrench
• Replacement skid shoes (OEM recommended)
• Replacement scraper bar (OEM or heavy-duty aftermarket)
• A flat, hard surface (garage floor or driveway)
• Work gloves

⚙️ How to Adjust Snow Blower Skid Shoes

Prepare the Machine

Steps

1. Turn off the snow blower.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire for safety.
3. Move the machine onto a smooth, level surface.

A flat surface ensures accurate height adjustments.

Set the Correct Clearance

The goal is typically:

• 1/8″ to 1/2″ (3–13 mm) between the scraper bar and the ground for paved surfaces
• ¾” to 1″ for gravel driveways

Check your model’s manual for exact recommendations.

Loosen the Skid Shoe Bolts

Steps

1. Locate the skid shoes on both sides of the auger housing.
2. Loosen the bolts enough so the shoe can slide up or down.

You do not need to remove the bolts completely.

Adjust the Height

Steps

1. Place a flat board or spacer (⅛”–¼”) under the scraper bar.
2. Slide the skid shoes downward until they rest on the ground.
3. Snug the bolts slightly but do not fully tighten.

Reason

This ensures even clearance and prevents the blower from digging into the surface.

Tighten the Bolts Securely

Steps

1. Make sure both skid shoes are at the same height.
2. Tighten the bolts firmly.
3. Recheck that the scraper bar sits parallel to the ground.

Uneven skid shoes can cause steering problems or uneven cleaning.

🔧 How to Replace Worn Skid Shoes

Remove the Old Skid Shoes

Steps

1. Loosen and remove both bolts.
2. Slide the skid shoe off the mounting bracket.

If the bolts are rusty, apply penetrating oil.

Install New Skid Shoes

Steps

1. Position the new shoe in place.
2. Insert bolts through the mounting holes.
3. Set height using the method above.
4. Tighten evenly on both sides.

For gravel driveways, raise the skid shoes higher.

🔧 How to Replace a Snow Blower Scraper Bar

Locate the Scraper Bar

It runs across the bottom rear of the auger housing, attached by multiple bolts.

If the scraper bar is:

• Bent
• Worn unevenly
• Worn down to the metal

…it must be replaced.

Remove the Worn Scraper Bar

Steps

1. Loosen and remove all mounting bolts.
2. Slide the scraper bar downward or outward.
3. Clean the mounting area of rust and debris.

If bolts are seized, penetrating oil helps free them.

Install the New Scraper BarSteps

1. Hold the scraper bar flush against the mounting bracket.
2. Insert bolts loosely first (do not tighten).
3. Ensure bar is perfectly parallel to the ground.
4. Tighten bolts evenly from the center outward.

Important

Misalignment causes uneven snow clearing and premature wear.

🧪 Test the Adjustment

After adjustment or replacement:

Steps

1. Move the snow blower onto a flat surface.
2. Check if the scraper bar has the appropriate clearance.
3. Ensure skid shoes rest firmly and evenly.
4. Test-run the machine briefly on pavement.

If snow remains behind → raise scraper bar or lower skid shoes slightly.

🧊 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Setting skid shoes unevenly
• Allowing scraper bar to wear down to metal
• Forgetting to disconnect the spark plug
• Running the snow blower with damaged skid shoes
• Over-tightening bolts and stripping threads

💡 Pro Tips

• Always replace skid shoes in pairs
• Upgrade to poly or reversible skid shoes for longer life
• Use anti-seize compound on scraper bolts
• Inspect scraper and shoes every 10–15 hours of use

❓ FAQs

How often should I replace skid shoes?

Every 1–3 seasons depending on driveway material.

Can I use metal or composite skid shoes?

Yes — metal lasts longer, composite protects delicate surfaces.

What happens if the scraper bar is worn unevenly?

The blower leaves snow behind and may scrape the pavement.

Can I operate without skid shoes?

Not recommended — you can damage your auger housing.