DOUBLE TROUBLE - EGO Snow skid mod

I got two new ego Snow blowers for the office in July. we used them three times and destroyed the scraper bar.
Still under warranty and I could care less!
These monsters need to work!
let's make some mods!
FYI the audio kinda sucks in some areas.
I don't have a mic at the house that can plug into my computer.
EGO 21" Snowblower!
Instead of expecting EGO to fix it, I came up with an inexpensive solution to slow the wear and tear! Best it's a solution you can do at home in about an hour! Using OEM skids for the SNT2400/SNT less stress! less wear, less destruction, easier to use! The best insurance against damage and it's cheap!
Skid Link: a.co/d/fRTdsIS...

[@dosdont]

Blows my mind at how stupid both Ego and Toro are with respect to not providing these from the factory for their single stage cordless snow blowers.

[@meunsupervised7320]

I agree 100%!

[@blackstarafro2]

All these companies do the same thing. Now if they could just make the battery cheaper.

[@meunsupervised7320]

@@blackstarafro2 I will say, I purchased some knock off batteries for the ego and they might actually be a bit better than EGO's batteries. Keeping in mind I've only used them 5 times so far... I got these ones for $159 instead of the $250 just to see how they do and so far It's my go to battery! SUnMilY 5.0Ah Replacement for EGO 56V Battery, 5000mAh Lithium Ion Battery a.co/d/8sp0PsP

[@terrypercy]

@@meunsupervised7320 watch your temps. Li ion batteries are very susceptible to damage and explosions.

[@JoeLinux2000]

@@meunsupervised7320 I've had bad luck with the aftermarket batteries sold by Amazon, but the batteries branded by the manufactures are overpriced. The fact is these battery powered machines are very expensive to operate. You might save money by hiring a snow removal service.

[@Jeo-What]

will done as always. I would highly recommend to replace those green plastic skid shoes with a set of Armor Skids that will last a lot longer than using both side of the green ones while glide easier over cracks and snow with less friction (equal less pushing energy for you)

[@meunsupervised7320]

I'm always up for finding better ways! I'll see how many seasons I get out of these and go from there. Hopefully the $12 skids will last some time before I need to upgrade again. Especially considering how light this unit is!

[@JoeLinux2000]

Where do you get the Armor Skids?

[@vulpinemac]

Would have made one recommendation... to raise the front of the snowblower about 1/8th inch before tightening down the skids or you're likely to still drag the augers next time you use them.

[@meunsupervised7320]

I thought about this as well, and yes they will drag and the bar will naturally cut itself to just about an 1/8" on its own. It's a beautiful thing when things like that happen. Thank you for your comment!

[@bogbel1]

Can't understand why Ego doesn't just sell all their snowblowers with predrilled holes and the option to buy the skids as an accessory. I'm not going to spend $800 for the single stage (where I live I don't need the 2 stage) and have to do what you did in this video. The minute they add an easy option for skids, I'll get one for sure.

[@meunsupervised7320]

You're on to something!!!

[@JoeLinux2000]

It's criminal not to have a decent skid system. I think adjustable height luggage wheels would be the best. Steel skids might be better. Some stainless steel is very tough.

[@vadimus2007]

Get 60V 22" Greenworks, it comes with skids installed.

[@subarufan2180]

Thanks for videos addressing these issues. I'm considering buying Ego snow blowers and seem lot of people have this problem. I also notice on Prusa's Printables website is 3dPrintable "Ego Snow Blower Skid Shoes SNT2110" by RonanWarrior. I not tried it, I have not got Ego snowblower yet. I would probably experiment printing ASA or ABS filament.

[@meunsupervised7320]

Let me know if you print some! I'd love to see how they work out if you do!

[@KeithOutWest]

I've got that new SNT 2120 21" Auger-Propelled model. Same problem, so it doesn't look like EGO is too worried about fixing their design flaw. In fact, you can't actually use the augur-propelled feature because that requires you to lift up slightly on the handle grips, which in turn nose-dives the front end even deeper into every freaking crack in the side walk. I do not recommend this new model. I think the one you have is better. I can't understand why these blowers don't come with skids. I've seen some beefy metals skids out there on the market. I've just got to figure out what's going to fit my model. I think my model is more curvy where you are installing those skids. Not sure it's going to fit right for me. Anyway, thanks for the video. You put out good stuff!

[@randolphmangosing9209]

Just sharing .I have my ego snow single stage blower for 3 yrs now, so far so good , bottom scraper in good shape.I bought a used roller inline skate at thrifty store , use two wheels , the bolt shaft attach to it , cut the plastic bracket attach to it ,2pcs each side for spacers.drill hole for the bolt shaft at front side left and right, b4 drilling its up to you either you want spacer to put on the bottom scraper or not, either way it will save the scraper.I set the wheels inside not outside, and its up to you of course.every snowblower any brand have the same problem hitting crack on pavement or side walk.Since i put this wheels much easier to push ,save the bottom scraper and metal on side dont scratch.once in a while u have to lift the back end in uneven pavement, just use wisely, specially if u know ur area to clean. Hope this will help.And in addition i spray hybrid ceramic coating inside chute,auger and in the front ,helps snow not to get stuck and for smooth flow. And easy to clean after.Enjoy your Ego.

[@dosdont]

Ya it's outrageous, I have the the 2125 which effectively the same model you have and *I stopped recommending these EGO single stage snow blowers* for this singular reason. It's 100% a design flaw from the customer's perspective but obviously not from EGO's point of view as those scraper bars aren't cheap and they wear out quickly. EGO is making a killing on the bars. In the U.S. they go for about $30 but up in Canada we pay over $50 and someone said he paid $70, and then you're lucky to get a season?

[@dosdont]

@@randolphmangosing9209 Hard to picture what you're talking about without so much as a picture to see let alone a video. Maybe you'll consider posting a video at some point.

[@randolphmangosing9209]

@@dosdont sorry trying to figure it out how to comment with picture.

[@dosdont]

@@randolphmangosing9209 You can't post a picture but you can post a video on your channel showing your completed work as it's too late to show yourself doing it. Anyway, when you get time maybe you can do it, I'm sure some of us will appreciate it.

[@beezer5623]

I can’t get over at how worn down the blade is. I’ve had my rubber paddle model for 5 years, I just changed the blade on it. I wonder if they are using a lower quality plastic of something on the newer models and replacements.

[@meunsupervised7320]

Makes you wonder doesn't it?!

[@Gyppor]

Thanks for the video. I've been hesitating on getting a single stage because I have an exposed aggregate driveway that's pretty rough. it looks like this is the solution. Thank you!!

[@robertknight4672]

You might want to consider a Toro snowmaster. I believe they do offer that with a cordless electric motor now. The snowmaster is a single stage snowblower but actually does have skid shoes and also has engine power going to the wheels in utilizes the personal pace system Toro uses on their lawn mowers.

[@shion_lwn]

great job 👍👍👍! my modz I had followed your past video is holding up well and I dont regret having voided the warranty for this. Do you ever blow very heavy, compacted snow after snow plow leaves passes by..? After a few times beating those heavy snow with my Ego single stage snow blower (steel auger), I think the side covers widened and that caused a screw of the pulley popped out and was grinding against the cover and the bolt head I had grinded for the skid shoe 🥴 Leaned the machine's limit and I shouldn't have pushed so hard with heavy hard snow!

[@meunsupervised7320]

Thank you!

[@titodey8674]

Thanks for making us aware of the scraping issue. My blower hasn't been used yet but I might give the front end a slight lift when I do use it. No way am I doing the mod that you did. I hope EGO comes up with a decent retrofit.

[@CharlesMorello]

I took the skip plate off and put duct tape on mind. Will let you know how it looks after some snow blowing later on in the snow season

[@anxiousappliance]

Not a great design, but my skids last 2 seasons - how did you do so much damage so quickly? Thereplacement kits come with new bolts and nut sets. The other thing to watch is the rubber paddles. When they get worn it sets up an imbalance - you'll hear it. About $11 to replace. Also, I sprayed the chute with silicon spray - far fewer clogs.

[@stephenrickstrew7237]

Get ready to rumble it’s the Snow thrower showdown…Ego a Ego .. Great video thanks for this tip ..do you thinkthey could be bolted together for a 42” swath ..?

[@meunsupervised7320]

You're a genius! I bet they could!

[@stephenrickstrew7237]

@@meunsupervised7320 I got 2 S/P mowers that I’ve always wanted to fuse together .. like the incredible two headed transplant..

[@MrRadBee]

Send this video to ego HQ. I returned mine for that exact reason.. got jammed at every concrete slab edge on my driveway. Nightmare.

[@meunsupervised7320]

Oh, I remember those days! He used to take a handle to the chest every single time. I'd bring the thing out! Might as well be running a shovel at that point!

[@stephenrickstrew7237]

I hope your releasing custom signature editions of these snowblowers..Meanwhile Lowes has wised up and is selling those skids …

[@nordy8623]

Why not just fab a aluminum version of the plastic skid plate ?

[@fredericksouza6101]

Why did you not use the bolt going from the outside in and just use a shorter bolt? Clearly, the shape of the slot would have been fine for the scare part of that bolt!

[@meunsupervised7320]

Because the nut won't clear the belt on the inside of the housing and those just happen to be the bolts that I had on hand so I just made it work

[@Jeremy-gy1uh]

Great Video! I'm thinking about buying an ego snowblower and doing the same thing. Im not sure if I should get the steel auger version or not. I'm thinking the steel auger version would do a better job at the end of the driveway dealing with the plow pile. Do you have a preference?

[@meunsupervised7320]

I don't have to deal with icy snow here much as my street isn't plowed, but I can tell you both are great. Though, I feel like the metal auger eats up frozen surface snow much better with less resistance.

[@ernanv24]

I recommend the steel auger specially those solid ice aka the wall I'm taking about the snow ice when sanation plow the street. I use to have the regular one but I return it to Lowes and got the steel auger it's great for breaking the ice wall in the street..

[@meunsupervised7320]

@@ernanv24 Agreed! I have two steel auger models at work. Both chew the ice and plow pushes with relative ease!

[@JoeLinux2000]

Get the steel. My Greenworks has a plastic paddle and it's chipped. Probably another thing that sucks about the machine. Looks like no one makes a good battery powered machine at the present time.

[@NANCO1999]

I had single stage Ego with metal auger bought 12/25/20. I used it on the ice and snow the town plowed into apron of my driveway after a Nov 2023 snowstorm that dump 4 ft of snow. Kept threatening to crap out every time I hit ice chunk and then did crap out...no electricity. Called Ego cuz it was still under warrantee and Lowes was supposed to repair it but they gave me new auger propelled one instead. Think twice people before snow blowing ice!!!

[@meunsupervised7320]

Good to know! Thank you for your comment!

[@NANCO1999]

@@meunsupervised7320 Lowes tried telling me they weren't a repair location and I kept telling them Ego sent me 2 emails stating they were. One listing them as my service location and the other with a repair order number. Obviously Ego and Lowes are not on the same page as to how the warrantee policy works.

[@MonsieurDee]

@@NANCO1999 so they replaced your single stage snowblower with a two stage snowblower?

[@bdeitur]

Just bought an Ego. I'm wondering if I can somehow just add extra wheels in front 🤔

[@ajgreen868]

With the price of theses things it should come with those! This blower is the only piece that hasn’t impressed me in there line up.

[@meunsupervised7320]

I agree 100%! It should come with them standard!

[@bem121]

great mod i have been thinking about doing the same

[@meunsupervised7320]

You won't regret it!

[@randomrazr]

wouldnt this void the warranty

[@R3TR0--93]

what about putting bigger wheels on it?

[@DETAILINGDETAILING-hb7bj]

nice, hope someone post a tutorial for the TORO model. as for your scraper do you think using UHMW would be beneficial as a reeplacement?

[@meunsupervised7320]

I honestly don't know how it will hold up on concrete. Anything is likely going to be better than the stock scraper! I'd say it's worth a try!

[@DETAILINGDETAILING-hb7bj]

@@meunsupervised7320 ok I have several snow pushers by THE SNOWPLOW co. and the material does quite well on concrete/cement. So I was guess that material may be a bit better over the factory plastic on machine, just a thought. Thanks again

[@suzanneneamtan6352]

Well, I bought an EGO and got to use it once and it died, it’s still in the shop waiting the part to repair it, 🤦‍♀️😡 Don’t think I will ever buy another EGO product

[@meunsupervised7320]

Wow! This is actually the first I've ever heard of this. Did you submit a warranty claim? What was the process like? How was the customer service?

[@suzanneneamtan6352]

@@meunsupervised7320 it’s all registered and they ask which EGO authorized repair shop it was at because they need a ticket number. Thing is there is none here and they don’t seem to have the part it comes from a third party, I was seriously wanted other products of theirs but not now NOPE

[@meunsupervised7320]

@@suzanneneamtan6352 Wow! That blows my mind. I suppose there is always a bad one in the batch somewhere along the lines. Will they just send you the part if it becomes available?

[@suzanneneamtan6352]

@@meunsupervised7320 third party is apparently sending it, ya everything I read about them was good, so I guess I got a lemon, crossing fingers this part coming ends the issues.

[@meunsupervised7320]

@@suzanneneamtan6352 Let me know how it goes! I'm glad they are sending you the part, but it sucks it had to happen in the first place!

[@JoeLinux2000]

Turns out Amazon sells a large variety of skid plates with a various styles and materials. Some even have wheels.

[@meunsupervised7320]

I've seen the units with wheels but they always worry me a little bit as Wheels in sticky snow and slush don't seem to want to roll as well as they should. I did have another user tell me that they used the metal skids on theirs and it worked great, I just happened to see these and thought for a few bucks I should just try them out and honestly have not needed to switch them to anything else yet so I wouldn't know if any of the other ones work better or not.

[@tpdtopcop2010]

Wish this mod would work with the auger propelled version

[@meunsupervised7320]

It might! It may mount differently but it won't change the height of the blower! I think one of my commenters may have already done it on theirs. You may want to look back at previous videos and reach out if I'm remembering correctly!

[@Dirty17366]

How are the skids working on the ego snow blower?

[@JoeLinux2000]

Nice informative video, but too much time showing drilling the mounting holes. I have a 40V Greenworks that had aluminum skids on front that were terrible. The aluminum sticks to the concrete and it was very hard if not almost impossible to push. I put two small luggage wheels on the front, one on each side, but they don't have any adjustment like your plastic skids. With the wheels the plastic shovel blade doesn't fully touch or scrape on the sidewalk. The modification on your EGO is too much work, particularly for people who are not handy, and that would be most young people. The manufacturers need to send out these machines with a much better skid system from the start. My modification wasn't exactly easy either as it was not a kit. I had to do all the guesstiment engineering myself. An adjustable luggage wheel system would be best. The scraper blades should be steel. Steel skids might be good too. I guess the plastic doesn't scar the concrete like steel might. Aluminum is the worst material possible for skids, and that's what Greenworks comes with. Even if you could push it with the aluminum, the puny skids wouldn't last long. Anyway thanks for a very informative video.

[@meunsupervised7320]

I agree 100%! They should have been standard on this model! I've always wondered about metal and wheel assemblies for the front of snow blowers but I've never used any of them so I wouldn't know. This was all great information!

[@rogervondach1238]

So, how long do you think those plastic skids will last? These skids have to made with steel. I had a hard time to watch this video, typical beginners work!

[@hossain-in-motion]

Where to buy the skids? Links are not working.

[@meunsupervised7320]

Amazon: EGO Power+ AKS2400D Skid Shoes (Pair) for 2-Stage Snow Blower SNT2400/SNT2405, Green a.co/d/cDxxh6X

[@hossain-in-motion]

@@meunsupervised7320 thank you. Works now 🙏🏽

[@meunsupervised7320]

@@hossain-in-motion Awesome! Glad I could help!

[@harrybarc4255]

Why isn’t it metal

[@meunsupervised7320]

Good question!

[@Wiscotac]

Yeah, just got done watching the first snow in Jan. 2022 so I left a comment there for this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWi5qH2QZ8ypkMk Nice job fixing up Ego's shortcomings on this model.

[@meunsupervised7320]

I really wish that these were installed on this unit! But at least I can teach people how to do it themselves!

[@barlowsmith6242]

NOONE should have to do this to a machine. buy something else and Ego will learn

[@meunsupervised7320]

I like your style, too bad I have three of these units already!

[@MrMossdon]

it sucks you have to do this....makes me NOT want his brand!

[@meunsupervised7320]

I love everything about this brand but this is definitely annoying!

[@carlosvalenzuela2258]

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