HOW TO ADJUST SKID SHOES ON A SNOWBLOWER (Save A Scraper Blade)

[@GarageGear]

Here is a LINK to the BLASTER SURFACE SHIELD used in this video! Thank you for supporting the channel! 👍 👉 amzn.to/3S7eteH

[@dtom1145]

Be sure to inflate your tires to the proper pressure first so when the skids are adjusted the four contact points (the two tires and the two skid shoes) are in the same plane. You can check this by rocking the 7nit from the handles. I also replaced the skid shoe and scrapper bar hardware with stainless steel bolts, washers and nuts. Much easier to change in the future.

[@GarageGear]

Good tips here Dtom! Thanks for sharing

[@bigeyedave100]

What psi should I inflate my tracks to they don’t say 🤦‍♂️

[@williamallen7836]

​@@bigeyedave100 check the side of your tires. The max Psi should be printed in raised rubber. Depending on the size tires the max Psi will be different, but most 24 inch 2 stage snow blows range between 18 & 20 Psi.

[@acreguy3156]

What the h*ll is "7nit "?

[@stuartbuckley6113]

Unit, I think it was a fat finger thing. I hope this helps you.​@acreguy3156

[@PWbflo]

I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who uses the old pencil trick. It’s so simple and quick

[@GarageGear]

Can’t go wrong with it brother! Works great! Have an awesome weekend!

[@gordbaker896]

A chunk of 3/8 or 1/2" plywood works. No need to clean to grade.

[@daledacar3650]

Another option that I’ve used in the past, never thought of using a couple of pencils, is a paint stir stick and if you don’t have one or a couple of pencils, you can get a stir stick from the hardware store for free. And the stir sticks are available in two sizes, just cut the stick in half so now you have the two spacers one for each side…. Thanks JB!!!

[@GarageGear]

Mother good tip! Thanks for sharing Dale!

[@mvg2x34]

Thanks Garage Gear! 12 inches of medium weight snow today and my 18 year old snowthrower with clean oil, a good spark plug, tight controls, sharp scraper, proper shear bolts, tight drive and auger belts, and even skid plates started and took care of the job!

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON MVG! You’re set for the season!

[@stevenjones3356]

Ive always set the scraper bar flat against the driveway, but I'll listen to you. I've reset it pencil height. I trust Garage Gear!

[@GarageGear]

Hey Steven your snowblower thanks you! 👍

[@mitchellalexander8759]

I work at an OPE Dealership in MI and I love your videos. They're educational and explained in such a way that I can explain it back to my customers. Thank you for that!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Mitchell! Glad you and your customers find these videos helpful!

[@chrispixx]

I put armor skids on my 24 year old craftsman 28-inch. With the normal smaller skids I was having problems with the bottom corners of the bucket bending. So far so good with the armor skids.

[@GarageGear]

Yeah, small skids will lead to front end damage. Thanks for watching.

[@edwintaber6465]

The Armor skids work well on grass surfaces. I had about 50 feet of grass to get to my shed and the armor skids saved the aggravation of fighting a bucking bronco snowblower. I have my machine set for 1/8 inch for the paved driveway and city sidewalk. On certain types of wet snow they will want to ski up. In this very rare situation I had to wiggle the machine. I would say that they are a very good investment. You still have to be smart in setting the scraper height.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this information with the community Edwin! 👍

[@williamallen7836]

If you run into the front of the blower wanting to rise a lot, you can order a universal front weight kit that will help prevent this. The front end is pretty light without a weight kit.

[@Joshua-sd1cb]

I was able to service my own snowblower for the first time thanks to your channel! Thank you!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Joshua! Money saved my friend. 👍

[@DCSPORTSTER]

Great tips on setting the skid plates on your snowblower. Here’s another tip that I do with the metal skid plates. I just weld two beads of weld on the bottom. When the weld wears down, I just re-weld. Your skid plates will now last as long as the blower.

[@GarageGear]

Not a bad plan! 👍

[@gordbaker896]

I bolted a 1x1" x6" long chamfered at each end 45° to the Skid Plate. Good for stone or hard driveway.

[@Rebel9668]

I just finished making custom skids for mine using 1x3's and 1/8th inch thick x 2 inch wide aluminum flat stock. I cut the boards in a curve at the front and then bent the aluminum to match the curves. Bought new carriage bolts and fender washers at Ace along with lock washers and nuts as the fender washers will spread the load further out on the wood boards when tightened up. Mated the flat stock to the bottom of the boards with JB Weld. Painted the whole set up Ariens orange, lol. Seems to glide real well over the gravel now. Even if I had used the original skid shoes though, instead of coating the old bolts with fluid film I'd have just bought new bolts, nuts, etc. and then sprayed on the fluid film. I did figure out how to replace the hard plastic tires but that's going to have to wait until spring. I have to take the wheels off, grind out the 6 rivets on each wheel that hold them to the axle sleeves, split the rims, mount either new flat free tires, or use pneumatic tires and tubes and drill a hole for the valve stem, then bolt the split rims and axle sleeves back together and look for some tire chains that will fit. Wish me luck on that endeavor, lol.

[@GarageGear]

Sounds like you got a good pan there rebel

[@ColdSaintNick]

I got to say off the start i appreciate you responding back to me and liking my comments Garagegear. Crazy your channle pops up so much on me scrolling threw videos im going to have to quit commenting so much and bothering you lol 😂. But anyways i wanted to add my 2 cents😂 i set my scraper bar with a couple of dimes/money i put a dime on each side or you could use quarters or double stack dimes or half dollars or what ever you want. But i like to keep my tires on the lower side about 13 psi or so to try and get the most traction/tire on the ground i can before there to bouncey when you pick up the bucket or squatting too much from the weight. I set my scraper bar with a dime on each side to get as close to the concrete with out riding on the scrapper bar to pick up the most i can to get the best traction i can. The only reason i can do this is because i have the same armor skids you have so it glids over everything haven't got caught on anything yet and just keep adjusting/checking and make sure your adjustment is good depending on how much your useing it and your not riding on the scrapper bar with no problems. I took a extra step to even cut the armor skids down pretty much in half so there not so wide to hang up on snow or ice or want to ride on top of it lol 😂 if you can believe that and even painted them red to match lol. But i will say i get decent traction i must say and that was the goal without just spinning tires and trying to push the machine. I have other good or stupid mods or what ever you want to call them but it works for me hopefully this might help somebody else out that want to take extra steps to might help and hopefully make something work a little bit better. Can you tell im a car guy and a diesel mechanic the things we will do just to get a little bit more or try and make something just a little bit better 😂😂😂

[@GarageGear]

Absolutely Nick! I appreciate you sharing this with the community! Good information here! 👍

[@RSole9999]

On my Ariens Deluxe SHO I found that aftermarket plastic skids cannot be tightened enough to prevent them from slipping upwards. The plastic crushes and then the snow blower quickly drops and scrapes the ground. I even added washers to spread the load of the tightening nuts to no avail. I ended up welding large strips of scrap steel (curved up at both ends) to the original Ariens skids and those work perfectly. Instead of pencils to set the gap , I used four paint stir-sticks, two thick under each side (my driveway is gravel).

[@GarageGear]

Great tips thanks for sharing sole!

[@PainterD54]

I use the pencil idea on my small 24" blower for my concrete driveway apron and sidewalks, and my gravel driveway blower is set at 1" because it's gravel and I don't like throwing rocks.

[@GarageGear]

Good plan! 👍👍

[@rickmuir7616]

I’ve made some modifications to the skides of my Ariens Classic 24. With a little cutting and welding I added a pair of roller blade wheels. You can set the scrap in the normal way. The machine will function the same. It just will roll so much easier when you are going in or out of the garage.

[@GarageGear]

@@rickmuir7616 nice work Rick! 👍

[@douglaslippertindy]

Woke up this morning to snow…but just a little. Not enough to fire up the 1985 7 HP 2-stage Simplicity. But…it’s ready to go when I need it. As always, thanks for your excellent videos, JB.

[@GarageGear]

You got it Douglas! Thanks for watching

[@andyslawncareandoutdooradv]

Finally got around 2" of snow just outside of chicago, looking at potentially a big snowstorm this upcoming tuesday. Gonna check the skid shoes on my craftsman dual stage before the storm hits!

[@GarageGear]

Happy snowblowing!👍

[@debreardon3975]

Hey Garage Gear Guy! Really like your helpful videos. Thought I’d share an idea that I came up with for my skids. I noticed from driving a tow motor that the forks are basically impervious to damage or wear…so I got a couple 1/4” thick pieces of case-hardened steel and welded them to my blower skid shoes. I’ve had them on for more than 11 years…NO wear showing and scraper blade is still like brand new! When there’s typical wear you have to ‘re-adjust’ the height level occasionally, and your blade is prone to wear as well…..not a problem anymore! Case hardened steel just doesn’t wear down easily….11 years and counting!😁👍

[@GarageGear]

11 years is pretty good 👍 thanks for sharing

[@RealSuburbanCowboy]

A grinder will take those bolts right off. Thanks for posting this! As for the beefy skids, I just welded 1/4 steel to the bottom of my regular skids and BOOM, beefy skids.

[@GarageGear]

Like where your head is at cowboy!

[@lylemorton8641]

I bought a used Ariens that had flat bar bolted to the bottom of the skids to act as “extenders” and prevented wear to the skids. Been seven years this winter and I will need to replace the flat bar but they have worked wonders.

[@GarageGear]

That’s pretty cool! Thanks for sharing lyle!

[@paularamirez9057]

Newbie to using a snowblower. Living back in Maine after 20 years in the south. I greatly appreciate your channel.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome, my friend! Thanks for watching and welcome back to the snow !

[@Broken_Arrow58]

Thanks to these videos, I'm no longer taking my Ariens for granted. Will check out those armor skids as recommended or maybe just flip the existing ones. Read the Bills' game was postponed due to Buffalo getting a foot of snow. A snow blower is practically mandatory there!

[@GarageGear]

Oh yeah they’re Mandatory here! Lol. Thanks for watching broken arrow!

[@Jim12291958]

Good video, thanks. I just ordered a pair of the ARMORskids. I'm tired of the plastic ones wearing out after a couple of seasons.

[@GarageGear]

Those will last you for many years!

[@GeometryWars]

Very timely video. I will be adjusting mine in the morning

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON GeometryWars! Thanks for watching my friend!

[@John-s3d2s]

No shit. I live in Colorado

[@diverm2371]

Could you do a full video on adjusting the scraper blade firstly, then adjusting each skid plate. Not sure. If we have this correct. Thanks

[@GarageGear]

I’ll see what can do! What kind of snowblower do you have?

[@diverm2371]

SNOWBLOWER YB6770 - 26″ 2-Stage Snow Blower wDashboard Did you ever hear of this one ?

[@GarageGear]

@@diverm2371 hey diver I’ve seen them before. Scraper blades vary from model to model. Not sure if there is any adjustment room on this one. Some have slots and some have just a bolt hole. Either way set it as low as you can go. 👍

[@f62darkstar]

supposed to get 8 to 10 inches snow today....first real snow in 2 years.... finally get to try out my old track drive I restored 2 summers ago...fingers crossed we get it.

[@GarageGear]

Fingers crossed for you Louie! Let me know how she runs!

[@f62darkstar]

Will do​@@GarageGear

[@f62darkstar]

​​@@GarageGear today was a bust...only got like 3 inches and it switched to sleet/freezing rain...just my luck 😢

[@GarageGear]

@@f62darkstar you’ll get more at some point👍

[@patricesavard366]

Good advice! I guess I have to set my skids height now 😂. I didnt check all of your videos, but have you heard about something called a snowblade? Snowblower plow attachment, I wonder if it's any good... Winters are getting more slushy and less snowy, and slush doesnt really blow great...

[@GarageGear]

@@patricesavard366 I have seen it! Interesting idea and would like to test it out! 👍

[@rayschoch5882]

That's a little more clearance for the scraper than I like. I use a 1/8"-thick flat aluminum bar to accomplish the same thing as in the video - scraper not quite touching the surface. I've had the snow blower 10 years, replaced the scraper this year.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing ray

[@Adrenergic22]

Awesome tips. I have an Ariens compact 24. My skid shoe bolts were rusted and when I went to flip one of them, the bolt actually stripped/deformed the auger housing so the hole is no longer square. I ended up having to saw the bolt off. Any tips on how to secure the skid with a deformed housing hole? I’m thinking a simple nut and bolt of a similar diameter as the stock one?

[@GarageGear]

I would just put a new bolt in and do your best to tighten it down. The new bolt doesn’t have to have a round head. Could be a hex bolt

[@richardkawucha1232]

I've used a pair of 1/8" thick fender washers to set my scraper.

[@GarageGear]

Good plan!

[@The_Mace]

There goes that Powersmart endorsement deal.... 😆 Also, I'd like to see a video about the one-sided skid bending trick in the vise, if possible. Good content, JB!

[@GarageGear]

Lol It’s cool I’ll still sleep at night mace! They didn’t reach out to me this year about snowblower videos…🤷‍♂️oh well… was it something I said??? I like that idea a lot actually! Like where your head is at!

[@robertm7717]

My craftsman mentioned it in the manual states to use the spare shear pins one each under the scraper for smooth surfaces

[@GarageGear]

If that’s what they call for go for it

[@robertm7717]

@@GarageGear adjusted Friday during the snow storm here in NJ..

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

We finally got some big snow this weekend JB! So much that nearly every neighbor was out using their snowblowers like me. In fact, one of my neighbors was using a Kubota tractor to get his driveway cleared.

[@GarageGear]

Lucky you my friend! Only got about an inch here! How many inches of snow did you get?

[@vicrod74]

Had my snowblower for years and I never knew you can do that! 😂😂😂 thank you.

[@GarageGear]

Knowledge is power my friend. Thanks for watching. Have a nice weekend!

[@user-et3kk4tn4s]

I just bought my first snowblower. 28 inch sho. I have a few sections of the driveway that are higher than others. Upgrading the skids will keep it from hitting?

[@GarageGear]

@@user-et3kk4tn4s congrats on your purchase! Definitely will help! They take bumps much smoother!

[@ganakil]

I've very irregular terrain with grass around my house, Is better to place skids more forward using the front holes? Past winters I drove my neighbor big Hybrid Honda that sometimes stuck beacuse uneven terrain and I got out of trouble using the auger tilt side to side function. Now I bought an used little yard-man obviusly without electronic auger tilt and that's why my question

[@GarageGear]

@@ganakil I would place the skids forward and perhaps place them down further to give more clearance

[@ganakil]

@GarageGear thank you!

[@josephs.7496]

Awesome recommendation on the armor skids. Just what I was looking for!

[@GarageGear]

They make some good ones! 👍

[@wideglidebry]

I use 3 sets of 2 quarters for my spacers. One set in the center and the other two sets on each end.

[@GarageGear]

Yep! That works too!

[@paulmysliborski4832]

Armor skids are a must. I actually ordered my last pair through Home Depot. And at the same price as the A.S. website. 😊

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Paul! How was the fit? Heard ordering them from Home Depot doesnt always workout so well and they won’t fit.wonder if they’re sending the wrong pair? Have a great weekend bud!

[@paulmysliborski4832]

@@GarageGear Mine fit perfectly.😎 Keep on rocking, JB!

[@GarageGear]

@@paulmysliborski4832 thanks for letting me know bud!

[@Wagonman5900]

I found out about this six years ago when I started using my grandfather's snowblower. The skies were long gone and housing was worn all the way to the augers. I noticed at the end of last year that the skies are wearing out again. I was supposed to do my homework and buy those armor skids for it, but with hardly any snow, I keep forgetting.

[@GarageGear]

Grab yourself a pair and you’ll be happy! 👍

[@richardt.953]

Why not installed the skid shoes on the most forward position of the auger housing to better protect the bottom edges of the auger housing when/if in contact with an uneven (step up) sidewalks...?

[@GarageGear]

Some skids allow you to set them all the way forward. They only have one setting. Thanks for watching.

[@pdan3783]

The rear holes on my old unit are 2.75" and front hole to center is 3". I bought much heavier gauge shoes last week that I mounted in the front. They can be rotated 360° when they wear. The original shoes were only single edge.

[@jiriesatrash9965]

Thank you , great explanation, better than the manual .

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate the positive feedback jirie!

[@rogero5100]

Question, I have one snow blower that I’ll use for gravel driveway and cement walkways. Any suggestions for me? Thank you in advance.

[@GarageGear]

@@rogero5100 run ethanol free gas in both and you’ll be problem free for a long time

[@icculus]

I have a somewhat rough asphalt driveway and set the scraper slightly up (used cardboard to set the height). However, it leaves a thin layer of snow/slush behind that turns to ice. I can’t imagine having the scraper even 1/4” or 1” off the driveway. Is there some trick or something I’m doing wrong in that it doesn’t leave a more clean surface? (Like I see on some of my neighbors driveways and sidewalks after they snowblow) Thanks!

[@GarageGear]

Hey ic! Even at a quarter inch mine leaves a thin layer behind. If it’s done snowing I’ll just catch that layer with a wide shovel if need be to prevent icing. That thin layer usually melts away pretty quick if the temps are right too.

[@icculus]

@@GarageGear Thanks for the quick reply! I wasn’t sure if it was just me, but hitting it with the shovel sounds like it makes sense. Appreciate the advice and all the vids.

[@GarageGear]

@@icculus you got it my friend!

[@PainterD54]

My old skid shoes just get some 1/4" flat stock welded to the bottom of them so they will pretty much last for the life of the unit. I set my sidewalk unit to 1/4" off the surface with a 1'4" piece of wooden trim to set the height f the skid shoes. My other larger unit is set a 1" off the surface because I have a class 5 gravel driveway so I don't get any rocks thru my blower.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome thanks for sharing painter!

[@jazzcat7300]

Hey man, thanks for the info. I'm going to get an ariens 24" classic.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome! You won’t regret it!

[@smallblock412]

Thank goodness you mentioned the fluid film. I was about to have a panic attack 😂😂. And poor PowerSmart 🤣

[@GarageGear]

Yep no need to panic Smallblock! PowerSmart has some work to do! Lol! Have a good weekend bud!

[@outdoorstuff3325]

Awesome video I never really thought about how far off the ground the snowblower should be. The metal sides where the plastic feet go on are bent on my snowblower. I remember seeing one of your videos on how to fix that. But I can't find it. Can you please send me a link if you still have that video?

[@GarageGear]

Hey outdoorstuff! Here is the link I think you’re looking for! I’ll have a short coming out soon this too! HOW TO FIX & REPAIR BENT SNOWBLOWER AUGER HOUSING SKID SHOE CASTER FRAMES kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4jQqaSeo52Zia8

[@timpmuldoon736]

JB .. Big Snow ❄️ Storm coming to Chicago 1-9 -24 thru 11th … & 2 more behind this 1 New Ariens all set ready to go I swap out factory skid for Hard Poly Shoes gave her test run & I have tires@ 18psi..👍🏼 My wife told me I’m like a little kid @ Christmas waiting for Storm..😂

[@GarageGear]

Hahahaha I’m the same way and the garage gal says the same thing lol! You’re ready to go!

[@johnmilner7603]

I use a coin at each side cause my asphalt driveway is pretty consistent. Plus use my mig welder to add new metal including the front and frar angles of the originals. Bought my blower 8hp 26” in 1985. Good heavy metal blower when China didn’t make them.

[@GarageGear]

@@johnmilner7603 good tip! 👍

[@fromex2lsturbo]

Here is northern new york, got a panic call from my neighbor, couldn’t get his 1yo snowblower to fire, could I help? Quick undo of bowl bolt out came a stream of piss! Cleaned out bowl, reinstalled, fire in the hole! He was amazed! Got a bottle of liquor out of the deal! Thanks for all the info JB!! 🤘

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha awesome bud! Knowledge is power my friend! Good work!

[@Inigo_The_Son]

I wish somebody would create skids than can be easily adjusted on the fly. I need to clear my smooth asphalt driveway, but it leads to a gravel road, and I need to clear that too. I am sure that other users need to clear varying surfaces. It doesn't seem too difficult to make a skid with a hand-screw adjustment. Of maybe a spacer that can be easily snapped on to the existing skid, sort of like shoe lifts that short men use to distort their height. In the past, I have just manually pushed down on the handles, raising the front of the machine an inch or two, but that is not very precise. It is also increasingly difficult as I get older:)

[@GarageGear]

@@Inigo_The_Son hey Inigo the Honda track snowblowers can be tilted up or down and stay in your chosen position which is a nice feature. It holds a height just fine

[@Inigo_The_Son]

@@GarageGear A Honda would be nice, but those are far beyond my price point.

[@GarageGear]

@@Inigo_The_Son I’m gonna see if I can find a used one to save some money

[@jaybooth4815]

That pencil trick is a great tip JB! I gotta get those Armor skid plates for my JD snowblower. How’s that garage heater working out? Have a great weekend my friend. GO BILLS!!

[@GarageGear]

You got it Jay! Those skids are the best! They take bumps like a champ! The heater is pumping as we speak! Heating her up so I can film out there! Have an awesome weekend as well my friend! Go Bills!

[@jaybooth4815]

I'll text you with some questions I have on those Armorskids. If that's ok?

[@GarageGear]

@@jaybooth4815 totally cool my friend👍

[@ImRokhound21]

I have Arien's 28 SHO, half my driveway is blacktop the other half is gravel (for now) half the time I would rather it pick up all the stones and throw them so I set mine pretty low. I've been wanting to take the skids completely off because if you try to throw any snow that has already been pack down/driven on/ walked on The snowblower just wants to ride up on top of the snow instead of chewing through it. I almost feel like adding sandbags to the front of the machine would help. What can I do to help the machine work better? (It's not always feasible to keep the other people in the household from walking or driving before I can get to it as I'm sure you can imagine)

[@GarageGear]

@@ImRokhound21 perhaps some weights would help if your machine is just riding up on top

[@waltwhite1646]

Happy New Year JB from Rochester,ny (just started to snow )6pm - another great video ! Possibly a video for near future for replacing the snowblower scraper blade for 30 yr old rusted-dented MTD and maybe place to find a replacement ! Keep Up the good work that You support us with ! Go Bills !

[@GarageGear]

That’s a good idea. I have been thinking about replacing the scraper bar on my Craftsman. Thanks for being a cool fan. Patiently waiting for the snow over here. Go Bills!

[@JohnCardillo]

Perfect timing JB - I have new composite shoes for my asphalt driveway to install.

[@GarageGear]

You’re ready to install them now John! Have a good weekend bud!

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

I replaced the dragging skid pads with rolling wheels and adjust the blade height with a long wooden flat ruler. I haven't had a standard No. 2 pencil in the house for years, let alone two of them. You must be rich.

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha I guess just lucky lol! Good plan with those rolling wheels! Bet they work well! What’s the plan for the weekend?

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

@@GarageGear Work repairing computers, clean up the house a little and find a little free time. You? Minnesota vs. Lions tomorrow.

[@GarageGear]

@@SpaceCadet4Jesus kinda cold here. Editing videos and maybe cleaning up the garage a little bit. It’s a mess behind the camera lol!

[@apexiumim2741]

Had 25cm heavy snow this past Tuesday then rained for 6 hours. Ahh.. the perfect test… I’d say 50/50 snow and water mix. My Ariens Platinum SHO blasted through that stuff throwing it at least 20’. Ya, no need for impeller mod at this point. My neighbor has a new Yamaha on tracks… his chute clogged constantly. Not saying it’s a bad machine… it’s just not the King of Snow! 😂 Expecting the exact weather starting tonight into Sunday morning only a bit more snow. Calling for 30-35cm. Fun stuff!! Looks like an awesome snow game this Sunday to boot… Go Bills!!!!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Apex! Should be a fun weekend with all this snow coming! Big plans for all the machines! Big game this weekend! Have an awesome weekend bud!

[@deeblues1]

Hey BIG guy how about those skids with the wheels in the middle of them???...Just pulled the trigger yesterday (11/24/24) on a black Friday sale for a Toro Power Max 824 at HD....It had a really wacked out price of $1599.00 on sale tag was $999.00.Actually I was there to get the Murray 24 inch I saw a few weeks before watching your video for 2024..Even the Murray and the Toro are a huge step above what I've been using (A 10 plus year old 22 inch YardMax MTD) Plus you've never had a video of maybe removing the Grade 5 auger bolts on the Power Max and replacing them with sheer bolts or maybe even a zip grade bolt..I don't like the "harden gear" idea much myself either... Oh man at HD here in the Falls there were MANY Cub Cadets....I wonder why....LOL Keep your very knowledgeable videos coming....I never miss one...

[@GarageGear]

@@deeblues1 hey Dee! I had a snowblower a long time ago come through the garage with those wheel skids. One was good and one was rusted and worn. Not sure what happened there. Seemed to roll good on the one side. They work great for super smooth surfaces but any bumps you’ll feel. Sounds like you got a good deal! Keep me posted on how you like it! Will do my friend!

[@hanchigo2355]

How do the Armor skids do with Ariens auto turn? I heard that poly skids really help in that regard if its an issue for you, and am curious.

[@GarageGear]

No issues on mine. It has been running smooth. Thanks for watching.

[@SVW1976]

I used 2 quarters on each side to adjust. Probably a little too much considering my driveway has a couple rough transitions but i want all the snow removed 😂

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing SVW! 👍

[@ColdSaintNick]

That's too funny because I use one dime on each side I thought I was the only one useing money 😂😂😂 I'm the same way plus I get way better traction with tires plus i even keep my tires low about 13psi. Just do what I did and get armor skids and you should be good to go works great for me they ask me how do you get your drive way so clean.😂😂😂 Really a sight to see when the snowblower is riding under the snow like where did it go with snow falling over the top of it.😂😂😂

[@craignehring]

Subscribed.... Now how do I keep my friction wheel dry... the cover needs to be replaced, cheap plastic I should have bought an Ariens

[@GarageGear]

Welcome to the tribe craig! I would check out a new cover! That will help!

[@michaelotoole1807]

i raised my snow blower blade from 1/8 inch to about 1/4 inch. it worked well but after 20 years of throwing snow the 2 weld points underside of the chute fatiuge cracked from the snow packing into the bucket and flexing the front end down into the ground. maybe i was to aggressive in charging into the snow pack at the end of the driveway. anyhoo i disassembled the bucket drilled out the ends of the fatiuge cracks brought it to a welder and for 30 bucks he did a fine job welding it back up and put a nice thick metal bead grinded clean for repaint. now all i need is the snow......

[@GarageGear]

Awesome my friend! Glad you got it back into shape! Happy snowblowing!

[@kencurtis228]

TY for Sharing

[@GarageGear]

You are so welcome, Ken! Thanks for checking out the channel!

[@stevemlejnek7073]

I use a wood yardstick as my lift rather than a couple pencils. Achieves a similar amount of lift.

[@GarageGear]

Rock On steve!

[@rob_v_nj]

Solid advice.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Rob!

[@robertknight4672]

For people that want to clear down to the ground I would suggest keeping a single stage snow blower in addition to their two-stage machine. Clear the bulk of the snow with the two stage then follow through with the single stage machine to get down to the ground. So if you have space in your garage that might be something to consider.

[@GarageGear]

Good tip Robert!

[@BillVerstege]

I also use the single stage for when it's a 2 or less snowfall. The two stage is reserved for 3 inch or more snows, and the end of the driveway to clean up the mess the plows leave.

[@flyjarrett]

I use paint stir sticks that you can get for free from your local hardware store to set the scraper blade gap.

[@GarageGear]

Yep those work well! 👍

[@mikeswink1031]

I love your choice of poly skids . They should last longer and make turning easier

[@GarageGear]

They last! Thanks for watching mike!

[@cellowiz23]

Great videos.One question. My snow blower( Craftsman 22-inch two stages) does not have a bottom cover . Is it going to damage gears and other components? Thanks

[@GarageGear]

Hey cello! You can usually find one cheap online! Snow will find a way in somehow! Usually backing it up onto some snow or something! Parts inside could rust up and give you trouble down the road!

[@demetriosa7646]

Great channel ❤

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you Demetrios

[@ecttreker9816]

👍👍 great advice

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you ECT! Have a good weekend

[@mikeg6311]

Do you have to disengage the spark plug when moving the blade?

[@GarageGear]

You could to be on the safe side.

[@Artburg]

How you ever tried the skids with the rollers?? I put a set on last fall but no snow last or this year as of yet.

[@GarageGear]

I saw a rusty set on a very old snowblower but never tried them personally. I’m sure they are better made now. I would like to get a pair.

[@TheTayedrums]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR INFO!! SOLID!!

[@GarageGear]

@@TheTayedrums you got it my friend! 👍

[@TheTayedrums]

those amour skids are going to do a great job-i can tell already...i can actually feel my blower 'gliding'' reducing weight/ less time/less energy...i almost thought that they were to be installed with the inner box edge sitting inside them(if you know what i mean)...but found out otherwise! thanks for the supertech info, machine check up info and the way you explain things! peace,brother!

[@GarageGear]

@@TheTayedrums RIGHT ON TAYE! Happy snowblowing season! 👍

[@unwrangler11]

Thanks for the Armor Skids tip!

[@GarageGear]

@@unwrangler11 you got it wrangler!

[@mikekappler9462]

Great video as always. Ive got the same machine, craftsman 247.889571 that im having an issue with. The whole barrel/auger system seems crooked. No matter what I try to adjust I cant get it to sit squarely on the ground. Its almost like the auger head is clocked wrong to the motor. Ive searched everywhere for a solution with no results. Seems to be a common issue though. I can literally push down on the right side grip and the left rear wheel lifts even with both skid plates leveled...🤦🏽‍♂️ Any ideas would be appreciated sir!! BTW, ill be modding my TM a little more thanks to you too..😬🤘🏼

[@GarageGear]

Thanks mike! Check to see where your auger housing and wheel housing split. Sounds like something isn’t lined up right under that belt cover. Maybe the two halves weren’t mounted together correctly? Check under that belt cover and look down to see if things are equal on each side. Let me know what you find

[@charlesfelice8383]

JB, great video. Question for you regarding the Armor Skids that are on the Ariens snow thrower that is shown in your video: Is the skid an Armor Pro Series skid or an Armor ProXT Series Skid (extra tall)? I have an Ariens snow thrower and am determining which Armor Skid to order for my Ariens Deluxe 24 Platinum machine. Thanks in advance for answering my question.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Charles I ordered mine many years ago before they had different categories. They only had one kind at the time. I would recommend picking the one with the thickest amount of metal to glide on. They’ll last you forever. 👍

[@hifromspace]

Which ARMORskids would better fit to Ariens Compact? Ashphalt driveway.

[@GarageGear]

@@hifromspace they’re all pretty much designed the same way. It just comes down to thickness. If you’re planning on keeping the blower for a while grab the thicker skids. 👍

[@KJ-rm3je]

Was looking for this! Thank you!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome my friend! You’re good to go now! 👍

[@allenthomas2739]

Cheers from Abbotsford British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Allen! Have a good weekend!

[@jerryq1000]

Great stuff!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Jerry!

[@garypic4083]

New subscriber here love your Channel you're a big help appreciate it much

[@GarageGear]

Welcome to the tribe Gary! Appreciate the positive feedback!

[@TheLawnLover]

I'm just here watching snowblower videos since it won't snow in NE Indiana 😂

[@GarageGear]

Ran out of things to tinker with in the garage?

[@TheLawnLover]

@@GarageGear Accessorizing the new mower waiting for snow!

[@pitbull4029]

Thanks for tips,my question are chains always needed.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Pitbull! No but only if you have good tires! Xtracs are some really good tires like the ones here on this snowblower!

[@brianstetter4612]

Good information!👍🏼

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Brian!

[@brianstetter4612]

@@GarageGear Love taking care of my machines as well. 👍🏼

[@randomrazr]

does factory height normally adequate for ashpat / concrete

[@GarageGear]

Hey random! I would not count factory height for anything. Usually these snowblowers are assembled quickly by an underpaid big box store employee. Best to give it a look.

[@MrMattDat]

Great video. Very practical advice!

[@GarageGear]

You got it Matt! Thanks for watching bud!

[@ludovicredfield9403]

This guy get covered! GJ

[@GarageGear]

@@ludovicredfield9403 ?

[@James-blond007]

Hey JB! I’m in Amherst, have a Cub Cadet 26HD3X needs the belts done and probably some adjusting. It’s about 9 years old and original parts. Let me know if you’d be interested in doing a video on it?! I cud help of course I’m pretty handy although never done belts. Lmk love the channel thx!! 😀💪🏽👍🏽

[@GarageGear]

Hey James blond! Cool that you’re close by! I have plenty of work going on in the garage at the moment! Perhaps I could do a video on changing them perhaps! Stay tuned! Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@jlbfd9389]

Great info jb. Thanks bud!

[@GarageGear]

You got it my friend! Thanks for watching 👍👍

[@kencurtis228]

I'm Ken Curtis.

[@BigDaddysGarage]

That's a great technique!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks Flint! Any snow by you my friend?

[@BigDaddysGarage]

Nothing measurable. 👏@@GarageGear

[@GarageGear]

@@BigDaddysGarage pretty much the same here. Got 3 inches the other day. Already melted away.

[@mattie3595]

Got my ArmorSkids yesterday in the courier. Awesome, overbuilt design. If you’re THAT guy…..you need to have them. Thx for turning me onto them JB.

[@GarageGear]

You got it, Mattie! You’re smooth sailing now!

[@willl.3353]

I use a stir stick for paint to measure.

[@GarageGear]

That works too

[@bror8228]

If you have gravel drive way and it´s not totally frozen you gonna get big problems with gravel no matter how you adjust the skid shoes...

[@GarageGear]

Gravel is tough on snowblowers for sure

[@electroddxful]

Check mine today and it good to go. The snow it’s on the way here now. 🥶🥶🥶🥶

[@GarageGear]

You’re ready, Ray! Let me know how much you guys get. Have a blessed weekend.

[@Rob-ob3sh]

Good video JD.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Rob! 👍👍

[@hifromspace]

The tip with pensils is superb useful

[@GarageGear]

@@hifromspace figured most people have pencils in their home. Thanks for watching my friend