How to Adjust Snow Blower Skid Shoes and Scraper Bar

Place the snow blower on the surface you'll be clearing (concrete driveway, asphalt, gravel).

Locate the skid shoes — they're on each side of the auger housing, bolted to the bottom.

For paved surfaces: adjust the skid shoes so the scraper bar (the rubber or metal bar across the bottom) just touches the surface. The auger housing should be about 1/8 inch off the ground.

For gravel surfaces: raise the skid shoes so the housing is 1/2 to 1 inch above the surface. This prevents picking up rocks that can damage the auger and impeller.

Adjust both sides evenly — use a ruler to measure the gap on each side. Uneven adjustment causes the blower to pull to one side.

Check the scraper bar for wear. If it's worn past the bolt holes or has large gaps, replace it. A worn scraper bar leaves a layer of snow behind.

Tighten all hardware securely. Check the adjustment after the first use of the season — vibration can loosen bolts.