Snowplow Skid Shoes: What They Are & How to Use Them

PUT SOME SKID IN THE GAME

There goes another cutting edge.

At least your snowplowing has been going well. So well, in fact, that you’ve worn through multiple cutting edges. And that’s becoming a problem.

If you’re sick of replacing your plow’s cutting edge as often as you breathe or brush your teeth (at least, that’s what it might feel like), then it’s time to introduce you to the wonderful world of skids.

We’ll walk you through the basics of skid shoes, from what they do to when to use and replace them. Read on and get ready to save your cutting edge from certain doom—or rather, extend its life to save you time and money.

When to use skid shoes

You might hear that skid shoes should only be used for gravel roads and driveways. We disagree. They can be used whenever you want to protect your plow’s cutting edge, regardless of the surface you're working on.

Furthermore, considering how expensive blades can be and how simple snowplow shoes are to replace, it’s a good idea to use them whenever possible.

However, if you’re a snow removal professional, check with your client before using plow shoes on their drives and parking lots. The skids don’t usually pose any risk of damage to asphalt, but if your client’s pavement is sealed, they can scrape the sealant. If your client doesn’t want you to use them, no sweat. They’re a breeze to remove, so you can take them off and reinstall them later.

How to use skid shoes

We recommend setting the skids to raise your blade by ½” to 1”, depending on the surface you’re plowing. Also, if your plow has a down pressure system, make sure it’s set to a low force (around 100lbs) while the skids are installed. This will prevent the shoes from digging into the surface you’re clearing.

Keep in mind that most straight blade plows come standard with skid shoe brackets and the shoes themselves, but V-plows usually don’t due to the weight difference. If you have a V-blade plow and want to install snowplow skid shoes, you might have to get creative with some modifications.

If you're a little fuzzy on the difference between straight blade plows and V-blade plows, check out our Snowplow 101 article where we discuss the different types of plows.

WHEN TO REPLACE PLOW SKIDS

While your skid shoes are hard at work protecting your plow’s cutting edge, they’re going to wear down. How quickly the wear and tear affect your plow shoes will depend on the surfaces you’re plowing and what kind of skid you have installed.

For example, rounded skids tend to work best for gravel surfaces, but they also wear out the most quickly. Ski-style skids tend to last longer and do well on asphalt.

Keep a close eye on the skids. Once they’ve been worn down to ¼” thick or less, it’s time to replace them.

If you decide you’d like to utilize snowplow shoes to lengthen the life of your cutting blade, it’s a good idea to keep spare shoes on hand. This way, once they've worn down, you'll be able to swap them out right away instead of waiting until you can get a new pair.

Here at The ROP Shop, we carry a variety of skid shoes to cover most plow models on the road today. We’re also proud to offer affordable pricing and free standard shipping to the Lower 48 States. We also work hard to negotiate the best international shipping rates possible. Check out our selection of snowplow skid shoes and accessory kits.

Ready to try some snowplow shoes?

The next time you’re out on the job, try using snowplow skid shoes to support and protect your plow’s cutting edge. Not sure which plow shoes you need? Give us a call, send us an email, or chat with us on our website. Our customer service team is standing by to help you stay rugged this winter season.

[EDITED 10/2023]