Snow thrower skids worn out.

[slufoot733 70]

The little skids on my snow thrower (single stange on a 1978 D-200) are about worn out. I was thinking of replacing the skids with a small wheel, adjustable for height. I'm looking at some small wheels, hard rubber tireon about a 4" steel wheel. Has anyone done this on a snow thrower/blower? If so, how well did it work for you? And did the wheel ware out quickly or did it last a while?

 

Thanks for any imput....................................and HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!  

[wallfish 16,980]

I attached wheels to one but only to move it around when not on the tractor. I would think rubber wheels will wear fairly quick since they will be used as skids and constantly dragging sideways whenever you steer. How about using metal wheels like these? They sell them larger and smaller than the 3" one linked. They used steel wheels for skids on the older model blowers.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/titan-casterstrade%3B-3-in-sintered-iron-plate-caster--rigid?cm_vc=-10005

[squonk 41,016]

I put some adjustable wheel on my blower. They work good

[RMCIII 838]

Mike, I was just getting ready to send him your way.

[RMCIII 838]

Someone else, in here, actually has one that came with steel wheels vs. skids. I've seen the photo, but I can't remember who it was. There was a lever on the side that adjusted the steel wheel height... Looked like it was well built. I was trying to find the photo, no luck yet.

[RMCIII 838]

Found one from ebay. Not a very good photo, but gives you an idea of the basic principal.

[GlenPettit 1,716]

Here's another view (wheels are in the 'up' position, scrape):

Edited November 25, 2013 by GlenPettit

[bitten 134]

A snow thrower for a D is a heavy piece of equipment. Might just want to weld pieces of steel to your worn out shoes.

[slufoot733 70]

Sensational info everyone. Thank you. The skids are still usable but not for long. I like to plan ahead so I will study this a little more and come up with a solution. I like the idea of some kind of small wheels. The pneumatic tires are a nice plus but they're bigger than I was thinking about. Since 90% of my snow clearing work is done in a straight line I'm not worried about wearing them out when turning. However, the heavy steel wheel is a good idea.

[Wishin4a416 2,191]

I like your Mod Mike.When my skids wear out thats what I'll do.

[timo4352 147]

If you get to them before they completely wear out you can weld new metal onto them. That's what the previous owner did on mine. Two layers - so it's like 1/2 inch thick. Should last a while.

[RMCIII 838]

slu- check out classified. A 37" just posted that has the steel wheel adjustment......

[edwroy 138]

Thanks for all the posts - Squonk's pics are what I was looking for. I like the idea of the rubber tires. Keeps from scratching the cement driveways/walks with the skids. Thanks - I plan to make this addition to my 42" tall chute.

 

Edwroy

[rokon 64]

These may be of interest to you. you would have to measure yours and scroll down the page to where they list dimensions.

http://snowblowerskids.com/place-an-order.html

[Fun Engineer 859]

I recently added this 1/2 inch piece of HDPE to the bottom of my worn skids. I wanted something that would glide over my concrete drive and stone parking pad. They work much better. Hope they last at least a season. So far they've been used on about 50+ inches of snowfall.

[RMCIII 838]

I recently added this 1/2 inch piece of HDPE to the bottom of my worn skids. I wanted something that would glide over my concrete drive and stone parking pad. They work much better. Hope they last at least a season. So far they've been used on about 50+ inches of snowfall.

 

I took your advice after finding out that new skids would cost $37.50/each before tax. Went to Walmat- found a nice 1/2" thick cutting board...... Took it home, made several molds for each skid. It takes about 15 minutes to remove the worn out ones and have the new ones on..... Nice info Fun! Sure came in hand for me. I have went through 1 set of original skids and 2 sets of the HDPE skids........ Course I clear anywhere from 8 to 12 driveways each time it snows, so, it is getting a lot of use.

[boovuc 1,090]

I put High Density Polyethylene, (HDPE), on the bottom of my skids. If you google HDPE sheets you'll find some venders on-line for them. I use a thin sheet, about a 1/4 of an inch thick on my skids and run them a winter then evaluate if there is enough left for another year. I usually get two years from mine. They do not mark up a driveway as much as a metal skids do. I also use a thick piece, (about half to three-quarter inch), on the cutter of my snow plow. It also cuts down on marking up the driveway. It doesn't rip into the ice as well but it does a pretty good job.

[Fun Engineer 859]

I took your advice after finding out that new skids would cost $37.50/each before tax. Went to Walmat- found a nice 1/2" thick cutting board...... Took it home, made several molds for each skid. It takes about 15 minutes to remove the worn out ones and have the new ones on..... Nice info Fun! Sure came in hand for me. I have went through 1 set of original skids and 2 sets of the HDPE skids........ Course I clear anywhere from 8 to 12 driveways each time it snows, so, it is getting a lot of use.

I forgot to mention that the cutting boards they sell in the home goods sections of most discount stores i.e. Walmart, Meijer (Michigan) have the cutting boards which are inexpensive, work great and give you plenty of material for many years to come. How did you mount yours to the skids?

 

Post Script:

We are currently at 143.9 inches of snow. 32.6 inches more than our annual average of 149 inches.  Looking to break the record of 185.6" from 2006-2007. Disclaimer: These measurements are from the NOAA weather station located about 10 miles east of me.  We always get more lake affect snow here than at the weather station.

Edited February 15, 2014 by Fun Engineer

[RMCIII 838]

Fun - took off each original skid.... Found center of the skid, then drilled a hole 1-1/2" north and south of center. Then I laid the cutting board template under each skid, centered them then drilled a small pilot hole through the cutting board material..,, Then, took a wood bit, honed it out so the head of the bolt would be flush with the material.. Then I took a 5/16" bit and drilled out the remaining material.,,,

[Fun Engineer 859]

Yep, same process here. I love the plastic.

[Joefrommi65 18]

I was in tractor supply yesterday and they sell them there not sure if the bolt patern is the samethey are even red...lol If you need send me the distance between your holes and if you still need them let me know I will check them for you.