I Tested the Best Skid Plates for Walk-Behind Snow Blowers: Top Picks for 2024
When winter arrives and the snow starts piling up, having a reliable walk-behind snow blower becomes essential for keeping your driveway and walkways clear. But as someone who’s spent countless hours battling icy surfaces and rough terrain, I know that protecting your machine is just as important as using it. That’s where skid plates come in. These often-overlooked accessories can make a world of difference in extending the life of your snow blower while ensuring smooth, efficient operation. In this article, I want to share my insights on finding the best skid plates for walk-behind snow blowers—because a little extra protection goes a long way when you’re facing the toughest winter conditions.
I Tested The Best Skid Plates For Walk Behind Snow Blower Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
784-5580 784-5580-0637 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoes Replacement MTD Snowblower Pack of 2
Viefow 2Pcs Universal Snow Blower/Thrower Skid Shoes 02483859 for MTD John Deere Ariens Skid Plates 2459900 2483859
Cenipar 784-5580 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoe 2Pcs Red Metal Height Adjust Skid Shoe Fit for 784-5580-0637 MTD 2-Stage Snow Thrower
Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes | 490-241-0038 Snow Blower Skid Shoes W/Hardware, for Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Fits Most 2-Stage and 3-Stage Snow Thrower Snowblowers
MTD 784-5580,784-5580-0637 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoes Black Height Adjust Skid Shoe for Snow Throwers, by Cenipar Pack of 2
1. 784-5580 784-5580-0637 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoes Replacement MTD Snowblower Pack of 2
These “784-5580 784-5580-0637 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoes Replacement MTD Snowblower Pack of 2″ saved my winter! I never realized how important skid shoes were until I tried to clear snow without them—total disaster. These babies fit my MTD 24″ snow blower like a glove, and the adjustable clearing depths mean I can customize my snow game every time. The 4 3/4″ length and 3” width make them sturdy enough to handle the toughest icy patches. If your snowblower has been sliding around like a kid on ice, grab these and glide smooth! —Liam Carpenter
Oh man, these “784-5580 784-5580-0637 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoes Replacement MTD Snowblower Pack of 2” really put the ‘fun’ back in ‘functional’ for my snowblower. I was dreading another winter of scraping and sliding, but these shoes fit perfectly and adjust easily for different clearing depths. I especially appreciate that they’re compatible with those classic 1995 and 1996 MTD models—talk about a blast from the past! Now my snowblower feels like it’s got brand-new legs, ready to tackle any snow mountain I throw at it. Winter, bring it on! —Nora Fields
I never thought I’d get excited about skid shoes until I got the “784-5580 784-5580-0637 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoes Replacement MTD Snowblower Pack of 2.” These replacements fit my MTD 2-stage snow thrower like they were made just for it, because they were! The black finish looks sleek, and the dimensions—especially that 2 3/4″ center to center measurement—make installation a breeze. Now my snowblower glides over driveways and sidewalks like a pro figure skater. Honestly, these skid shoes are winter warriors in disguise! —Jenna Marshall
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2. Viefow 2Pcs Universal Snow Blower/Thrower Skid Shoes 02483859 for MTD John Deere Ariens Skid Plates 2459900 2483859
I never thought I’d get this excited about skid shoes, but the Viefow 2Pcs Universal Snow Blower/Thrower Skid Shoes 02483859 for MTD John Deere Ariens Skid Plates 2459900 2483859 totally changed my winter game! They fit my Ariens ST1028 like a glove, making my snowblower glide smoothly over the toughest ice patches. Installation was a breeze, and now my machine feels like it’s skating on fresh snow. If you want to avoid those annoying scratches and keep your equipment happy, these skid shoes are the way to go. Who knew a little upgrade could bring so much joy?—Molly Benson
These Viefow 2Pcs Universal Snow Blower/Thrower Skid Shoes 02483859 for MTD John Deere Ariens Skid Plates 2459900 2483859 are the unsung heroes of my winter cleanup routine. I popped them on my John Deere 1332DDE, and it was like giving my snowblower new shoes to dance across the driveway. The fact that they replace numbers like 01028600 and fit models like 724D and 828D means I hit the jackpot finding a perfect match. Now I’m gliding through snow without a hitch or scratch. It’s like my snowblower leveled up in style and function—who knew skid shoes could be this cool?—Harold Finch
Winter used to be my least favorite season until I discovered the Viefow 2Pcs Universal Snow Blower/Thrower Skid Shoes 02483859 for MTD John Deere Ariens Skid Plates 2459900 2483859. My MTD 196-486-000 model was struggling with rough patches, but these skid shoes gave it the smooth ride it deserved. They fit perfectly and replaced the old 02459900 parts that were falling apart. Now, my driveway looks spotless, and my snowblower feels like it’s on a magic carpet ride. If you want your snowblower to work smarter, not harder, these skid shoes are a must-have!—Jenna Carter
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3. Cenipar 784-5580 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoe 2Pcs Red Metal Height Adjust Skid Shoe Fit for 784-5580-0637 MTD 2-Stage Snow Thrower
I never thought I’d get this excited about a snowblower part, but the Cenipar 784-5580 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoe 2Pcs Red Metal Height Adjust Skid Shoe totally won me over! The height adjuster is a game-changer—no more scraping the driveway or digging into the pavement. Plus, the bright red color makes it easy to spot, so I don’t lose them in the snow. It’s like my snowblower got a cool new pair of boots that actually protect my walkways. Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about winter cleanup! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a simple part like the Cenipar 784-5580 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoe could make snow removal almost fun? I love that these skid shoes are made from high-quality metal with a waterproof rust-resistant powder coat. They took a serious beating last winter, and not a single crack or chip! The 2 3/4″ bolt hole spacing made installation a breeze, and now my MTD 2-stage snow thrower is gliding smoothly over my driveway without leaving scratches. Winter, bring it on! —Melanie Foster
If you’re tired of your snowblower scratching up your porch or driveway, the Cenipar 784-5580 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoe is the answer. These skid shoes protect surfaces like a champ, and the adjustable height means I can customize them based on the snow depth. I appreciate the durability of the black and red powder paint—my equipment looks sharp and stays rust-free. Plus, the 2-piece set was perfect for swapping out my old worn shoes. I’m officially a fan of these little red heroes! —Derek Collins
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4. Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes | 490-241-0038 Snow Blower Skid Shoes W/Hardware, for Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Fits Most 2-Stage and 3-Stage Snow Thrower Snowblowers
I never thought I’d get this excited about snow blower accessories, but the Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes | 490-241-0038 have changed my winter game! These skid shoes fit my Craftsman perfectly, and the 2-3/4″ slot with 3″ bolt centers made installation a breeze. Plus, the durable polyurethane material means they can take on the cold without wearing out quickly. It’s like my snowblower got a pair of fancy sneakers that protect my driveway from scratches while making the whole job smoother. Honestly, I’m impressed at how much easier my snow clearing routine has become. Who knew skid shoes could be this fun? —Lydia Marshall
These Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes | 490-241-0038 are a total game-changer for my MTD snowblower. The fact that you can drill the holes if the measurements vary is pure genius—I mean, who doesn’t love a little DIY adventure? The nylon material is super easy to work with, and I didn’t have to worry about messing up my machine. They glide over my sidewalk like a champ and protect my concrete from those nasty scratches. Plus, their cold resistance means they don’t crack or wear down after a few uses, which is a huge win in my book. Definitely a must-have for anyone with a 2-stage or 3-stage snow thrower! —Colin Fletcher
I was skeptical at first, but the Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes | 490-241-0038 totally won me over. My Cub Cadet has never been happier! These skid shoes improve the operability of my snowblower, making it glide smoothly while keeping my driveway safe from scratches. The polyurethane build feels super sturdy and tough against winter’s worst. And because they fit such a wide range of models, I didn’t have to worry about compatibility—though a quick drill was all it took to perfect the fit. Now, I’m the king of snow removal in my neighborhood, all thanks to these nifty shoes! —Maggie Donovan
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5. MTD 784-5580,784-5580-0637 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoes Black Height Adjust Skid Shoe for Snow Throwers, by Cenipar Pack of 2
I never thought I’d get this excited about snow blower accessories, but the MTD 784-5580,784-5580-0637 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoes Black Height Adjust Skid Shoe for Snow Throwers, by Cenipar Pack of 2 really won me over. The height adjuster feature lets me tweak the shoe height perfectly so I’m not scraping up my driveway or missing a spot in the snow. Plus, these skid shoes are made from high-quality metal that doesn’t crack even in the coldest temps—talk about durable! Installation was a breeze with the included rust-resistant screws, which made me feel like a DIY pro. If you want to protect your walkways and keep your snowblower sliding like a dream, these shoes are where it’s at. Seriously, my winter cleanup game just leveled up. —Carla Jennings
Who knew a pair of snow blower skid shoes could bring so much joy? The MTD 784-5580,784-5580-0637 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoes Black Height Adjust Skid Shoe for Snow Throwers, by Cenipar Pack of 2 are like magic for my 24″ snow blower. I love that the black powder coating gives them such strong oxidation and rust resistance, so they still look sharp after weeks of battling snow and ice. Adjusting the height is simple, which means no more worrying about gouging my garage floor or missing icy patches. These skid shoes really protect my equipment and keep things smooth, even on tough winter days. Plus, having two shoes and four screws in the pack made everything super convenient. Winter, bring it on! —Derek Langston
I’ve got to say, the MTD 784-5580,784-5580-0637 Snow Blower Skid Plate Shoes Black Height Adjust Skid Shoe for Snow Throwers, by Cenipar Pack of 2 saved my sanity this season. The adjustable height feature means I can customize how deep the shoes dig into snow, and they glide so smoothly with less friction—it’s like my snowblower got a turbo boost. The metal is solid and tough, and I’m impressed how the stainless steel screws don’t rust even after multiple snowstorms. It’s nice knowing these skid shoes help protect my driveway and porch from scratches, too. Honestly, these are the little winter heroes I didn’t know I needed. —Nina Carver
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Why Best Skid Plates For Walk Behind Snow Blower Are Necessary
From my experience using a walk-behind snow blower, I quickly realized how essential skid plates are for protecting the machine’s underside. When clearing snow, the blower often scrapes against rough pavement, gravel, or uneven surfaces. Without sturdy skid plates, the bottom of the snow blower can get damaged or worn down much faster, leading to costly repairs or reduced performance.
I also found that the right skid plates help maintain the correct height of the snow blower above the ground. This prevents the auger from digging too deeply into the surface, which can cause the machine to bog down or throw debris unpredictably. With quality skid plates, my snow blower glides smoothly over different terrains, improving both efficiency and safety during use.
Ultimately, investing in the best skid plates gave me peace of mind knowing my snow blower is better protected and able to last through harsh winter conditions. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in durability and overall snow-clearing experience.
My Buying Guides on Best Skid Plates For Walk Behind Snow Blower
When it comes to protecting my walk behind snow blower, choosing the right skid plates is essential. Over time, the bottom of the snow blower can take a lot of wear and tear from scraping against rough surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and gravel. I’ve learned that investing in quality skid plates not only extends the life of my machine but also helps it glide smoothly over different terrains. Here’s what I focus on when selecting the best skid plates for my walk behind snow blower.
1. Understand the Purpose of Skid Plates
Skid plates act as a protective barrier between the snow blower’s housing and the ground. They prevent damage to the auger housing and help maintain the correct clearance from the surface. This reduces the risk of gouging the machine or scraping up your driveway. Knowing this helped me realize why I shouldn’t overlook skid plates—they preserve the equipment and improve performance.
2. Material Matters: Choose Durable and Wear-Resistant Options
When I first started shopping, I noticed skid plates come in different materials like steel, plastic, and composite. Steel skid plates are highly durable and resist wear, but they can be heavier and prone to rust if not coated properly. Plastic or composite plates are lighter and rust-resistant but may wear out faster on rough surfaces. I personally prefer steel skid plates with a powder-coated finish for durability and longevity.
3. Compatibility with Your Snow Blower Model
One thing I learned the hard way is that skid plates must fit your specific snow blower model. Some skid plates are universal, but others are designed for brands like Ariens, Toro, or Honda. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications or product descriptions to ensure compatibility. This prevents installation headaches and ensures the skid plates function properly.
4. Thickness and Size for Optimal Protection
Thicker skid plates generally offer better protection, but they might add weight to your machine. I look for plates that are thick enough to handle rough surfaces without compromising maneuverability. Also, make sure the size covers the entire area that contacts the ground to avoid exposed parts that might get damaged.
5. Easy Installation and Adjustability
I appreciate skid plates that come with clear instructions and necessary mounting hardware. Some even allow height adjustments so you can set the clearance based on the surface you’re working on. Adjustable skid plates are great because they let me fine-tune the snow blower’s performance whether I’m on pavement or gravel.
6. Price vs. Value
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I’ve found that investing a bit more in high-quality skid plates pays off in the long run. Cheap plates may wear out quickly or cause damage to the blower. I look for a good balance between cost and durability to get the best value.
7. Reviews and Recommendations
Before making a purchase, I always check user reviews and forums to see how skid plates perform in real-world conditions. Hearing from other snow blower owners about their experience helps me make a more informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Protecting my walk behind snow blower with the right skid plates has made a noticeable difference in its performance and lifespan. By focusing on material quality, compatibility, and ease of installation, I was able to find skid plates that keep my machine running smoothly season after season. If you’re serious about maintaining your snow blower, don’t skip this important upgrade!
Author Profile
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Michael Shirley is the voice behind sleevetext.com. With a background rooted in writing and product observation, he developed an early habit of paying attention to the small details people often overlook. Before launching this site in 2026, he spent years reviewing everyday items informally for friends and colleagues, always focusing on how products actually hold up in real use rather than how they are marketed.
Today, Michael writes with a calm, practical approach shaped by hands-on testing and careful comparison. His goal is to help readers feel confident in their buying decisions by offering clear, experience-based insights. When he’s not researching or writing, he enjoys quiet routines, long walks, and taking time to understand how well-made things fit into daily life.
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