Flipping the pads on a snowblower ?

[Elixer]

I noticed that the blower isn't getting all the snow it can, there is about .5 inch or so in the back where the pads don't reach anymore. They have worn to a shape that looks like \.

Now, reading around, some people have said that you don't need to order new rubber pads, just flip them around, and you are good to go ?

Has anyone done this, and is it worth the effort, or, will you just end up buying new pads in a few weeks ?

 

[boomerang]

I have not but I can't imagine a few weeks would result in enough wear to make the task not worth doing.

 

[NoTine42]

Skid shoes?

If they are like this, you can use both sides:
http://www.jackssmallengines.com/snowblower-adjust-skid-shoe.cfm

Something like this is only 1 sided (but cool with the roller)
http://movingsnow.com/2010/non-marring-roller-skids-snowblower/

While picking up a few sheer bolts, I noticed my Home Depot sold some 2-sided shoes. (But I'm sure they are much cheaper elsewhere)

 

[Elixer]

No, these things

MTD sells those as a 'Rubber Auger Kit' for $60+$15 shipping

735-04032 Rubber Spiral
735-04033 Rubber Paddle

They screw into the metal auger, and supposedly, you can just flip them over...

 

[boomerang]

You could look at it this way. How long did they last? You're going to have to take off the same fasteners to turn them around as you would to replace them. As far as the price, maintenance goes hand in hand with ownership.

 

[NoTine42]

For $60 :O
I'd flip and at least make sure it helps to improve its snow eating performance...and possibly buy time to find a better deal online.

Of course, unplug the spark plug before touching the auger.

I'll have to take a look to see if my Ariens blower has something like that.

 

[Red Squirrel]

From what I recall from my manual, you can adjust them. Idealy you want a half decent clearance under the bottom of the snow blower so that when you're snow blowing it leaves a bit of snow behind. You don't want to constantly be scraping right down to the driveway surface. Snow gets packed down over time and then you get a smooth solid surface. It's also less hard on the shoes or your snow shovels that way.