Quick verdict
A pair of roller skid shoes with hardware that replaces the flat steel skids on most MTD-built two and three stage snow blowers, including Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines and some Husqvarna and Ariens models, using the common 2-3/4 inch slot and 3 inch bolt centre pattern. Rollers glide over pavers, decks and gravel instead of gouging them and make the machine far easier to push and turn. Check the slot spacing on your machine before ordering.
Strengths
- Rolling skids glide instead of scraping; easier to push and turn
- Protects pavers, decks and painted concrete from steel skid marks
- Fits the common MTD 2-3/4 inch slot pattern across many brands
- Hardware included
- Rollers outlast flat steel skids that wear through
Weaknesses
- Fit depends on slot spacing; verify against your auger housing
- Rollers can clog with packed snow on very wet days
- Hole spacing varies slightly between batches per the maker
The overall YardToolLab Score is out of 100. Section scores are out of 10.
Skids That Roll
The two flat steel skids under a snow blower drag across the ground, scoring pavers and painted concrete and making the machine heavy to turn. Roller skids replace them with wheels. Huthbrother’s pair fits the 2-3/4 inch slot and 3 inch bolt pattern used on most MTD-built two and three stage machines, which covers Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines and more, replacing part 490-241-0038.
This review is based on the listing specifications and on how roller skid shoes perform on snow blowers generally. We have not fitted these skids ourselves and the brand is a generic importer.
What Changes
With rollers, the front of the machine glides instead of dragging. Turning at the end of a run takes a nudge rather than a heave, and the machine tracks straighter. On a paver drive or a deck, the rust streaks and gouges that steel skids leave stop. Owners of roller skids describe them as the first upgrade they would make again.
Fit
MTD built machines for many brands using the same auger housing slot. Measure the existing skid slot and the bolt spacing; if they read 2-3/4 and 3 inches these fit. The maker notes hole spacing varies slightly between batches, so compare on arrival before the first snow. Hardware is included.
Setting Height
Loosen the bolts, set the scraper bar about 1/8 inch above a smooth surface with a board under the bar, and tighten both skids at the same height. On gravel, raise them so the auger does not pick up stones. Equal height on both sides keeps the machine cutting level.
Wet Snow
Rollers can pack with slush on very wet days and stop turning until knocked clear. It is a minor nuisance against the gain the rest of the season.
Who Should Buy It
- Owners of paver, deck or painted surfaces cleared by snow blower.
- Anyone who finds the machine heavy to turn.
- Owners replacing worn-through steel skids.
Common Owner Complaints
Bolt holes off by a fraction on some machines. Compare before the season and ream if needed.
Fitting Tips
Do the swap on a mild day with the machine on a level floor and a board under the scraper bar to set the height. Spray the old skid bolts with penetrating oil the night before; a season of slush rusts them. Fit the new skids loose, set the height with the board, then tighten fully and check both sides match before the first run.
Care
Knock packed snow out of the rollers after a wet session and give the axles a shot of silicone spray before each storm. At season end, wash the salt off and oil the bolts so next winter they come off without a fight.
Alternatives to Consider
Armorskids are the branded poly skids that slide without scoring. OEM steel skids are the cheap like-for-like replacement. Poly glide skids are a quieter non-rolling option.
Verdict
For an MTD-pattern snow blower on pavers or a deck, roller skids are the best upgrade for the money and these fit the common slot. Measure first, set them level and the machine will steer like a different tool.
Full specifications
Huthbrother Universal Roller Skid Shoes for Two and Three Stage Snow Blowers, Replaces 490-241-0038 FAQs
They set the height of the auger housing above the ground and carry the weight of the front of the machine. Flat steel skids scrape; rollers roll.
Measure the slot on your existing skid and the distance between the two bolts. If they are 2-3/4 inches and 3 inches, these fit. Most MTD-built machines match.
Scraper bar about 1/8 inch above smooth concrete, higher on gravel so the auger does not throw stones. Set both sides equal.
No. That is the main reason owners of paver drives and decks switch to rollers.
