The Best Snow Blower Track Kit

Icy driveways can turn a quick snow clearing session into a battle with your machine. A well chosen snow blower track kit helps the unit maintain traction, track straight, and reduce wear on the scraper bar and housing.

The right kit also makes a two stage or three stage machine feel more stable on uneven ground, whether you are clearing a gravel drive, a concrete path, or the packed snow around your garage.

Our guide to the best snow blower track kit compares replacement shoes, impeller upgrades, and mounting hardware that owners rely on most.

We evaluated every option against the same criteria, using specifications, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback, so you can find the right fit for two stage and three stage machines without overpaying for features you will never use.

Best Snow Blower Track Kit Buying Guide

Material and Build Quality

Frame mounted shoes and impeller parts take a beating. A snow blower track kit should be made from hardened steel or a durable composite that can handle gravel, salt, and below freezing temperatures.

Stainless steel is worth seeking out for impeller kits because it resists corrosion far better than plain painted metal.

Owners who rely on gas powered snow blowers often prefer steel shoes because they hold up to repeated contact with the ground. The same owners check the thickness of the metal before ordering, since thin stock bends easily and creates more problems than it solves.

Look for zinc plated or stainless hardware in the kit. Bolts that rust after one winter make future replacements harder and weaken the mounting point.

Fit and Compatibility

The best snow blower track kit is only useful when it matches your machine. Check the mounting hole spacing, shoe width, and impeller hub size before you order.

Many universal kits list fit notes for brands such as Craftsman, MTD, and Cub Cadet, but fitment can change between model years.

If you clear deep snow conditions with a larger unit, confirm that the replacement shoes sit at the correct height. Shoes that are too tall leave a thin layer of snow, while shoes that are too short let the bucket scrape concrete.

A compact 26 inch snow blower may need a narrower shoe than a wide 36 inch machine. Measure the existing shoe or find the part number in your owner’s manual before making a purchase.

Traction and Surface Protection

The most obvious benefit of a good track kit is traction. Worn shoes allow the machine to wander, and the scraper bar digs into the surface, making the whole unit harder to control.

Fresh shoes restore the proper ride height and keep the blower moving in a straight line.

Roller skid shoes are especially useful on uneven or cracked pavement. They reduce friction and help the machine glide over expansion joints. The same principle applies to highly rated snow blowers that ship with smooth shoes from the factory.

For gravel driveways, choose a wider shoe that does not dig in. For concrete, you want a shoe that lifts the scraper bar just enough to prevent scraping while still clearing the surface.

Installation and Hardware

Most replacement shoes and impeller kits include bolts, washers, and nuts. That makes a snow blower track kit a practical DIY upgrade for homeowners who already own a socket set.

You do not need to take the machine to a dealer. Supporting the blower with a jack or a few blocks is usually enough to reach the mounting points, and the job can be done in under an hour in most cases.

If you are working with budget friendly snow blowers, double check the thread size and hardware length before you loosen anything. Universal kits are designed to cover common sizes, but a wrong bolt can strip the mounting hole.

Long-Term Durability

Durability matters because these parts are sacrificial. The shoes wear down so the housing and scraper bar do not. Replacing them on time is cheaper than repairing a damaged auger housing or replacing the entire machine.

Owners who want maximum protection look for long warranty coverage on their snow blower, but even the best warranty does not cover normal wear items such as shoes. This is why stocking a spare set makes sense before the heaviest part of the season.

A good kit can last several winters if you inspect it regularly and replace worn hardware. When you see seasonal snow blower deals near the start of winter, it is a sensible time to pick up a replacement set.

Why You Should Trust Us

Snow Removal Wiki is an independent review site, not a retailer. We do not sell snow blowers or carry inventory, and we use the same 0 to 10 SRW Score across every product category.

If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. That support never influences the SRW Score or the order of products.

We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback.

Each snow blower track kit in this guide was assessed on material quality, fit, ease of installation, and long term durability. The same method appears in our regional picks for heavy snowfall regions, where we apply the same scoring criteria to complete snow blowers.

Final Thoughts

Choose the best snow blower track kit based on the surface you clear, the size of your machine, and how much wear protection you need.

Managers who clear apartment complexes and large lots will want a shoe that lasts, while homeowners with a short sidewalk may be fine with a simpler design.

Even the best replacement parts are only helpful when they fit properly, so measure first and install them before the first heavy snow.

Best Overall: ZHIXING 304 Stainless Snow Blower Impeller Kit earned the highest SRW Score in this group with its stainless steel construction, included hardware, and universal fit for many two stage machines.

Best for Surface Protection: Huthbrother Universal Roller Skid Shoes use a roller design that helps the machine glide over cracks and joints while protecting the scraper bar.

Best Budget Pick: CheeMuii Snowblower Slide Shoes offer a straightforward replacement for worn shoes on residential two stage machines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a snow blower track kit if my machine already has skid shoes?

Yes, because skid shoes are wear items. Most snow blowers ship with basic shoes, and universal kits give you a spare set with stronger hardware.

If handling the machine is difficult because of a heavy engine, a track kit alone will not fix that; you may want a model with arthritis friendly controls, as highlighted in our snow blower guide for arthritis.

Will a snow blower track kit fit any two stage snow blower?

Not always. Universal kits cover common brands, but you still need to check the mounting hole spacing, shoe width, and impeller hub size. If you run a wide 32 inch machine, measure the existing shoe before ordering.

Should I buy roller skid shoes or slide shoes?

Roller shoes reduce friction and track well on uneven or cracked concrete. Slide shoes are simpler and often more affordable, and they work fine on smooth pavement.

For steps and narrow walkways, slide shoes are often easier to control because they do not roll ahead of you.

How often should I replace snow blower skid shoes?

Check them before every storm. If the scraper bar touches the ground or the shoes have worn down to a thin edge, replace them.

This prevents damage to the housing and keeps the snow blower track straight over the life of the machine.

If you spend a lot of time clearing artificial turf, inspect the shoes even more often because the surface can be uneven.

Will an impeller kit help my snow blower throw snow farther?

An impeller modification can help reduce clogging in wet, sticky snow, but it does not replace the engine or the auger’s capacity. It is one part of a broader maintenance routine.

If you rely on a separate machine for roof snow removal or other specialty jobs, focus on clearing height and chute control rather than an impeller upgrade alone.

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