See this is what I mean, even a simple ? can be answered with dignity. Welcome to the forum Mountain. plowing with the shoes off wont hurt the plow, it will accelerate the cutting edge wear, but that is the only way to plow clear to the pavement. If it is a new plow, the dealer may just have left the shoes adjusted way to high. there should be a stack of washers that by moving them btween the top and the bottom of the plow anchor for the shoe , will help you adjust the cutting edge height. <br>For the most part if you are on asphalt you wont need them, if you do alot of gravel drives, it may help to leave them on, and an inch above the ground would be a good height.<br>Dino <br><p>----------<br> Professional Ice and Snow Management <br>Products:Services:Equipment www.sima.org