Soft foot can severely affect the operating condition of a machine, which will undoubtedly shorten its life expectancy. Here are a few simple tips to help avoid soft foot in your machines:

1. Eliminate rust, dirt, and any other contamination from the contact surfaces of the machine feet, shims, and frame or foundation.
2. Never insert more than four shims at a time beneath a single machine foot. More than three shims may cause a spring effect.
3. Eliminate external forces on the machine such as those from connected piping, conduit, auxiliary supports, etc.
4. Use high-quality, clean, and uniform shims when shimming is necessary.

Watch our Shaft Alignment Know-How video on Soft Foot