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