Shoveling Snow - Any Suggestions?

[UKRay]

I have been meaning to buy a snow shovel for several years and have got away with it so far... Now i'm told the snow is almost upon us again so i'm going to bite the bullet. My question is what sort of snow shovel should I get?

You guys in the US and Canada know far more about snow than I ever will - although the weather forecast is suggesting I'm about to learn.... What sort of shovel do you use? Metal? Plastic? What? Help!

Pictures / links would be a great help.

Note: Backhoes, JCBs and mini-diggers don't count. I couldn't get one into my yard! LOL

Ray

[dirtclod]

Ray the only thing i shovel is a path to the mail box. I figure it's going to melt in a couple of days around here anyway.

But i did find this shovel plow on you tube and theirs a lot more ideals for your shovel.

Edited October 15, 2011 by dirtclod

[UKRay]

The only problem is that I'm no good with machinery... lol

Ray

[benlilly1]

I prefer a plastic shovel. It's lighter weight (quieter too) and if you have alot to shovel it's easier on the back. Here in Indiana we've had a few bad snow storms here and there so I'm used to shoveling. I'm hoping I won't have to get mine out too much this winter.

[TwinOaks]

I recommend you get the type that comes attached to a neighbor's kid, preferably one that will barter labor for cool leather items.

[TexasJack]

TwinOaks suggestion was a good one!

I spent a couple of years in upstate New York (the last year they had 92 inches of snow for the season). My solution was to move back to Texas. It was snowing when the movers loaded up the truck, and I asked them to let me know when they were done (as they had to occasionally use the snow shovel on their ramp). When they finished, I nailed that damned snow shovel to the wall of the garage. The truck driver said, "That looks like a fairly new shovel." It is, I replied. "Well, what are you going to do when it snows in Texas?", he asked. I answered, "I'm going to fix something hot to drink, pour some bourbon in it, and watch it snow. Then, I'll watch it melt, but I'm never shoveling another flake of snow."

[moxgrove]

The polycarbonate ones are awesome. They are light, but you can still scrape aggressively with them. I prefer a bent handle and a pusher style with slight side edges. Pushing beats lifting everytime. When the snow builds enough to not be able to push off, then you run it upt he bank and over. In Minnesota we know ice and snow.

[UKRay]

My local farm store has some powerful looking lightweight aluminum shovels - they any good?

The long range forecast is looking worse for the Welsh border...

Ray

[Crystal]

Hi Ray-

I personally do not like the aluminum shovels. For me, the snow seems to stick to aluminum more than plastic. You'll end up knocking as much off of the shovel as you do scooping. Only real tip I'd relay would be to get a shovel with the ergonomic handles on them. Easier on the back than the straight handles. Keep after the snowfall- it's easier to shovel an inch or two at a time than to try to tackle 2 feet all at once.

Crystal

[oldtimer]

Here are two good options, Ray. Both tested and approved !

/ Knut