Winter is just around the corner, and if you are the proud owner of a private house or cottage, or just occasionally visit your dacha during the cold season, then you are familiar with snow removal firsthand. And in this matter you simply cannot do without a convenient and reliable shovel. Actually, we will now tell you how to choose it.
A shovel consists of 2 main parts: the shovel or bucket itself and the handle, and the success of the purchase directly depends on the quality of both, so attention should be paid to them separately.
Material
Manufacturers use plastic or metal as material. Each has both its pros and cons.
Plastic
Products made from it are light and smooth, so snow practically does not stick to them and it is much easier to work with them. Plastic is usually selected that has a good ratio of ductility and strength (this is necessary so that the bucket does not split upon impact), as well as resistance to temperature changes.
Many manufacturers of snow shovels additionally reinforce the lower edge with a thin steel strip - this is a good compromise between the rigidity of the working edge and the lightness of the structure.
Despite all the practicality of plastic, it also has one drawback: it is absolutely not suitable for removing ice - if you try to break the ice on the path, it will most likely crack. Even a steel plate will not help in this matter.
Metal
A more reliable material, but at the same time, heavier. On the one hand, such a shovel is guaranteed to serve you for more than one season and is even suitable for removing ice, but on the other hand, you will have to feel its own weight during any work, even when removing light, fluffy, freshly fallen snow.
The basis for the production of metal shovels for snow removal is a sheet of thin steel, the final shape of which is determined by stamping. Steel quickly begins to rust when in contact with moisture, and to prevent this from happening, it is covered with a zinc protective coating or paint. And if at first such protection works great, then over time, especially if you fight with ice often, the coating wears off and chips, and rust still begins to appear on the base.
In addition to the greater weight compared to plastic shovels, metal ones have another drawback: their edges and, especially, corners, bend over time, which complicates the cleaning process.
Basic criteria for choosing a snow shovel
What should the working part of a snow removal shovel consist of:
Bucket - if you take a snow shovel with a bucket made of wooden material, then it must be periodically treated with a water-repellent agent and used carefully. A plastic bucket with low weight is resistant to damage and easy to use. Metal is durable, strong, but requires certain skills.
The working part of a snow shovel - a larger area of the scoop captures more snow. To do this, you need to put in more effort, which means the size of the shovel is selected based on the person’s body type. Rectangular shovels with a length of forty centimeters are comfortable to use.
Bucket Shape - Wide, flat shape suitable for clearing large areas. With deep sides - rakes out voluminous snowdrifts. Semicircular - for clearing terrain. Rectangular - for a flat surface.
Edge - trims the snow. Plastic - does not scratch the surface, does not harm plants. Metal - suitable for cleaning asphalt paths.
Shovel handles:
- Plastic . Suitable for removing dry, light snow, but ice crust can damage the tool.
- Wooden . Inexpensive, practical to use. They require careful care and careful use.
- Aluminum . They are durable and reliable, but you should choose a shovel with a rubberized handle.
The height of the handle is chosen according to the height of the person. This will help avoid strain on your back muscles. When choosing a multifunctional shovel, it is recommended to pay attention to a model with a retractable handle and replaceable handles. It is convenient to use when clearing cars and roofs.
Adviсe:
- The warranty period is an indicator of quality and reliability.
- Use the shovel as intended.
- Clearing the area is carried out wearing gloves. This will help avoid damage, frostbite, calluses, and splinters.
The best manufacturers of snow shovels are:
- Fiskars. Models: 142610, 1026667, 1026684, 1026686, 131413, 143000, 131921.
- Zubr 4-39505_z01.
- WOLF-Garten SN-M 42/ZM-AD120.
Cutting
Shovel handles are also made of 2 materials: wood and steel.
Wooden stalk
- It always remains warm and does not chill your hand even in the most severe frost.
- Doesn't slip when working.
- You can saw off the excess length or install an additional handle.
Metal
- Metal cuttings are made from pipes, so they practically do not differ in weight from wooden ones.
- They are very durable, but can bend if overloaded.
- Metal is not suitable for working with bare hands - in the cold they will freeze even faster.
- Metal is always more slippery, so when choosing, it is better to look at models with a transverse handle at the end of the handle or rubber inserts in the grip areas.
The length and shape of the handle are purely individual, so before purchasing, you can hold the shovel in your hand and make a couple of “training” swings. If you have to bend down too much, it’s better to look at another, longer model - when working with a shovel with a short handle, your back will get tired too quickly.
Plastic snow shovel and how to make it yourself
The easiest option is to take a plastic ladle from the store and attach a homemade handle to it yourself. The cost of such a hand-made product will be about 300 rubles, but it will have many more advantages than a wooden stump. Let's look at them.
- The weight is much less than OSB and fiberboard (about 150-250 g instead of 450-650). A plastic snow shovel is much more convenient, due to which the worker does not get tired and can do the job much longer. It is easy to transport.
- Not subject to corrosive effects. Plastic lasts for decades, unlike wood, metal, and other materials. It can be left in the sun, rain or any other harsh environment. It is not necessary to store the shovel indoors.
- Relatively low cost. Compared to aluminum or steel, plastic is much cheaper. Thus, you get a tool with good characteristics at an inexpensive price.
- Availability. You can find a plastic bucket for a shovel in almost every hardware store, and there are a wide variety of shapes and sizes!
If you want to make your own plastic snow shovel, then you need to get creative. The cost of such a product will depend on how well you select the materials and how well you know how to dig through dacha garbage. All elements can be found at home or with neighbors, at least. Let's take a closer look at the process.
Step 1
We are looking for materials.
First you need to find a plastic bowl made of hard but flexible plastic. You cannot use brittle material - it will quickly become unusable even with little effort. You can check the “suitability” of a material in one simple way - try to break it. If you put in a lot of effort and the plastic bends during the process, this is an ideal option.
Step 2
Let's make a ladle.
Cut out the correct shape. The ideal size is 45x45 centimeters. You can cut it with an ordinary jigsaw with a small file or just a hacksaw for metal. An even seam is not necessary, you can do it as you please, because the edge will sharpen on the snow in literally 1-2 days.
Step 3
We attach the holder.
The easiest way is with wire. We heat the nail on the fire and make 4 holes with it, into which we insert the wire. 2 holes where the handle touches and 2 where it meets the end of the plastic plate. A slightly more complicated method is an aluminum mount. If the plastic is thick enough, you can drive a self-tapping screw into it. We take a cordless screwdriver and screw on the aluminum plate that will hold the handle. We attach a similar plate at the point where the end of the handle comes into contact with the plastic plate.
Our snow shovel is now ready. All that remains is to wait for the start of snowfalls and test it in practice, perhaps making some adjustments regarding its strength and ease of use.
Which company is better to buy a budget shovel for snow removal?
Felicita
This is the best model to buy for those who plan to use the tool occasionally. The length of the product is 144 cm, with a working surface diameter of 39x41 cm.
Cost – 1140 rub.
Felicita shovel
Advantages:
- comfortable handle to use;
- wooden handle;
- compactness;
- rounded bucket.
Flaws:
- weight 1.3 kg;
- a lot of plastic elements.
ECOS 501 71 cm 28x21
A review of this product from a popular brand showed that the model meets all the necessary parameters that make the tool reliable, practical and durable. The body is painted bright orange, so finding the structure in a snowdrift is quite easy. The bucket is made of aluminum. The handle is complemented by a comfortable handle with a plastic bridge. The width of the working element is 21 cm, which makes it an excellent solution for creating a track for a car. The strength indicator is determined by the stiffening rib, which runs along the entire length of the product. The material is not susceptible to corrosion, but the paint will soon begin to peel off.
It should be noted that, if necessary, the bucket can be detached from the handle. For their subsequent fixation you will need a nut and bolt. When disassembled, it reaches a height of 71 cm. The load on the back is minimal.
You can buy it at a price of 1180 rubles.
ECOS 501 71 cm 28x21
Advantages:
- collapsible design;
- stiffener;
- bright colors;
- stainless steel handle;
- comfortable handle;
- an option for a motorist who has to regularly dig trenches under the wheels of his own car.
Flaws:
- There are no anti-slip pads.
Palisad 6156929x61.5
The snow removal tool has amazing characteristics. To begin with, we should note the width of the working surface of 61.5 cm. With these parameters, cleaning the yard will be faster. High-quality polypropylene is used to make the bucket. There are side sides for better grip. The tool will sweep away the snow layer like a bulldozer or expensive electric (battery) devices. The stiffening ribs are semicircular, which diverge at the edges, so the product can withstand significant loads. Thus, the manufacturer managed to maintain a single strength indicator at any point of contact.
The curved shape of the shovel, which is shaped like an aluminum handle, deserves special attention. It is extremely convenient to handle. The bucket is low enough that a person does not need to constantly bend over. Both an elderly person and one who has problems with the spine can cope with such a device.
Cost – 1230 rub.
Palisad 6156929x61.5
Advantages:
- minimal load on the spine;
- high and comfortable sides;
- aluminum handle;
- rubberized pads;
- unusual appearance;
- grip reliability.
Flaws:
- The shovel weighs 1.9 kg.
Gardena ClassicLine 17560-30
A modern analogue of a snow shovel. It is referred to as a snow mover, the width of the bucket is 80 cm. The product is also equipped with two hidden wheels, which will allow you to easily move snow masses of any size. The working surface is cast from plastic; no burrs or distortions were detected. Lateral support is present only for 40% of its length. The back side is used to fix snow masses inside the product. Equipped with a metal edge. The aluminum handle does not bend under load. There is a rubberized coating over the entire area.
According to most users, the existing reinforced stiffeners deserve special attention. Unlike similar products, they are thicker and much taller. The plastic used will retain its original qualities down to -15°C. Below -20°C, polymers will begin to crack.
Price – 1400 rub.
Gardena ClassicLine 17560-30
Advantages:
- ease of transportation;
- high-quality metal edge;
- reinforced stiffening ribs;
- working width;
- the ability to carry out independent repairs;
- price.
Flaws:
- temperature control is required.
Sugar 38×49
The rounded plastic shapes are complemented by a familiar wooden handle on a comfortable handle. Dimensions 38x49 cm.
Price – 1580 rub.
Sugar 38×49
Advantages:
- the handle sits tightly on the handle;
- abundance of wooden elements;
- weight;
- form;
- ease of use.
Flaws:
- not identified.
GARDENA ClassicLine 17550-30
The weight of the product is 1100 g, with a length of 1.2 m. The 40x40 cm bucket is extremely convenient to use. Rounded shape. The surface material is plastic.
Price – 1860 rub.
GARDENA ClassicLine 17550-30
Advantages:
- wide bucket;
- familiar design;
- non-slip type handle.
Flaws:
- weight.
FISKARS Solid
The shape of the bucket is rounded. The sides are made of aluminum. The handle handle is metal, high quality and durable. The length of the product is 133 cm. The total weight of the structure is 0.5 kg. Dimensions of the bucket are 35.5x38 cm.
Average price – 1870 rubles.
FISKARS Solid
Advantages:
- massive handle made of high-strength plastic;
- Ease of use;
- compact dimensions;
- fits well in the hand.
Flaws:
- branded case sold separately.
Fiskars SnowXpert 1019347
Our rating included a model whose length is 63 cm. Due to this, it is convenient to transport it in the trunk and use it if necessary. A 22 cm wide bucket is considered the optimal solution for removing obstacles from the vehicle's path. If necessary, the sides can be raised by 10.5 cm. Most of the product is made of high-strength plastic, so it is not in danger of corrosion. The manufacturer has a 2-year warranty, however, based on numerous reviews online, no returns have yet occurred. Weighs 500 g.
Cost – 1900 rub.
Fiskars SnowXpert 1019347
Advantages:
- steel edge;
- dimensions;
- possibility of crushing frozen masses;
- ease of transportation;
- comfort of use.
Flaws:
- the color of the new product is unsuccessful, based on numerous photos on the Internet;
- price.
Shrew 0235-Alumax 37.5x50
The parameters of the working surface are 37.5x50 cm, so with sufficient physical training, you can clear the yard quickly and efficiently. The side edges are small. The overlay on the handle is rubberized, which will allow you to grasp the barbell with your hands almost anywhere. The shovel will not slip out. The handle has anatomical cutouts, making the grip as secure as possible. The aluminum product is not afraid of corrosion, but the weight will be 1.7 kg. Based on numerous reviews, the product is considered one of the strongest on the domestic market.
The handle is attached in five different places, at the same distance from each other. Thus, the manufacturer managed to achieve the most uniform load distribution throughout the entire structure. The bucket is also made of aluminum, so it will cope well not only with snowdrifts, but also with ice flooring. The appearance of cracks and chips is excluded, since the material will survive a collision with any obstacle.
Cost – 2540 rubles.
Shrew 0235-Alumax 37.5x50
Advantages:
- reliable connection of elements;
- anatomical cutouts on the handle;
- rubber pads;
- aluminum construction.
Flaws:
- weight;
- price.
Video text
CYCLE Expert shovels – for all snow conditions.
