Snow shovels: types and tips for choosing

With the arrival of snow, a special joyful mood appears even among adults. But along with it, it becomes necessary to regularly clear paths, roofs and cars. To facilitate this difficult task, it is important to choose the right snow removal tool. The choice is not at all so simple, because manufacturers produce many types of snow removal equipment. It differs in weight, materials, target areas.

A snow shovel cannot be absolutely universal in its design and purpose. One that is suitable for cleaning a roof is inconvenient for cleaning a car or a visor on a building. And the compact glass scraper is not suitable for clearing snowy paths.

Devices for cleaning snowfall are:

• standard;
• for cars;
• in the form of scrapers (scrapers);
• dumps;
• screw.

Great for shoveling or throwing snow on paths. The bucket is made from different materials and combinations thereof. The low price and light weight of the inventory with low strength make it the least popular category. Such a bucket has to be reinforced with metal. The plastic version is allowed only to collect loose, un-trampled snow.

This is how thin stainless steel snow shovels can be characterized. Such steel does not exceed the weight of plywood and the shovel is easy to use even if not in strong hands. But it can only cope with fresh snow.

The buckets are made of galvanized steel for increased durability. At the same time, they become heavier. Therefore, they can be used to clear any kind of snow, but only with a certain endurance and physical strength. The strength of the bucket is also increased by stiffening ribs, which makes it possible to reduce the weight and thickness of the metal during production.

Designed for digging out machines stuck in the snow. The snow shovel is comparable to the standard model in width, but tapers sharply closer to the blade. In addition, it is always equipped with a foldable handle.

The shovel bucket is made of lightweight aluminum or steel, which affects the price upward.

A specialized tool for cleaning slopes, similar to a large glass scraper. The design is distinguished by a shape in the form of a corner, frame or arc. The handle has the optimal length so that you do not need to use a ladder additionally. To direct the snowball, flexible plastic or a piece of synthetic material is attached to the frame. Snow cut from the roof leaves sideways along a guide made of fabric or plastic material, and does not fall on the head.

But without a shovel, the scraper will be useless. In any case, the snow heaps will have to be raked. And if the shovel can be easily transported with you in the trunk for various purposes, then the scraper is suitable only for removing snow from small canopies and roofs. For most of the winter season, his lot is to be inactive and wait in the wings. Nevertheless, such a tool will always come in handy in a private household.

You can make the job easier with an electric shovel or a mini tractor that throws snow to the sides.Such tools easily cope with the elimination of snowdrifts remaining after cleaning the roof. They are also used on the roof itself, but not on country mansions, but on the flat roof of multi-storey buildings.

Users of retirement age can work as electrical equipment for snow removal. It is distinguished by high productivity, but it has large dimensions and weight. Another disadvantage may be the risk of damage to the wire at low temperatures or the danger of chopping it with blades.

The action of the scraper with auger is identical to the blade, but represents the most productive version. Instead of brute force, a wide pitch auger is used to push the snow back. When the snow mass is pressed on the auger, it makes rotational movements of the blades at an angle to the oncoming snow. In this case, the snow moves and is dumped sideways.

An obvious disadvantage is manifested in the impossibility of removing a dense layer of packed wet snow. Each version of the model has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most versatile are those in the form of typical shovels. They can remove the snow cap from the tiles, clean the snow from the paths and canopies, throw it away from the wheels and gates.

From what material the shovel is made of, its durability and convenience depend. The cleaning process is less time-consuming, if the tool is equipped with a large bucket, it grips and throws snow well. The work piece must be at the correct angle. Under all these characteristics, you can bring a snow shovel with a rectangular or trapezoidal bucket.

The hem of the sides increases its capacity. But lifting a lot of snow takes a lot of effort.

In addition, the handle affects the convenience of the shovel. It can be made of wood, which is convenient when purchasing a shovel for the local area. Such a stalk is simply shortened if it turns out to be the wrong length. The aluminum handle is much lighter but also more expensive. The plastic shank is too fragile and is more suitable for a bucket.

There is a great variety of shovels on sale.

They differ in shape and materials:

• moisture resistant plywood;
• polyethylene and other types of plastic;
• polycarbonate;
• Cink Steel;
• aluminum or duralumin;
• combined materials.

Plastic inventory is lightweight and short-lived. But plastic is not afraid of moisture and it can be stored anywhere. You can extend the life of plastic inventory by inserting metal plates into it. The main difference is frost resistance and resistance to chemicals.

The aluminum snow shovel is reliable, lightweight and durable... But for the consumption of less energy during operation, this tool is held, observing an angle of 45 degrees. This is the best option for long-term cleaning of a large area. Duralumin is an alloy of metals that allows you to give a lightweight product maximum strength. It is slightly heavier than wood, but much stronger. A snow shovel made of steel is a paragon of reliability and durability. Even ice can be easily cut with it. But to manipulate it, you need to be in good physical shape.

A shovel with a plywood blade is the cheapest and available for self-assembly. Due to its structure and small thickness, the product wears out quickly. On more expensive models, a metal border is additionally made on the bucket. Mostly suitable for removing fresh snow.It will be difficult to remove icy caked crust. But even a steel border with crossbars does not prevent moisture-resistant plywood from cracking over time.

Snow shovels are different:

• manufacturing method;
• structural details;
• materials;
• target area;
• by form;
• dimensions.

They are homemade and inventory. Own production is cheaper, but the products are heavier and not as convenient as purchased ones.

Shovel - the engine is suitable for clearing large snow-covered areas. It features a wide bucket that can handle up to 1 meter of snow. The U-shaped handle provides a more comfortable grip. The bucket is sometimes equipped with wheels to increase the functionality of the shovel. This model can be used as a wheelbarrow. A steel pad is made along the edge of the bucket to increase its durability.

A telescopic shovel is much more compact than a shovel with a folding handle. The adjustable handle height makes the snow clearing process more comfortable. This shovel can be purchased separately or as part of a travel kit for out-of-town trips.

The scraper shovel is a mechanical model, the most convenient in work... Relieves stress on the lower back. The bucket is pushed in front of you, while the rotating auger throws the snow sideways. But the tool only copes with a thin, loose snow layer.

Rechargeable winter equipment is ideal for work in summer cottages. Clearing the snow-covered area is carried out without the need to connect to an outlet.

Gasoline vehicles are more expensive and professional tools. In addition, it emits harmful vapors into the air. Maneuverable in work, reducing the time of snow removal by several times.

Differs from scraper in bucket configuration and parameters. Some models have wheels that take on a considerable weight of the unit. The presence of wheels makes it easier to clear snow, distributing forces only to push the snow forward with the help of a bucket.

The blade is also attached in front of the vehicle in order to clear the roadway in front of it from the snow embankment. In this case, the tool is made of heavy-duty material.

The bucket is available on various models of snow shovels. The cleaning efficiency depends on the depth of the snow collection with the bucket. And the width of this part also matters a lot. The bucket is made of different materials: from composite to steel.

Differs in a wide handle in the form of an arc and an impressive bucket in width. Purpose - cleaning loose snow. It is impossible to work with a frozen layer with a drag.

It differs from the traditional winter shovel by a certain slope - for convenient installation perpendicular to the ground. Suitable only for shoveling, but not for throwing snow masses. The tool is equipped with one or two handles.

Two-handle implements are useful on both large road sections and small paths. The front edge of the metal knife scoops up the snow, and the rear edge moves almost perpendicular to it. To make the job easier, the scraper is often mounted on skis.

It is worth noting that there are hybrids of a shovel with a scraper. Their design allows you to slightly lift snow and move large volumes of it over the surface.

Convenient and lightweight snow removal tool. The plastic edge makes it safe for the surface to be cleaned. It has the optimal angle of inclination of the working blade for high-quality work and a removable handle made of ash and aluminum with a length of 1.5 m.Its design includes a locking screw to securely fix the device.

The plastic frost-resistant shovel is attached to an aluminum shank with a V-shaped handle made of durable plastic. The special shape of the bucket facilitates the process of collecting and dumping snow. The presence of an aluminum bar gives strength to the working part, making it wear-resistant.

The bucket is made of frost-resistant plastic, bordered with metal. Lightweight and other aluminum handle. A handy tool for cleaning snow embankments.

Winter shovel made of composite plastic material. The large, large bucket ensures efficient clearing of large snow-covered areas. Composite plastic does not crack in cold weather. In addition, the bucket is reinforced with stiffeners and a U-shaped lip. There is a V-shaped comfortable handle.

High strength tool. The bucket is able to withstand a collision with a car weighing 2 tons. At the same time, it is lightweight and can withstand large subzero temperatures. Reinforced with a 3 cm wide hardened aluminum profile.

Sturdy plastic scoop with wooden handle and plastic handle. The blade of the winter shovel is made of metal, which gives the equipment additional strength. At the same time, it allows an expansion of the range of work performed.

High-quality frost-resistant plastic with aluminum edging on the outer working edge. The wooden handle with a plastic handle does not slip out of your hands. Finnish quality, suitable for Russian winter. The warranty period for inventory is 3 years.

The canvas is made of frost-resistant plastic and is reinforced with two ribs. The rigidity of the structure is provided by a metal plate on the base of the canvas.

Inventory from the Tsentroinstrument company for cleaning small areas from snow. Made of low temperature resistant plastic that is not afraid of mechanical damage. Comfortable plastic handle allows you to firmly fix the tool in the palm of your hand while working. The ergonomic handle is covered with rubber and does not cause unpleasant tactile sensations from touching the skin in cold weather.

The shovel is made of high quality materials that are strong, reliable and durable. The working edge is edged with aluminum and is lightweight. At the same time, it is resistant to corrosion and serves to protect the plastic from damage. Unlike conventional polypropylene, polycarbonate is endowed with high strength and frost resistance (-60 ° C). The material is noted to be resistant to sunlight and other weather factors.

The inventory is identical in quality to the Zubr model. Fits in the trunk of any car brand. Does not take up space during storage and transportation. The rubber pad on the scraper allows for maximum cleaning of asphalt and concrete surfaces.

Equipment with a polycarbonate bucket with increased frost resistance and confident durability. The stability of the material is observed in the temperature range -60 ° C to +140 degrees C. The aluminum handle is sealed with a foil for a comfortable holding of the instrument in the hands.

One of the main indicators of a solid winter shovel is considered to be light weight. Here the rule applies: a light tool is a simplified work for your own pleasure, a massive one is a long work. The lightest models are made of plastic.

You can get tired quickly even when working with a lightweight snow shovel, when the size of the tool is chosen incorrectly. The scoop (scraper) parameters are selected for individual parameters and needs. At the same time, attention is paid to its area and configuration features are taken into account.

Snow shovels are usually produced with bumpers on one or three sides. They prevent the snow mass from sliding off the shovel and make it possible to transfer more snow in one pass. The shovels with high sides have a large bucket that can hold a lot of snow.

Large sides on the back of the winter shovel improve its sliding and working process. Reinforced aluminum strip reinforces the plastic. A lip on the edges of the working part protects it from damage and increases the service life of the tool. A stainless steel edge will help in clearing asphalt and concrete surfaces from snow and ice. The lightweight plastic-edged shovel will not scratch the surface or harm the plants. The foldable handle is convenient if you plan to transport a shovel.

A large shovel with a stationary handle is not transportable.

Next, see the video review of snow shovels.