Metal snow shovels: types and tips for use

Snow metal shovels are a handy tool for clearing snow. However, it is easy to get confused in the choice, because brands offer a lot of options to the attention of buyers. The material of this article will tell you about the types of such shovels and what are the nuances of their operation.

Metal shovels for snow removal are much more expensive than analogues made of wood and plastic. However, their service life is longer, so the price pays off with their durability. Due to the more efficient snow removal, metal is considered the best material for snow shovels. Today, the materials for such shovels are aluminum and steel. In addition, the company produces galvanized models. As for aluminum products, such products are lightweight, resilient and durable. They are used primarily for ice removal, although tools with such buckets are expensive. Steel counterparts are more efficient and are characterized by greater strength and durability.

If we classify shovels by type of work, then they are manual and mechanized. The first models for snow removal are extremely simple, the second are rigidly welded structures with wheels. Often, such snowplows resemble carts, which are equipped with a swing mechanism in one direction or another. Products on wheels can be called a kind of traditional scraper.

The wheel axle allows the operator to lift the shovel to overcome small obstacles. The disadvantage of such models is the lack of performance. Today, models of snow shovels are also on sale on one wheel. Such products are in great demand in Europe, however, they are unable to cope with a large volume of snow, and therefore the domestic buyer rarely pays attention to them.

Shovels made of this carbon-rich material are characterized by increased strength at an optimally low weight. This is good for work, because in the process of it there will be no overexpenditure of the user's efforts. Rails that do not meet certain parameters are used for the production of these shovels. Before entering production, the rails are packed, then the metal is processed using the double hardening technique.

Steel with carbon content is characterized by increased strength and resilience. Such shovels can withstand significant loads. They have additional stiffening ribs located close to the handle in places with maximum work load.

In order to increase the resistance of products to rust, they are coated with a special paint, powder polymer or galvanized. In the coating process, a static electricity system is used, in which the powder is attracted to the metal sheet as good as a magnet. Further, the product is processed with high temperatures.A steel shovel of this type does not deform, it does not become dull when working frequently with frozen and icy snow.

When choosing a product for snow removal, you need to consider a number of factors. For example, the overall design of the blade (metal snow bucket), ergonomics and weight. With regards to the design, it is worth choosing a product with additional stiffeners. Considering that the models can be very different (including bayonet, garden, shovel, breed and snow), you need to take an option specifically for snow. The urgency of such a choice is explained by an increased working surface, which is especially convenient for removing a large amount of snow at one time.

When choosing this or that product, you need to pay attention to the cuttings. Depending on the model, it can be made of wood or metal. The first varieties are more affordable, they can be replaced if necessary. Variants with a metal handle are hollow inside. These are hollow steel tubes that are lightweight, comfortable and reliable. With these advantages, they have 2 disadvantages: they cool hands and do not provide for repairs. As for the convenience of the user, here a lot will depend on the height of the handle. If there is a discrepancy, the worker will quickly get tired, removing the territory from the snow blockages. If the choice is made in favor of a wooden cutting, it is better to take the birch version: it will be enough for 3 seasons for sure. Coniferous counterparts are too fragile, they break quickly.

When choosing your own version of a snow shovel, be it titanium, reinforced with a bar or steel pavement structure, you need to take into account its ergonomics. In addition, you need to pay attention to the weight, which can complicate the work of cleaning the local area from the snow that has fallen. Galvanized shovels differ in practicality in work. Due to the protective coating, they practically do not corrode. In addition, snow sticks to them much less than to other metal shovels.

When choosing a product, you also need to pay attention to the width and working surface of the bucket. For these factors, you can choose a shovel not only for an adult, but also for a child, teaching him to help around the house when clearing the territory. The handle should be at a slight angle to the bucket. The disadvantage of steel shanks and analogs from metal alloys is the limited length of the handle. You need to pick them up personally, choosing the one that seems more convenient. In this case, a slide-type shovel would be an ideal option.

And today the market is full of offers, from which each buyer can choose the most convenient toolkit. Among other options, buyers like the following metal snow shovels;

• "Sputnik-2" - titanium model with an aluminum handle, working surface 355x355 mm and a total length of 1380 mm;
• LS-7 - steel shovel with a bar, assembled with a wooden handle and a V-shaped handle with a working area of ​​450x330 mm;
• Maxi - a shovel-type product without a handle made of rail steel with high wear resistance and high performance characteristics;

• Sibrtech - sidewalk steel snow shovel without a handle with the parameters of the working surface 400x500 mm.

Before starting work, you can warm up a little, as warmed up muscles work better. Clothing during work should not hinder movement. If a malaise is noticed even before work, it is categorically impossible to start cleaning the snow. You should not drink coffee before this, as this will lead to an increase in heart rate.

Snow removal work involves stress and strain on the spine and body in the lumbosacral junction. You have to work bent over, and besides, turning in order to throw the snow to the side. To reduce the load, experts recommend working with a shovel like a bulldozer. To do this, you need to choose a product with a high handle and a comfortable handle so that you can hold on to it with both hands.

Holding the handle and putting the shovel on the ground, they collect and pull the snow forward. When it needs to be thrown away, the shovel is turned to the side and is done with the help of a leg, slightly raising the bucket with snow and pushing it with a foot. When performing a raking movement, you need to try to keep your back straight. When the snow has been pushed back, you need to throw the snow to the side with a jerk of the body and knees. At the same time, twisting the body is extremely undesirable, it is unhealthy. When working with a shovel, you do not need to make pulling movements, which cause a large load on the lower back and tire the worker.

In the next video, you will find an overview of a smart snow shovel on wheels.