Favorite Snow Shovel

[nafterclifen]

Some of us have to deal with snow, like it or not. And we all probably have our favorite shovel.

I dread using anything other than the Suncast steel core ergonomic handle (https://www.suncast.com/sc3250.html). I'm 6' tall and rarely have to bend over when using it. It's great for lifting snow and throwing it forward or backwards. It's doable but awkward when throwing to the left or right. Definitely my all-time favorite handle/shovel to use. Been using the same one now for at least 15 years.

I'm now searching for another one and keep coming up short. Either they're not making them anymore or retailers haven't put all their snow inventory yet.

I've tried others, like this Ames True Temper (https://www.true-temper.com/tool/snow-removal-tools/snow-shovel-1603072/), but I don't like it.

What kind of snow shovels is everyone using?

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

Yooper Scooper when I lived in the U.P. Now that we're in southeastern Illinois I use an old aluminum scoop shovel for the little bit that we get here.

 

[Jersey Drew]

Western pro plus 8.5 foot!

For a hand shovel I buy 2 or 3 of the cheapest thing at Home Depot.

 

[measuredtwice]

The length of the Suncast is only 52" which is average. The ergo handle helps but I'd still need to hunch over with that shovel. I have a 58" Big Foot with ergo handle that I bought several years ago and I haven't found another that size. I put that old handle on a new shovel. I'd like to find more tall shovels.

Here's a topic about snow shovels and snow pushers that I started last year --> https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434314

 

[mark#3]

grain scoop shovel

 

[measuredtwice]

...I dread using anything other than the Suncast steel core ergonomic handle (https://www.suncast.com/sc3250.html).

....

...I'm now searching for another one and keep coming up short. Either they're not making them anymore or retailers haven't put all their snow inventory yet.

Fleet Farm has that exact model on clearance for $9.99 --> https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/su...handle-snow-shovel-pusher-combo/0000000208743

 

[nafterclifen]

Fleet Farm has that exact model on clearance for $9.99 --> https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/su...handle-snow-shovel-pusher-combo/0000000208743

Dang, if only I lived near one because they won't ship it!

 

[Iowafox]

I live in Iowa and we get hit hard usually. I have yet to find my favorite shovel. My wife and I got one from walmart when we first moved into the house we rent 2 years ago. It does alright for the minimal use it gets as my favorite snow mover is my old Ariens ST824 2 stage snowblower. That would be my favorite shovel. It's a old 80s-90s model that just refuses to die and eats threw anything.

 

[Y00PER]

I am hoping to be able to get a new 30" cut Airens blower this year. Wish I could afford a Holder. 250"+ inches of snow every year, I need all the help I can get moving that carp

 

[matt_i]

thesnowplow.com UHMW-bladed shovel. More of a pusher, and is not the right tool over 6-8" of snow. At that point I like a grain or coal shovel.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Standard old school metal shovel for me. The lighter the better. I have never found a plastic one I like. I used the bent handle one before and I didn’t care for it

 

[jonshonda]

If you only have one shovel you are doing it wrong. Different snow types call for different shovels/tools.

If we get heavy snow or 4"+, I bust out the Ariens Platinum 24" w/ weight kit. Then clean up with this snow pusher. I don't know if they sell them anywhere other than locally. But it's heavy which is nice for cleanup after the snow blower, and when worn is reversible. Problem is it's so wide that lifting the snow load is difficult. https://www.premiumlawnservice.com/ourServices/service.php?catID=5#prod_28

For snow less then 4" I use the pusher linked above, and then typically will come back with a strong plastic scoop or transfer shovel (I saw plastic because my asphalt driveway is weathered and the plastic doesn't catch on it like a metal shovel does. Push the snow to the sides of the driveway with the big pusher, then scoop and throw.

When the snow banks need to be managed, I call on a flat metal transfer shovel. Sculpt the banks and throw the snow back a ways. This is typically a mid winter event, making room for more snow.

For the garage floor I have a solid metal shovel to cleanup the snow debris and ice.

 

[rallenc]

Some of us have to deal with snow, like it or not. And we all probably have our favorite shovel.

I dread using anything other than the Suncast steel core ergonomic handle (https://www.suncast.com/sc3250.html). I'm 6' tall and rarely have to bend over when using it. It's great for lifting snow and throwing it forward or backwards. It's doable but awkward when throwing to the left or right. Definitely my all-time favorite handle/shovel to use. Been using the same one now for at least 15 years.

I'm now searching for another one and keep coming up short. Either they're not making them anymore or retailers haven't put all their snow inventory yet.

I've tried others, like this Ames True Temper (https://www.true-temper.com/tool/snow-removal-tools/snow-shovel-1603072/), but I don't like it.

What kind of snow shovels is everyone using?

Noticed that BJ's has a Suncast ergo snow shovel. Looks similar.

 

[RTM]

Some of us have to deal with snow, like it or not. And we all probably have our favorite shovel.

Is this for when the Tacoma gets stuck?

 

[nafterclifen]

Is this for when the Tacoma gets stuck?

Haha, no. How dare you wish a stuck Tacoma!

I actually need another shovel handle because I have a new Trex deck.

 

[RTM]

Mine has never. As someone said, if you don’t get stuck occasionally, you aren’t having enough fun!

 

[Firebrick43]

My favorite snow shovel is the one someone else is using instead of me.

Then the loader on my jd tractor

Then I have a suncast bent handle as well. Wonderful compared to the torture devices most call snow shovels made for midgets and 12 year olds.

 

[finn]

Kioti CK4010 cab tractor with heat, wipers, stereo, and a 66 inch front blower.

Second is an F450 with a 9’ Boss plow.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Mine is either a good ole metal coal shovel which I don’t own. Or just the plastic one my parents bought 15 years ago that I still use we also have a plastic one with the blade on it as well for tough snow and ice.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Fatboy148]

Not sure about the curved handle shovel but I have bent two of the straight handle Suncast shovels. They weren't up to the task of moving heavy snow.

Take note, the time to buy snow shovels is in March when Lowes closes them out at 50% to 75% off.

 

[ecotec]

I have a YoHo spring steel shovel that I love.

 

[Super Mech]

thesnowplow.com UHMW-bladed shovel. More of a pusher, and is not the right tool over 6-8" of snow. At that point I like a grain or coal shovel.

These are probably the best snow shovels ever made. They also make a regular non push shovel also. I had a snow removal business and these things were indestructible. IMO they are the best around. Parts are available to repair them also.

 

[HenryAZ]

Here's a pic of my snow shovel:

 

[PelicanPines]

46" blade on my Cub Cadet XT2 with a cup holder for my iced coffee.

 

[brtsvg]

I live in Iowa. When it comes to removal of up to about 6 inches of snow, I’ve found the secret is pushing, not lifting, is a lot more effective strategy. With that in mind the best snow removal device I’ve found is made by Garant of Canada, very well built snow pushers. Another good brand made here in Iowa is Yoho. Both brands are very reasonably priced with very good quality and will last for years. However they are not available at big box stores, which usually cater to providing Chinese garbage that lasts only 1 season. Some features to look for are -

* forget plastic shovels, look instead for curved aluminum shovels. Steel gets too heavy to use if the snow is wetter.
* replaceable steel wear strip is mandatory, easy to replace every 2 years or so
* hardwood handle
* 24 to 36 inches wide, around 30 is optimal

Both brands mentioned above should last you at least 4-5 years of use and are very good well built items with good value.

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

So back in 1996 I bought a plastic grain shovel for snow and loved it. I showed my Dad and he said "pfffft - Plastic!". So I hit the Servistar (True Value) catalog and ordered him a cast aluminum (not stamped) coal shovel that he loved!

I was over there a few winters ago and go to grab that shovel and it's at least 2-1/2 inches shorter that when it started.

I still love my plastic grain shovels with the D-handle for light deep snow.

Cheers

Jim

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Aluminum grain scoop works for me. Works on light fluffy snow and heavy wet snow. Can even bust and scrape ice. I do end up sharpening it every few years.
I also have a tuff plastic grain scoop that's very worn after many years.

For my driveways I usually use a small tractor with back blade. When we get several inches I replace the back blade with a blower. The loader bucket gets used in specific locations.

 

[Landscraper83]

https://www.amleo.com/leonard-poly-scoop-shovel-with-48-inch-handle/p/AP345/

The plastic on these is less stiff and brittle than other scoop shovels I’ve used. Last longer.

They make a d handle version as well

 

[laser3kw]

grain scoop shovel

Aluminum grain scoop works for me. Works on light fluffy snow and heavy wet snow. Can even bust and scrape ice. I do end up sharpening it every few years.
I also have a tuff plastic grain scoop that's very worn after many years.

For my driveways I usually use a small tractor with back blade. When we get several inches I replace the back blade with a blower. The loader bucket gets used in specific locations.

x2 on the corn shovel. Get a nice stamped aluminum one. Not only can you shovel / scoop but you can load and drag like a sled.
I have used them since I was strong enough to shovel snow. The edge will wear down after 3 or 5 years, but a 4" flap disc on a grinder will "sharpen" it back up.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

x2 on the corn shovel. Get a nice stamped aluminum one. Not only can you shovel / scoop but you can load and drag like a sled.
I have used them since I was strong enough to shovel snow. The edge will wear down after 3 or 5 years, but a 4" flap disc on a grinder will "sharpen" it back up.

I forgot to mention they make a decent sled (even used in racing).

 

[bczygan]

Different types for different uses and different types of snows and temperatures.

Some I only push.

Some I lift and throw.

Sometimes I go down the middle of the walk, lifting and throwing with a shovel with sides. And then do each side with either a shovel with sides, lifting and tossing or one that is simply curved and pushing.

When show gets packed by traffic in the street a flat bladed regular shovel gets under the ice and breaks it up. Also depends on how stuck to the surface it is.

Lots of variables like how cold the surface is and how wet the snow and if it sticks to the shovel.

I have an array of tools.

Bill

 

[gahrajmahal]

Just thought I’d add this to the discussion.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88806&highlight=Rain-x

 

[sparky 1971]

I really like my 2004 Cub Cadet Big Country 6X4. Both rear axles chained up and 300 lbs of sand in the bed. I can p!ow 8+" of snow with the 5' blade. Oh, this is about shovels. Just a cheap plastic shovel with my kid on the business end. Plastic so it doesn't scuff up my deck.

 

[paulsomlo]

One of these: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-18-in-Snow-Shovel-with-Metal-Edge-80026/203650536

 

[cjarvis]

My favorite will always be the one that someone else is pushing.

Can’t believe I’m the first one to say that...

 

[speed88]

thesnowplow.com UHMW-bladed shovel. More of a pusher, and is not the right tool over 6-8" of snow. At that point I like a grain or coal shovel.

I love mine! I got the 36” last year and their normal shovel. Worked very well last year and held up great.

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

My favorite will always be the one that someone else is pushing.

Can’t believe I’m the first one to say that...

Funny you should say that. My Dad was in his mid-80's when #1 son comes in from Colorado for a visit. #1 son is in his mid-50's and goes to the gym regularly. They got a 6" snow storm so they go outside to shovel. Dad does fine and #1 son almost dies of exhaustion from the effort.

Cheers

Jim

 

[speed88]

Figured I throw up a pic.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Figured I throw up a pic.

I have one of those snowplow shovels as well and it is the best investment that I made! It’s not good for all snow but it works on most of it and it makes quick work of cleaning my driveway

 

[speed bump]

The snowblower followed by the plow on the 4-wheeler followed by the steel pusher that the local farm store sells.