Types of snow shovels
The classic design of a snow shovel is familiar to everyone. This is a long handle-handle, on which a wide bucket is fixed.
Classic wooden shovel
Until recently, two materials were used to make buckets and cuttings: wood and metal (steel and aluminum).
Today they have been supplemented by a composite plastic, resistant to frost and mechanical stress.
Anyone who has worked with a plastic shovel probably appreciated its main advantage - light weight. It does not get wet from snow like wood and does not rust like steel. There are doubts about the durability of plastic, but it is usually enough for 4-5 seasons of cleaning.
A compact snow shovel is called an automobile shovel. It is used by drivers to clean the parking lot and garage entrance. For ease of transportation in the trunk, such tools are made collapsible, collapsible, or placed on telescopic handles.
Foldable Car Shovel
A shovel with a telescopic handle is easy to carry and can be easily adjusted to the height of a person
The second popular type of snow removal tool is a scraper or drag (engine). It differs from its relative by a wide arched handle and an impressive bucket width.
The element of this design is light and loose snow. It is impossible to work with a snow scraper on caked and frozen crust. Here you have to use an ordinary shovel according to the principle - "slowly but surely."
In search of a compromise, the designers developed a hybrid snow shovel and scraper. It is equally well suited for throwing snow as well as for moving it.
Combined scraper shovel
Moving on to mechanized models, consider a snow blower with auger. Its advantage over the “old-fashioned” tool is ease of use. No stress on the lower back. You push the bucket in front of you, and the auger rotates and throws the snow aside.
Unfortunately, this mechanism can be operated with confidence only with a thin layer of loose snow (up to 15 cm). A thicker layer stops the auger.
In the category of super-shovels for clearing snow, you can add a device called a hand bulldozer. This is a four-wheel trolley with a dozer blade. The large working width and the ability to work at full height make the mobile shovel an indispensable tool for cleaning large areas.
Hand bulldozer power - 1 human strength!
The blade angle is adjustable here, allowing you to work with both light and loose, and with fairly heavy snow.
A simplified version of the snow shovel on wheels is a two-wheeled model. It is less productive, but very easy to use. The wheel axle allows the blade to be raised during operation, avoiding impacts on uneven road surfaces.
One-wheeled shovel can be noted among the unusual design solutions. She has not yet been found in our stores. It was invented in the West and dubbed the "snow wolf". The outwardly awkward design, according to the owners, is very maneuverable and easy to use.
One-wheeled shovel with a swinging handle
The essence of the idea is to use a large wheel, on the axis of which the handle is hinged. On the one hand, it ends with bicycle "horns", and on the other, it is connected to a plastic bucket. Raking up the snow, its owner moves around the site. Approaching the storage area, he sharply lowers the handles. The bucket rises and throws the collected snow forward. Constantly bending over, tired of the back muscles, in this case, is not necessary.
The next level of design "pumping" is the electric snow shovel.
The principle of its operation is simple: an electric motor rotates a rubber auger, which throws snow to the side. This mechanism is good when you need to remove thin snow cover. It is not suitable for dealing with snowdrifts and ice.
Aluminum inventory
Such shovels are often lighter than their plastic counterparts, have comfortable handles and perfectly matched blades in shape and design. But most importantly, they are very durable. The following advantages should also be noted:
- excellent flexibility;
- corrosion resistance;
- recoverability after deforming contacts;
- excellent sliding of the work plane.
Along with such positive characteristics, a high cost should be answered. However, they can have an additional purpose - for motorists or climbers. Titanium models became widespread, which are also distinguished by their strength, reliability and lightness.
For ease of use, the products can be equipped with additional options. For example, it is considered very convenient to use shovel on wheels... It is easy to move it while clearing the area. And the large bucket width allows you to do this very quickly. Among aluminum fixtures, such brands as Ferrino Shovel, Saint Tropez, and Snezhok are popular.
How to choose?
To select high-quality inventory that will last as long as possible, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
- although plastic is a durable material, there are always limits to this strength, it is worth giving preference to options that are equipped with a metal edge, which significantly increases the reliability of the tool;
- if you decide to purchase a shovel with a large bucket, then it is worth remembering that the load on the back, as well as on the hands, will increase, because its spaciousness will allow you to immediately lift a large amount of snow;
- to increase the strength and elasticity of the product, it is worth purchasing models with stiffening ribs;
- it is recommended to buy equipment with a handle in the shape of the letter D, because such a snow removal handle is more convenient to hold in your hands, it will allow you to perform more movements, but a regular handle often scrolls in your hands when working;
- when choosing a handle, it is worth starting from the growth of the person who will work with this equipment - if the handle is very long or, conversely, short, then the load on the back increases, so it will not work for a long time with such a tool;
- when choosing the size of the shovel, the optimal solution would be an option with dimensions of 500x375 or 430x490 mm.
For an overview of the women's plastic snow shovel, see below.
Features and varieties
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 there are on sale models of snow shovels and 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.
Rail steel
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 dull when frequently working with frozen and icy snow.
Auger construction
This is a more advanced modification of a conventional hand held device. Shovels with auger operate as follows. When a person moves the device over the section, the auger touches the ground with its edge and begins to rotate. Thanks to this rotation, the snow begins to be thrown away from the shovel.
The snow mass is thrown up to 300 mm to the side. This value depends on the speed at which you will move the tool.
This type of tool is preferable for picking up loose material. It is not suitable for clearing the area from compacted and packed snow. Well-known models include, for example, Forte QI-JY 50 or Patriot Arctic.
Features of choosing a shovel for cleaning snow: what else to look for
The snow shovel is selected according to a number of parameters. It is necessary to take into account the size of the working blade, the angle of inclination of the shovel, the length and weight of the handle, the presence of sides and a number of other points. The main thing is that the shovel is as comfortable and convenient as possible for you.
Tray dimensions
The size of the tray must be selected individually, based on your physical capabilities.
Pay attention to the shape of the scoop too. Usually shovels are in the shape of a square with sides of about 40 cm
The improved model is a rectangle with a large side of 40 cm. Such a tool is more optimal in work.
Large and flat areas are conveniently cleared with a wide snow shovel. The wide working surface of such a shovel captures a large amount of snow at a time. However, the more snow is on the shovel, the greater the load on the back and arms.
The way out in this case is to adapt to the working wheel base. The wheels help to bring the collected snow to the right place with ease, and the long handle helps to keep the body straight.
You can buy a snow shovel on wheels or assemble it yourself.
Shovel angle
If the shovel bucket has a suitable slope angle, this can be an added advantage. The tilt of the working base acts as a lever. Thus, snow removal work will be faster and easier. The optimum tilt angle should be 20-25 °.
Shaft length and weight
When buying a snow shovel, it is important to decide on the optimal length and weight of the handle. To avoid quick fatigue, it is advisable to clear the snow while standing, without bending
Therefore, choose a shovel with a long and light handle. Swinging the shovel a few times will help determine the correct length and weight of the shovel handle.Cuttings are usually made from a variety of wood species - from the simplest to the most expensive. To provide protection from moisture, such cuttings are coated with a moisture-proof varnish.
Did you know? There are prefabricated models of snow shovels that make it possible to change cuttings. This scraper shovel is equipped with a telescopic handle, the height of which can be adjusted. The telescopic handle can be extended up to 10 meters. This shovel is suitable for clearing snow from roofs.
The presence of sides
The technology of snow removal with a shovel assumes the presence of special sides at the tool scoop. Bumpers prevent snow from falling off the working surface. In addition, the presence of the sides helps to transfer a sufficiently large amount of snow at a time. The sides can be located on one side - single-breasted snow shovels; or three-sided snow shovels on three sides. The wide, deep-sided snow shovel has a bulky shovel that can hold a lot of snow.
Did you know? Today, more and more often you can find snow shovels with a U-shaped handle instead of a handle. V Unlike the classic shank shovel, this design allows you to clean surfaces much more efficiently and faster. This result is achieved by capturing significantly more snow.
Rating of the best manufacturers
Gardena
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 contains a locking screw for reliable fixation of the device.
"Knight"
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.
"Snowflake"
The bucket is made of frost-resistant plastic, bordered with metal. Lightweight and other aluminum handle. A handy tool for cleaning snow embankments.
"Bogatyr"
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.
"Santa"
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.
"Sahara"
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.
Finland
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.
Orange
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.
"Kilimanjaro"
Inventory from the Tsentroinstrument company for clearing snow small areas. 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.
"Zubr"
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.
"Snowball"
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.
"Arctic"
Equipment with a polycarbonate bucket with increased frost resistance and confident durability. The stability of the material is observed in the temperature range of -60 ° C to +140 degrees C. The aluminum handle is sealed with foil for a comfortable holding of the instrument in the hands.
Care and storage
For a long service life of the tool, it needs proper care and storage. Leaving means:
- after each use, the cutting tool must be cleaned of dirt and rust;
- it is recommended to sharpen the blade in time;
- a layer of technical oil can be applied to the bayonet against corrosion.
Storage:
- the storage room must be dry;
- it should not be too hot in the hozblok so that the cuttings do not dry out;
- the tool shed must be ventilated.
Choosing a bayonet shovel shouldn't be a problem. The main thing is to correctly determine the purpose of the purchase and its type!
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Models
And today the market is packed with offers, from which each buyer can choose the most convenient toolkit. Among other options, buyers like the following metal snow shovels;
- "Sputnik-2" - a titanium model with an aluminum handle, a working surface of 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 is a shovel-type product without a shank made of rail steel with high wear resistance and high performance;
Wooden structure
This is the simplest and cheapest option. Such the shovel is easy to do with your own hands... Plywood is used as a bucket, which is inexpensive. It can be used if the winters in your region are short and with little snow. Buying an expensive model will be unprofitable. And for the elimination of rarely occurring snowdrifts, such a simple option is sufficient.
A stalk made from other garden tool holders will be more durable. It can be used for other purposes as well. But operation in cold and humid conditions with temperature changes will negatively affect the cutting.
Also, the structure is not very strong, especially when the plywood is fastened with screws or nails. But such inconveniences can be tolerated if bad weather suddenly caught you, and the farm did not have another better and more reliable device for cleaning the territory.
