What are the different types of snow shovel?
What are the different types of snow shovel? |
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A snow shovel with an ergonomic shaft |
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An ergonomic snow shovel is an ideal option if you want to ensure your back is subjected to the least amount of strain possible.
The S-shaped bend in the shaft will minimise painful bending, so you can keep your back straight, thus reducing stress on the spine. Some shovels also have an adjustable shaft so that you can adapt the length to fit your height and weight. |
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A snow pusher (or push shovel) |
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A snow pusher is designed to move snow by pushing it straight ahead. It is easy to use – just push the shovel on the ground.
Not designed for lifting and flinging snow, its purpose is to push snow out of the way, which means that there is less strain on your back. |
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A snow pusher with wheels
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Alternatively, to make pushing heavy snow loads even easier, some push shovels are fitted with wheels. The push-along motion takes a lot less effort than the strenuous lifting and throwing action of shovelling.
The snow pusher works well with fresh snow but be cautious with snow that has had time to harden. It is more difficult to dig the blade into heavy, packed snow. |
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The snow sleigh shovel |
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The large scoop of the snow sleigh shovel has been designed to clear away considerable volumes of snow in just a few moves. Just load as much snow as you can, sleigh it away and repeat.
Most snow pushers are not designed to be lifted off the ground; the snow is simply pushed to its destination. The snow sleigh, however, can offload snow without the need to be lifted; just pull back the sleigh sharply when you come to empty it. |
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A telescopic snow shovel |
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This space-saving shovel has an extending shaft that easily extends and retracts with a simple screwing and unscrewing action.
A typical shovel is usually around 700 mm (27″) long when collapsed and 800 mm (32″) fully extended, ideal for matching different heights and frames. It is also useful for keeping in the back of your car as an emergency snow shovel or for carrying around in your rucksack. |
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