Review of aluminum shovels for snow removal: types, cost, instruction manual

An aluminum shovel is an indispensable assistant in the cold season.

It is inexpensive and lasts a long time. Its use allows you to make snow removal quick and efficient.

To choose an aluminum shovel for snow removal that will not break on the second day of use, read our article.

Pros and cons of snow removal tools

Advantages of aluminum shovels:

1. Durability. The working surface is not subject to corrosion, is not afraid of dampness, does not wear out or break like plywood.
2. High flexural strength. If deformed, the shovel will not burst. To restore the previous shape, it is enough to straighten the damaged area.
3. Light weight. This is a significant parameter, since the mass of snow is high, and in combination with a heavy tool, cleaning becomes significantly more difficult.
4. Optimal combination of price and quality. Thus, an aluminum shovel is almost 10 times cheaper than a titanium one, but there is practically no difference in weight.
5. Small sizes. Typically, aluminum shovels are smaller than wooden ones, so they don't require much space to store them.

Minuses aluminum shovel:

• the metal is quite soft, which is why it can bend when in contact with hard objects and surfaces - this requires stopping work and correcting the deformation;
• the cost of an aluminum shovel is higher than a wooden or plastic one;
• The tool cannot be used to clean icy areas.

Kinds

There are the following types of aluminum shovels, including:

1. Classic model. It has a flat bucket bottom and three sides, which is why the tool is often called a three-sided tool.
2. Shovel-scraper or scraper-cracker. It is used for cleaning large areas.

   The bucket has impressive dimensions; it comes with a P-shaped handle, which can be held with both hands.

   There is no need to lift such a shovel; the collected snow is simply pushed into a pile.

3. Shovel-oval. Such products are often equipped with wheels (one or two), so they can be called full-fledged snow blowers.
4. Folding model. The handle consists of two elements that are inserted into each other. The working surface is mounted separately. The advantage of this product is ease of storage.
5. Automotive. This is a compact model that assembles or folds in such a way that it can be placed in the trunk.
6. Telescopic. The product has a retractable handle that can be adjusted to suit your height.
7. Auger. The model is equipped with an auger, which, when rotated, throws snow to the side. There are mechanical and electrical products.
8. Sidewalk. Shovel with aluminum blade and wooden handle.
9. Lightweight. These models have both the working surface and the handle made of aluminum.
10. Folding. The product is folded at the junction of the bucket and the handle.

How to use?

The tool must be used for its intended purpose:

• assemble the tool if it is dismountable;
• if there is a scraper, they use it to move the snow to the side without lifting or tilting it, however, it is not suitable for cleaning narrow paths; to remove snow from them, they are armed with a classic shovel;
• you need to hold it approximately in the center of the handle - this position of the palms will avoid premature fatigue and create the necessary emphasis;
• immerse the working surface to the full length of the scoop, but no more than 10 cm from the depth of the snow deposit;
• remove the crust layer by layer.

How to choose?

When choosing a snow shovel, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

1. Strength. A product made from the thinnest aluminum sheet will break after the first serious load.

   In this case, the base should not be too rigid.

2. Weight. The product should not weigh more than 2 kg. If its mass is greater, then it will be difficult to cope with snow removal due to rapid fatigue.
3. Cutting length. This parameter needs to be given special attention, since working with an accessory that is too long or too short is inconvenient.
4. Shape of the cutting. The classic straight line is suitable for those who prefer to throw snow to the side during cleaning. The curved handle is more ergonomic and is designed for long-term work, as it makes your hands less tired.
5. Presence or absence of a handle. If there is a triangle at the end of the handle, this is a definite advantage, as it allows you not only to hold the product with greater comfort, but also to hang it on the wall for storage.

Where and for how much to buy?

You can buy an aluminum shovel at construction and hardware stores. A wide range of tools is presented in online markets. An online order will be delivered anywhere in the country.

The cost of aluminum shovels for snow removal starts from 1000 rubles. The price of the most expensive copies reaches 5,000 rubles.

Top 3 best models

The most popular aluminum shovels for snow removal:

Profi House

Aluminum snow shovel, 50x33 cm, height 130 cm, reinforced, wooden handle, ltse. The product is easy to use as it is light in weight. The working surface of the scoop is equipped with stiffening ribs, which gives the tool strength. Price – 1100 rubles.

Sibirteh 61582

Bucket size: 37x43 cm, length 140 cm. The working surface has a rounded shape, which allows you to collect a large amount of snow mass. The product has an optimal weight of 1.6 kg, which allows you to comfortably clean the area. Price - from 1158 rub.

Center tool Saint Tropez

Bucket size: 37x50 cm. The handle is a combination of plastic and aluminum. The bucket is metal, length – 37 cm, width – 50 cm. The rounded shape allows you to collect a large amount of snow, which greatly simplifies cleaning. Price – 3600 rubles.

Alternatives

In addition to the aluminum shovel The following tools can be found on sale:

• wooden models;
• plastic products;
• titanium alloy shovels;
• plywood models;
• polycarbonate products.

Separately, it is worth noting the combined type shovels.

Helpful information

Tips for use and selection aluminum shovel:

1. Snow must be removed immediately after it falls. It will not have time to become covered with an ice crust and clump into a lump, which will make the work easier and avoid deformation of the tool.
2. A loaded shovel does not need to be turned from side to side, so as not to cause breakage of the handle.
3. To avoid bending of the bucket blade, you should choose a shovel with stiffeners.

Conclusion

A strong and durable aluminum shovel will help save time and effort when clearing snow in cold weather. The range is varied, so choosing the right model for yourself will not be difficult.