Review of polycarbonate shovels for snow removal: advantages and disadvantages, cost, customer opinions

Snowfalls can be a real test for those who are not prepared for the winter period and have not acquired the necessary equipment.

To prevent this from happening, you need to take care in advance of purchasing a polycarbonate shovel designed for snow removal.

Read the article about what this product is, what advantages and disadvantages it has, how to use it correctly and more.

Pros and cons of polycarbonate snow removal equipment

Polycarbonate is a type of plastic. However, its main difference is its high level of strength and toughness.

Their advantages:

1. Strength. Unlike plastic, polycarbonate can handle not only freshly fallen snow, but also snow that has become covered with a hard crust.
2. Affordable price. Polycarbonate shovels are cheaper than metal ones.
3. Variety of colors. If you need several shovels that will be used by different people, you won’t have to sign them. In general, polycarbonate tools look more aesthetically pleasing than their plastic counterparts.
4. Snow does not stick to the surface of the scoop. It is smooth, so the product can be used even when working with wet, sticky snow.
5. Presence of stiffening ribs.Polycarbonate is strong in itself, and the stiffening ribs only enhance this effect.
6. Does not change its properties in the cold. You can use the equipment in any weather.
7. Easy to care for and durable. After cleaning the snow, just shake off the remaining snow from the surface of the bucket and put the product away for storage. If you handle your shovel correctly, it will last for several seasons.
8. The product is not afraid of water and insects. Even if you store a shovel in a room with high humidity levels, it will not deteriorate. Polycarbonate is not an attractive material for rodents.
9. Light weight. The product is lightweight, so it will not put additional strain on the spine and arm joints when clearing snow.

Among the disadvantages polycarbonate shovels:

1. If the bucket bursts, it cannot be restored. The product will have to be thrown away.
2. Icy areas should be cleaned with care. The main purpose of a shovel is to clear snow, not to chip ice.
3. The product cannot be called safe from an environmental point of view. The material takes more than 300 years to decompose, causing damage to the environment.
4. Over time, the clear base of the bucket may become cloudy.
5. The product contains Bisphenol-A, a toxic compound that can be harmful to human health if ingested. However, this is unlikely if the shovel is used for its intended purpose.

How to use?

You should use a shovel only for the purpose for which it was purchased, that is, to remove snow. Basic rules:

• before starting work, you need to inspect all elements for the strength of their connection;
• to make it easier to remove snow, you need to hold the shovel correctly - to do this, grasp the handle from below with your palm closer to the center, and place your other hand on the handle from above (if there is none, then hold the end of the handle);
• immerse the working surface in a snowdrift, scoop up a certain amount of snow and throw it to the side;
• If a thin snow crust has formed on the surface, you can try to clear it with a shovel; to remove ice, it is better to use an ice ax or crowbar.

How to choose?

Recommendations for choosing a polycarbonate shovel:

1. The presence of rigid nylon on the working edge. This protection prevents premature wear of the tool when in contact with ice, wooden flooring, or paving slabs.
2. Bucket size. The larger it is, the more spacious it is, but also the heavier it is. Therefore, you need to proceed from your own physical capabilities.
3. The presence of a handle at the end of the handle. It will make using a shovel easier.
4. Presence of stiffeners. Although polycarbonate itself is a durable material, additional reinforcement will not be superfluous.
5. Cutting height. When choosing a shovel, you need to proceed from your own height. The product should reach approximately the middle of the shoulder. Only under such conditions will it be comfortable to use.
6. Color. Perhaps this parameter may be significant when purchasing a product. Moreover, the variety of colors allows you to choose the model you like.
7. Price. The cost is largely determined by the manufacturer. The more famous the company, the more expensive the product it offers. The price is affected by the size of the product, the material of the handle, the presence of stiffeners and other significant parameters.

Top 3 best models

The most popular models of polycarbonate shovels:

Snow, automobile

Snow shovel/snow shovel/durable shovel/car shovel. The bright orange shovel has an increased level of strength. The bucket is made of polycarbonate and reinforced with 5 stiffening ribs.

Handle made of aluminum pipe with a diameter of 32 mm for a comfortable grip. The manufacturer has provided a comfortable handle in the shape of the letter D. Price – 1500 rubles.

Grandmaster

Snow shovel made of polycarbonate, impact-resistant, aluminum handle, V-shaped handle, bucket 44x38 cm, assembled height 135 cm. The shovel is reliable and durable, can withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees.

It’s convenient to work with, and you don’t have to worry about the strength of the structure., which can withstand a load 5-10 times more than plastic. Price – 1300 rubles.

Alternative M3496

Bucket size: 34.5x26 cm, length: 84 cm. The bucket is made of polycarbonate, has a rounded shape, it is 34.5 cm long and 26 cm wide. The height of the aluminum and plastic handle is 84 cm. Product weight is 0.6 kg. Price – 500 rubles.

Where and for how much to buy?

You can purchase a polycarbonate shovel both in retail and online stores. The range is varied, which allows you to choose the optimal product for yourself..

Alternatives

As an alternative to polycarbonate equipment you can use the tool from:

• wood;
• plastic;
• metal

You can also find electric shovels and devices on wheels on sale.

Helpful information

Tips for selection and operation polycarbonate shovels:

1. If the product is equipped with a handle, then it can be used not only for conveniently gripping the handle, but also as a hook. The shovel can be hung on the wall by its handle.
2. After work, equipment must be cleared of snow and any remaining moisture removed so that it does not drain onto the floor of the utility room.
3. Before each use, it is necessary to check the reliability of fixation of the handle with the ladle. If the fasteners are loose, tighten them.

Conclusion

Polycarbonate shovels are the ideal tool for snow removal. They are strong, durable and inexpensive. With proper use, the product will last for several years and will not require replacement.