Review of wheeled shovels for snow removal: advantages and disadvantages, cost, operating rules
Snow removal is an activity that requires physical strength. The majority of Russian residents face the problem of snowdrifts every year. The main tool in the fight against precipitation was and remains a shovel.
However, progress does not stand still, thanks to which the equipment has undergone design changes and acquired wheels.
Read the article about what wheeled snow shovels are, how to use them and where to buy them.
Content
What it is?
A wheeled shovel is a modified version of the classic snow shovel. The main difference is the wheels, which help increase productivity and make work easier.
The design is simple, even a child can operate it. The mechanism is represented by the following elements:
- bucket fixed on the frame;
- wheels;
- stalk;
- handle in the shape of the letter D or P;
Pros and cons of snow removal equipment
Among the advantages shovels with wheels for snow removal:
- The ability to clear the area of snow using a mechanized method. Compared to a conventional tool, a shovel with wheels has greater productivity.
- High speed of work. In one pass, a path equal to the width of the bucket will be removed.
- Reduced stress on the back and arms. The tool moves impressive volumes of snow without having to lift and fold them back.
- Simplicity of design.
- Affordable price. If we compare shovels on wheels with electric shovels, they cost 3,000 -10,000 rubles less, depending on the model, but do not require a network connection.
Wheeled snow shovels are also not without disadvantages, namely:
- You will need space to store the tool.
- When clearing snow, you will still have to exert physical effort. The equipment cannot do the job on its own.
- Shovels on wheels are more expensive than classic tools.
- Only freshly fallen snow can be removed with a shovel. Once it is compacted, it will not be possible to cope with the task.
How to use?
Use a shovel needed according to the following algorithm:
- if the shovel is disassembled, it must be assembled by fixing the working surface on the frame, connecting the stand to the handle, and installing the wheels;
- before each use of the shovel, it is necessary to check the reliability of all fastenings;
- The product, ready for use, is rolled out onto the site and snow removal begins;
- it is necessary to ensure that there are no stones or other debris on the path along which the shovel will pass - a collision with an obstacle at speed can cause damage to the product;
- resting your palms on the handle, push the shovel forward, shifting the snow masses in the desired direction;
- After cleaning is completed, snow and dirt are removed from the working surfaces, the bucket is wiped with a dry cloth and sent for storage.
How to choose?
When choosing a shovel on wheels, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Bucket size: width and height. It is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the area to be cleaned.
If there are a lot of plantings on the site, the buildings are closely adjacent to each other, then it will be more convenient to use a compact shovel.
In open areas, the snow removal process will go faster if the tool is equipped with a large bucket.
- Product weight. The shovel should be easy to use. If it is difficult for a person to move it even without snow, then coping with the work will be problematic.
- The presence of stiffening ribs on the bucket. They allow you to extend the service life of the product and avoid chips and cracks.
- The presence of a metal strip. It protects the lower edge of the bucket from damage when colliding with hard objects, such as rocks hidden under snow.
- Wheel size. The larger it is, the better the maneuverability of the shovel. Thanks to the wide tire, the tool will not fall into the snow.
- Bucket tilt angle. The optimal value is 20 degrees.
- Possibility of adjusting the handle length. If it is too short, you will have to work with your back bent, which increases the load on it.
- Possibility of adjusting the angle of inclination and rotation of the bucket.
Where and at what price can I buy it?
You can buy a shovel on wheels in retail stores and online markets. When purchasing online, you will not only be able to save money by choosing the right model from your favorite manufacturer, but also have it delivered to your home.
Top 3 best models
The most popular models of shovels on wheels:
Engine Elektromash 901
Bucket size: 36x70 cm, length: 110 cm. The bucket shovels snow perfectly, as it has a rounded shape, is made of steel, and is strong and durable. There is a rubber edge on its bottom.
The wheels are large, swivel, and do not fall into snowdrifts. The handle can be adjusted in length. The weight of the machine is 11.4 kg. Price – 3,400 rubles.
BERCHOUSE No. 44 660x330 MM
Snow engine on large wheels, U-shape. Handle, AL. "BERCHOUSE" plate. The ladle is made of plastic, its length is 22 cm. The lower part is reinforced with an aluminum strip and has stiffening ribs.
The handle is metal, in the shape of the letter P. The wheels are large, which is important when clearing snow. The total weight of the equipment is 2.23 kg. Price – 2,300 rubles.
No. 45 660x330 MM
Snow engine on large wheels, aluminum. Cherenok, AL. Plast. "BERCHOUSE". Snow shovel with curved plastic bucket. The lower part of the working surface is covered with a metal strip, designed to increase its strength.
The handle is ergonomic, in the shape of the letter D. Working with the tool does not lead to overstrain of the back muscles. Price – 2,300 rubles.
How to do it yourself?
Shovel on wheels You can do it yourself by following the instructions:
- A sheet of metal (aluminum, stainless steel) is used as the material for the bucket. You can also purchase a ready-made work surface, which is sold separately.
- Wheels can be removed from an old stroller or bicycle.
- The pipe for the handle should have a diameter of about 20 cm. The frame is made from the same pipe.
- A fold is made at the bottom of the sheet. The angle should be small.
- On the back side of the bucket, two rectangular frames are welded: at the top and bottom. The top frame should be longer.Wheels are mounted on the lower part of the frame, and a handle is welded to the upper part.
Homemade equipment is tested in operation. If necessary, structural changes are made.
This video will show you how to make a shovel on wheels for clearing snow:
Alternatives
As an alternative to a shovel on wheels use:
- scraper - it is equipped with a U-shaped handle and a large working surface, but it does not have wheels;
- electric shovel with battery;
- snow blower powered by an electric motor;
- classic shovels made of metal, plastic, wood, polycarbonate.
Helpful information
Tips for use shovels on wheels:
- It is necessary to keep the wheels clean. There should be no dirt, hair, dry grass or other debris wrapped around their axle that could impair rotation.
- When cleaning the area, it is necessary to avoid large stones, bricks, and construction debris so as not to damage the bucket.
- If there are no rubber pads on the handle of the shovel, it is better to work with it while wearing construction gloves. This will prevent your palms from slipping.
Conclusion
A shovel on wheels allows you to save time on clearing snow from the area. The tool is inexpensive, so it can be a worthy alternative to a classic shovel.