!8: Snow Pusher Shovels Clearance Sale: October 2011

!±8± Snow Scoops - Careful Methodical Use of Lightweight Push-Model Removes Moderate Snowfalls Easily

Snow shovels in all sizes and shapes for all depths of snow and all personal needs are scoop. A few years ago, when purchasing a new snow scoop, I had my choice narrowed to two models. One was a simple metal with a slightly curved handle. The other was a lightweight plastic with a straight grip, no grip at its end. When I compared the two, a shop assistant next to me had been watching suddenly shouted: "Take the lighter does not wear out likemuch." I did. He was right!

Scoop description.

Several lightweight pusher models exist today. They weight about three-pounds each. Their 10 by 20-inch metal or plastic blades are shaped like miniature snow-plows with their upper rims curved forward. This curvature allows the snow being removed to roll forward as the scoop is pushed in the same direction. Recent models might be called pushers instead of scoops or shovels.

Push-scooping technique.

Hold the scoop handle with both hands at a 30-to-45-degree angle to the ground, and then place the blade all the way down to the surface being cleared. Push the scoop forward with a fairly hard thrust to make a two-to-four-foot-long swath of removed snow.

With a little practice, anyone can slowly step forward or backward in a slightly bent-forward position while methodically clearing side-by-side or front-to-front swaths of snow with one of these scoops. Since the scoop is lightweight, this snow-removing technique can be done without breathing hard or getting too tired, unless the snow is extremely wet, which does not happen often in cold weather. This technique can be adapted to removing snow from decks, porches, driveways, pathways, and walkways without harming their surfaces.

Will it work for the deeper snowfalls?

The push-scoop also works for removing the deeper snowfalls with a bit more effort. That is, one can lift and heave scoopfuls of snow with it the same as with any typical snow shovel. However, each lifted scoopful is heavier in comparison to the push-removed swath. This extra weight makes the scooping task harder to do under any circumstances. Therefore, for the deeper snow depths of four-inches or greater, give consideration to one of the lightweight snow-blowers as an easy way to clear this snow away. To learn more about snow scoops, see these sites.