Snow Shovels & Pushers Near Me (2024)

FAQs

What is the most efficient snow shoveling pattern? ›

Rather than just clearing the driveway to one side or walkingfrom side to side going back-and-forth as many do, it's much more efficient to shovel a line straight down the middle bisecting it in two.

If pushing long runs or wet and heavy snow, then an 84” or 96” will likely be the better choice—regardless of machine size. Also, consider the loader's operating capacity.

The repetition of lifting and tossing heavy loads can cause joint or muscle pain and other injuries. Ultimately we suggest you have both versions of shovels. Take your first pass with a pusher and clean up small spaces or snow build up with a scoop shovel. Either way, shoveling requires muscles you don't often use.

You'll want to go with a bucket in wet snows on softer surfaces because the elongated bottom will skim better than a pusher. If the snow conditions are dry and the surface of your drive or lot is hard and solid, the pusher is what we'd recommend.

What does age have to do with it? “People don't run into trouble if they're 20 or 30 because they haven't developed coronary artery disease," says Franklin. “But if they're 45 to 50 or older, with known or hidden heart disease, especially people who are habitually sedentary, this activity is very dangerous.”

Add the back injuries, shoulder dislocation and heart attacks, and snow shoveling is one of the most dangerous activities senior citizens can attempt.

A steel cutting edge provides the absolute best scrape in most applications because it stays rigid and angled forward to effectively cut underneath hard pack or ice. Since you get a clean finish to start with, you won't have to use as much salt or other ice melting product to totally clear the pavement.

Snow pushers are a great alternative to scooping and lifting snow. They are also a low-maintenance and affordable way to clear snow from your property quickly and easily. But they aren't suited for all snow removal situations.

Adding a pullback or back drag kit to your snow pusher can significantly increase your productivity. Customers simply tip the plow forward and use the pull back/back drag edge to pull snow away from tight areas.

Yes, cordless and corded snow shovels are worth every penny if they take the backbreaking labor out of snow removal. The only downside to a battery-operated snow shovel is the run time of the battery.

What is a good size snow shovel? ›

"When it comes to a snow shovel, you get what you pay for," he says. "It's more important to get the job done than to injure yourself by not knowing your limitations." Tirado recommends picking a shovel with a blade width between 18- and 24-inches for smaller jobs, like clearing your driveway.

As such, they have a more narrowly curved blade, tend to be wider than a snow shovel and are not suited to lifting large amounts of snow. The most obvious benefit of using a snow pusher is that you can remove snow without the need for lifting it, which can be an arduous and labour intensive task.

Choose a snow pusher when…

You need maximum containment to move snow from between buildings. You want the simplicity of no moving parts. You don't need to backdrag. Your budget is limited and you're looking for the least expensive up-front cost.

A snow pusher — also known as a box plow or containment box — is an attachment for skid steers, wheel loaders, tractors or backhoes that moves snow by pushing it straight forward. This heavy-duty piece of equipment features an enclosed design consisting of a curved moldboard and a sidewall at either end.

Plastic Tarp. When you hear warning of a snowfall, spread a large tarp on your driveway. Then periodically lift the tarp and pile the snow on the side. Snow can be heavy, though, so lift and pile often.

Bend at the knees, not the back when lifting the shovel. Lift with your legs bent, stand with your feet hip-width apart for balance and keep the shovel close to your body. Also, don't pick up too much snow at once.

For example, start in the middle of the driveway and throw the snow to the right, then make a U-turn and throw the snow to the left side. Keep alternating until the entire driveway is done - this eliminates changing the chute direction and can clear in fewer passes.

If there is no wind, start in the center of the driveway. Keep the snow nozzle pointed outward towards the yard surrounding the driveway. Work in circles, moving outward as you go. Work side to side if there is wind.

Using the Right Snow Shovel

As it turns out, one way to reduce injury is through a proper snow shovel. Recent studies comparing the ergonomically curved shovel vs. the classic straight handle snow shovel favor the curved handle. It will better enable a person to avoid a snow shoveling low back injury.