Good Alternatives to snow shovel for shoveling snow?

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imported_Imp

Diamond Member
Dec 20, 2005
9,148
0
0
Get an extension cord and find a blow dryer. Might take a while, but set it on high and see it melt!***

***Might result in your death by electrocution.
 

boomerang

Lifer
Jun 19, 2000
18,883
641
126
Originally posted by: spaceman
the snowblower is a machine from the gods.
You betcha. I've got a 300 ft. driveway. I hand shoveled it for about 11 years. I finally bought a Toro snow blower, you know one of those lightweight two-stroke models? What a lifesaver. And it's held up really, really well. I just replaced the scraper bar and the rubber auger before this season. First thing I've had to do to it in about nine seasons of use. It still starts on the second pull. Original spark plug and everything.
 
Jan 18, 2001
14,465
1
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Originally posted by: boomerang
I actually prefer using a scoop shovel.

http://lawn-and-garden.hardwar...528-scoop-shovels.aspx

Here's a dandy.

I like the steel version. There are pros and cons. It takes longer to do the job, but when dealing with heavy and/or wet snow, it's much easier to lift. Regular snow shovels are very wide in comparison, but dealing with heavy snow can be a real chore.

However, I use a Toro snow blower which I much prefer over the scoop shovel.

yeah a scoop shovel is a good shovel. I use this one a lot:

http://lawn-and-garden.hardwarestore.com/83-528-scoop-shovels/poly-grain-scoop-684347.aspx

Its light weight and can move a fair amt in each scoop. Its great for clearing the base of the driveway where the plow compacts the snow.
 

PingSpike

Lifer
Feb 25, 2004
21,765
615
126
The next best alternative, that you might own, to a snow shovel is a flat shovel. If you don't have a flat shovel, you could use a large spoon.

Why don't you just buy a shovel? I have 4 of them. (When I got a house everyone assumed I had none...I still have to shovel walks at my apartment before)
 

boomerang

Lifer
Jun 19, 2000
18,883
641
126
Originally posted by: HomeBrewerDude
Originally posted by: boomerang
I actually prefer using a scoop shovel.

http://lawn-and-garden.hardwar...528-scoop-shovels.aspx

Here's a dandy.

I like the steel version. There are pros and cons. It takes longer to do the job, but when dealing with heavy and/or wet snow, it's much easier to lift. Regular snow shovels are very wide in comparison, but dealing with heavy snow can be a real chore.

However, I use a Toro snow blower which I much prefer over the scoop shovel.

yeah a scoop shovel is a good shovel. I use this one a lot:

http://lawn-and-garden.hardwarestore.com/83-528-scoop-shovels/poly-grain-scoop-684347.aspx

Its light weight and can move a fair amt in each scoop. Its great for clearing the base of the driveway where the plow compacts the snow.
Roger that. It cuts right through that stuff.
 

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Mar 5, 2001
49,601
167
111
www.slatebrookfarm.com
Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
How is it you live in a place that gets 6 inches of snow but don't have a snow shovel?

We frequently get 6 inches or more of snow. I broke my snow shovel last year. I haven't replaced it. I use a grain shovel at the edge of the road where the snow plow leaves a big pile along the driveways. Otherwise, I don't bother shoveling. I somehow came to this bizarre thought: what is it with people's fanatical fascination with being able to see bare concrete during the winter? As long as it isn't slippery, I don't care. As long as it's not a 2 foot deep wall preventing my car from entering the driveway, I don't care. And for the driveway my son parks in, I don't care. If there's a 4 foot wall of snow and ice & he cares, he can shovel it. Otherwise, he can just drive through it really quick so he doesn't get stuck.

It'll melt eventually without any help from me.
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
71,249
14,057
126
www.anyf.ca
For only 6 inches a shovel scoop will do the trick, or if you have a 4wheeler get a plow kit for it. I see people using those and think it's a great idea, as it gives a use to the toy instead of having it sit in the garage for 8 months out of 12.

For more snow, you can always get a snow plow for your truck or hire someone who has one. Bobcats look like fun too, I would love to play around with one. :D
 

theblackbox

Golden Member
Oct 1, 2004
1,650
11
81
i have a driveway just shy of 1/8th mile.
i use a 500cc fuel injected atv with 4wd and a 54" plow. moves the snow, plus when i'm finished i drop down to 2wd and do donuts for the rest of the day. oh, it's a nice incline too. during the winter, only my jeep can make it out. hehe... god i love the mountains.
 

boomerang

Lifer
Jun 19, 2000
18,883
641
126
Originally posted by: DrPizza
Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
How is it you live in a place that gets 6 inches of snow but don't have a snow shovel?

We frequently get 6 inches or more of snow. I broke my snow shovel last year. I haven't replaced it. I use a grain shovel at the edge of the road where the snow plow leaves a big pile along the driveways. Otherwise, I don't bother shoveling. I somehow came to this bizarre thought: what is it with people's fanatical fascination with being able to see bare concrete during the winter? As long as it isn't slippery, I don't care. As long as it's not a 2 foot deep wall preventing my car from entering the driveway, I don't care. And for the driveway my son parks in, I don't care. If there's a 4 foot wall of snow and ice & he cares, he can shovel it. Otherwise, he can just drive through it really quick so he doesn't get stuck.

It'll melt eventually without any help from me.
If it was up to me, I'd let it go. But, we live on one of the few paved roads in our area plus we live on a curved section that is blind in both directions. There's a considerable amount of traffic in the morning and late afternoon when people are going and coming home from work. The speed limit is 55mph. My wife gets all jiggy about trying to pull out with the tires spinning and the potential for cars coming around the bend from either direction. It's a serious concern as we've both been nearly hit in the nice months of the year.

If we only get a few inches and the forecast calls for temps above freezing or lots of sun, I let it go. The asphalt combined with sun will melt it. I may go out and hand shovel out at the road to have a clear spot so we can get traction and scoot out.

I gave up on being real anal about the driveway quite a few years ago. I've learned to have other priorities than the clearest driveway in town.
 

Bryophyte

Lifer
Apr 25, 2001
13,430
13
81
We clear the driveway with a tractor. I'll post pics of the eight-foot tall berms of snow that we have out there right now, if I get a chance.
 

Eeezee

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2005
9,922
0
76
Have you considered hiring someone to shovel it for you? It sounds like you just don't want to shovel the snow yourself.

Even better idea, lay a mine field in the snow and throw rocks at the mines until the snow is gone.

 

IronWing

No Lifer
Jul 20, 2001
73,643
35,434
136
Grab the turntable off you mobile DJ/MC rig. Rummage beneath the kitchen counter until you find the hot air popper you bought in 1983. Mount the popper on the turntable and place in the center of your driveway. Go drink coffee.
 

theblackbox

Golden Member
Oct 1, 2004
1,650
11
81
you could always move to arizona (phoenix) then it would be a non factor...i think if you got 6 inches of snow there, that would be the least of your worries.
 

IronWing

No Lifer
Jul 20, 2001
73,643
35,434
136
Originally posted by: theblackbox
you could always move to arizona (phoenix) then it would be a non factor...i think if you got 6 inches of snow there, that would be the least of your worries.

You're in Florissant? Do you feel any sort of resentment toward your more famous neighbors?
 

theblackbox

Golden Member
Oct 1, 2004
1,650
11
81
Originally posted by: ironwing
Originally posted by: theblackbox
you could always move to arizona (phoenix) then it would be a non factor...i think if you got 6 inches of snow there, that would be the least of your worries.

You're in Florissant? Do you feel any sort of resentment toward your more famous neighbors?

which ones?
 

theblackbox

Golden Member
Oct 1, 2004
1,650
11
81
Originally posted by: theblackbox
Originally posted by: ironwing
Originally posted by: theblackbox
you could always move to arizona (phoenix) then it would be a non factor...i think if you got 6 inches of snow there, that would be the least of your worries.

You're in Florissant? Do you feel any sort of resentment toward your more famous neighbors?

which ones?

cripple creek or divide?
 

IronWing

No Lifer
Jul 20, 2001
73,643
35,434
136
Originally posted by: theblackbox
Originally posted by: theblackbox
Originally posted by: ironwing
Originally posted by: theblackbox
you could always move to arizona (phoenix) then it would be a non factor...i think if you got 6 inches of snow there, that would be the least of your worries.

You're in Florissant? Do you feel any sort of resentment toward your more famous neighbors?

which ones?

cripple creek or divide?

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