What to consider when selecting a shovel or spade?
The most important features in the selection of a shovel include: • weight, • handle type, • length, and • blade size and shape. Why is the weight of the shovel important? The amount of muscular effort required in shovelling depends on: • the total weight of the shovel, • the weight of the load it carries, • how far the load is from the shoveler’s body, and • where the hands are placed on the handle. Reducing the weight of the shovel, which is unproductive weight, increases shovelling efficiency. The weight of the shovel should range from 1.5 to 3 kg (3 lb to 6.5 lb) maximum. The weight depends in part on the type and weight of material (e.g., steel, aluminum, plastic) that is suitable for the intended use. For example, a light shovel (e.g., 1.5 kg (3 lb)) may be suitable for shovelling snow but a heavier, sturdier shovel (e.g., 3 kg (6.5 lb)) may be needed to shovel coal. Why is the type and length of the handle important? There are two conflicting opinions regarding the length of a s
