1. Top Pick Up Front: SnowPlow Snow Pusher
The 24-inch SnowPlow Snow Pusher, available from Walmart, features a 24-inch-wide, self-sharpening polyethylene blade, patented Tuffbrace handle/brace connector, and replaceable parts.
SnowPlow manufactures this product in Clarion, Iowa, using sustainable practices.
SnowPlow Snow Pusher
This sturdy model is a favorite of professionals, because its quarter-inch-thick Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) poly blade withstands impact, and resists friction and abrasion.
This is because the resin it is made of is used in dust form, as opposed to the typical pebbles or shavings generally found in plastics.
The blade is unique in that it has curved corners, instead of traditional sharp-angled ones. This makes it super durable, as it doesn’t catch in cracks that might damage a straight-edged model.
Additionally, while this means a narrow swath of snow may sometimes be left behind, it is considered by the manufacturer to be a small price to pay for strength and durability.
This product is shipped with a blunt-edged blade. Do not attempt to sharpen it. Instead, let it self-sharpen with use. After use, it must be stored in a cool shed or garage, to avoid temperature changes that could warp the blade.
Poly blades sometimes warp with use. If this happens, bring the shovel indoors and allow it to warm up. Then you may bend the blade manually to return it to the desired shape.
The manufacturer states that you may have to overbend it at first to get it to stay where you want it. This is fine, and won’t break the shovel.
The fiberglass handle features a reinforced core and a D-style grip for easy maneuverability.
This is a robust product, weighing in at seven pounds. Commercial contractors may expect to get two to four years, and homeowners may enjoy 10 or more years of use from a SnowPlow Snow Pusher product.
This model may be used for chopping as well as snow clearing. And, with interchangeable parts, a user may replace a worn-out blade with one of the same, or a different size.
The SnowPlow Snow Pusher is covered by a limited/situational warranty, and the manufacturer asserts that “replacement parts are available but are rarely sold or needed.”
Assembly required. Made in the USA.
Pros
- All parts are replaceable
- Blades are interchangeable
- Bolted construction
- Easy locknut assembly
- Nearly indestructible blade
- Rust-proof
Cons
We’ve selected the this model in the 24-inch blade width. However, you may prefer the 30-inch or the 36-inch, available via Amazon.
Check prices at Walmart now.
2. Bargain Pick: Westward 18-Inch
The Westward, available via Amazon, is a traditional style product with a navy blue angled, rib patterned, 18-inch poly-coated plastic blade.
Westward 18-Inch Snow Shovel
It has a durable D-grip attached to a wooden handle. From top to bottom, it measures 48 inches.
While it is extremely light, weighing just shy of two and a half pounds, it is effective at dealing with a light covering of snow. It’s ideal for decks and patios as it doesn’t scratch surfaces.
Suitable for seniors and children, it is ideal for light-duty removal.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Light duty
- Won’t rust
Cons
- Poly blade may crack under heavy weight
- Shallow scoop
- Lacks a steel wear strip
- Not for heavy, wet precipitation or ice
On the negative side, taller folks may find the handle too short, the scoop is somewhat shallow, and the plastic flimsy.
This budget-friendly tool is best suited to light clearance of small areas.
Read customer reviews and check prices now on Amazon.
3. AAA Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel
Made of high quality aluminum, the sport utility emergency-use shovel from AAA, available via Amazon, is great for digging out a snowbound vehicle.
Sturdy and portable, this aluminum model is ideal to carry in your car, truck, recreational vehicle – or even your backpack! It weighs a shade under one and half pounds.
Simply disassemble it into three compact pieces and travel on.
Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel
Designed to dig you out of a frozen spot, this product makes a great addition to your emergency road kit. It’s also useful for digging in soil and sand.
The telescoping handle expands from 21 to 32 inches long, with a T-grip on the end. It is comfortable to use for short periods, and the bright color makes it hard to lose. It is available in red, blue, and gold.
The blade is nine inches wide, so it’s unsuitable for clearing large areas.
The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty. Assembly required.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Aluminum blade
- Expandable handle
- Doesn’t flex or bend with intended use
- Multi-purpose
Cons
- Too small for general use
- Short handle
We love this product for digging around tires to free vehicles from snow. The blade’s metal edge is sharp enough to loosen ice, and it makes good vertical cuts.
On the negative side, even fully extended, use requires bending for most people. This may cause back strain with extensive use.
Heavy-duty jobs may result in damage to the product. Look for a more sturdy model for heavy snow removal.
Check prices and read reviews now on Amazon.
4. Snow Joe 18-Inch Snow Shovel
The 18-inch Snow Joe Snow Shovel, available via Home Depot, boasts a “virtually indestructible” black blade constructed of shatter-resistant polycarbonate, with a non-abrasive aluminum wear strip, for use on all surfaces.
Snow Joe 18-Inch Shovel
A unique feature is the four-piece construction, which may be broken down for convenient storage.
It makes a great car emergency tool for this reason, and at 41 inches long, its handle is more than twice the length of other auto shovels.
In addition, there is an oversized D-grip handle that easily accommodates a thick glove, and a reinforced poly blade strip for added strength and durability. This model weighs in at just under four pounds.
Snow Joe has offices in Carlstadt, New Jersey. The company strives to offer products that reduce emissions in the environment. When I emailed customer service with a question, I received a reply within minutes.
This product has a two-year warranty. Assembly required.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable, can be broken down into four pieces
Cons
- Poly blades may warp with heavy use
Read customer reviews and check prices on Home Depot.
5. Snow Joe Shovelution Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel
The Snow Joe Shovelution 18-inch Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel with Spring-Assisted Handle, available via Amazon looks like your standard tool, but with a healthy twist.
It’s operated with two hands on two handles to reduce the stress and strain of shoveling large quantities of the white stuff.
Snow Joe Shovelution
This ergonomic model optimizes leverage by creating a fulcrum at the point where the handles join.
The second handle is spring-loaded, to turn your lower hand into a powerhouse of upper body strength, lifting and tossing medium to heavy snow in a fluid motion.
The 18-inch blade is constructed from blue polycarbonate with an aluminum wear strip. In addition to shoveling snow, it can be used for other gardening chores like lifting mulch and compost.
Snow Joe offers a two-year full warranty.
This product has an overall length of 50 inches and weighs just under four pounds. It requires home assembly.
Pros
- Ergonomic two-handle construction designed to reduce back strain
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poly blades may crack or warp
The two-handled design can take a bit of practice before it feels comfortable to use, and in the case of taller people, it may require some bending.
Check out the Snow Joe Shovelution at Amazon.
6. Suncast 18-Inch Snow Shovel/Pusher Combo
This model boasts Suncast’s trademark ribbed Steel Core® handle in an ergonomic bent handle, designed to reduce back strain during use. It’s available via Walmart.
Suncast 18-Inch Snow Shovel/Pusher Combo
It features an 18-inch-wide green resin blade reinforced with a galvanized steel wear strip, measures 52 1/2 inches in length, and weighs just over four pounds.
This model gives you the best of both worlds: Its narrow blade lets you clear manageable sized swaths, and its slightly scooped shape permits lifting without strain.
This model is not covered by Suncast’s warranties. It has a point-of-purchase warranty only. Made in the USA.
Pros
- Ergonomic concept
- Solid construction
Cons
- Poly blade may crack or warp under heavy weight
- Steel wear strip may catch
- Steel handle may transfer cold to hand
The ergonomic design suits some folks but not others – it’s really a matter of personal preference. People under five-foot-six inches and above six-foot-two may find it awkward to use.
Find out more and check price now at Walmart.
7. True Temper SnoBoss 26-Inch Ergonomic Poly Combo
This unique reversible-blade tool from True Temper, available at Tractor Supply, is ergonomic and integrated without extraneous nuts and bolts to impede optimal performance.
True Temper SnoBoss 26-Inch Ergonomic Poly Combo Snow Shovel
A shovel and pusher in one, it boasts a 26-inch poly blade with a steel wear strip that can switch functions with ease.
Maintain firm control with two ergonomically-designed aluminum handles that offer multiple grip locations for proper posture, particularly when lifting. A foot step provides additional leverage.
The Ames True Temper company offers a 90-day warranty on this product. Made in the USA. Some components may be imported.
The riveted steel wear strip is durable, but may have a tendency to catch on irregular pavements when used as a forward plow.
Pros
- Ergonomic concept
- Versatile use
Cons
- Steel wear strip may catch on irregular pavement, causing it to become damaged
This unique product is 56 inches long from blade edge to the top of the handle, and weighs just five and a half pounds.
It makes short work of heavy snow on the driveway and the unique design allows you to clear steps and stairs with ease.
Check prices and learn more on Tractor Supply.
