Is this shovel effective on snow that is wet and heavy or is it generally for lighter loads ?
640711
I've had my shovel for three years and am a HUGE HUGE HUGE fan, but I can only use it for the drier snowfalls. Once Colorado gets heavy, wet snow in the spring, I find the shovel bogs down and I just can't use it. Then again, I am a 125-pound female, so perhaps someone stronger can muscle it. I can't.
640712
This scooper works wonders on all types of snow including the ice-chunked plow bump at the end of my driveway. We (south shore of Lake Superior natives) have had several feet of snow already this year - some fluffy and some heavy wet stuff. The scooper has handled it all with no sticking. It is unbelievably strong compared to the standard aluminum or sheet metal scoopers that I've had in the past.
640713
The shovel can pick up more than I care to lift. It's very wide and sturdily built. It did relieve strain on my back but the load still has to be moved. In this case my shoulders will get tired after a while. We had two big storms with in a few days of each other. After the snow plows went by on each day the snow was very high on the end of my driveway. I was able to get the yukon under the edge and tilt it back, however that time I could hardly slide the sled. I would consider that example extreme and wouldn't hold it against the yukon. One trick I've been using is spraying the bucket and the bottom with wd40 or vegetable oil to help with expelling snow. The unit was so big that I had to take it out of the box to get it in my mini van.
640714
Funny you should ask. I just used it this morning on a 2-3' snow base with a slight layer of ice on top as the rain fell and froze in the Northeast. (I'm not sure it would go through a thick coat of ice with snow underneath.) I think it's the best manual tool available on wet snow because you can fill the entire bucket and slide the full load to somewhere you can dump it. With a slight downward push on the back of the handle, the front will rise up and go over my Belgian block curb. The wonderful part of this is that you don't have to LIFT and throw the bucket (like a shovel), which saves your back. The plastic is light and does not ice up like a metal shovel would. Funny you should ask. I just used it this morning on a 2-3' snow base with a slight layer of ice on top as the rain fell and froze in the Northeast. (I'm not sure it would go through a thick coat of ice with snow underneath.) I think it's the best manual tool available on wet snow because you can fill the entire bucket and slide the full load to somewhere you can dump it. With a slight downward push on the back of the handle, the front will rise up and go over my Belgian block curb. The wonderful part of this is that you don't have to LIFT and throw the bucket (like a shovel), which saves... » Read More Funny you should ask. I just used it this morning on a 2-3' snow base with a slight layer of ice on top as the rain fell and froze in the Northeast. (I'm not sure it would go through a thick coat of ice with snow underneath.) I think it's the best manual tool available on wet snow because you can fill the entire bucket and slide the full load to somewhere you can dump it. With a slight downward push on the back of the handle, the front will rise up and go over my Belgian block curb. The wonderful part of this is that you don't have to LIFT and throw the bucket (like a shovel), which saves your back. The plastic is light and does not ice up like a metal shovel would. « Show Less
1651332
I have used mine in all snow levels and conditions and it work great. I adjusted the height so it can clear snow all the way down to the concrete. When clearing 1"-2" of snow I basically use it like a plow.
1647505
It is push but piece of cake. It's ok for powdery snow, the heavy wet stuff is a challenge for the machine, but if you're a patient person, you shouldn't have any problems! It works for me, as it is a light weight machine. I have no shed, garage, etc to store it so when I'm done, I pick it up and bring it in the house. I put a towel on the floor of my tub and place the snow joe there so the snow can melt off and then it goes downstairs to the basement!
1619811
The manual says it won't support heavy snows. Looking at the design, I think it would do OK with a light snow load. I doubt seriously it could take a heavy wet load. I've only had mine a few months, and I live near the ocean in VA which rarely has heavy snows, but, I would suggest a heavier duty model for northern tier states.
1838646
I bought a Snow Joe 622U1 in 2011. I was impressed. I live in NE Missouri and do get snow, heavy and wet at times, and use it about 5 -8 times a season Not like a big, gas one, but it beats shoveling.. No problems until tonight (feb, 2014, 4th time this season.). I hit a chunk of ice and it broke a belt. I got my money's worth.
976160
I own one of these and have used it several times - It's a great pusher. You are asking the wrong question. With a push shovel you want it heavier because you need it to push the weighted snow along. You are not lifting snow with it so the weight doesn't matter. If you are concerned about weight, go down to home depot or Lowes and buy a cheap plastic one. I hope this helps you in your decision.
1718105
For an electric snowthrower it does very well. It's a very strong tool. You merely have to adjust your speed to the density of the snow.
878435
I bought it as an emergency shovel to keep in the car in case I get stuck in snow. I can use it to dig out around the wheels if necessary. I haven't had to use it yet but I believe that it will serve that purpose. I would not recommend it as a regular snow shovel for sidewalks and such. It is too small for that kind of shoveling.
1492366
Well, it weighs 11 pounds or so, but I suspect that was not really what you were asking. I suspect that you want to know how hard it is to push when it's got snow in it. I can't answer that precisely, because I would need some sort of testing device to do that. And, of course, it depends upon how much snow you have in it. It is somewhat harder to push than a regular snow shovel, but I don't think it is overly difficult to push. Remember the old push lawn mowers? I would compare it to those, assuming your blades were reasonably sharp.
1127280
I use it for a double car drive and 60 feet of sidewalk. It is easy to move around and to shift and the wheels on the back assist with that. It does a good job in light snow but is not as good if the snow is wet and more than a couple of inches deep.
2212926
That's a two part answer! It is heavy duty, not really. However if you are talking about being able to get the snow off, then it works perfectly. Snow is not the problem. The issue is if there is wet snow, sleet or rain. When water gets between the material and the car or wind shield, it will freeze there. At that point you have a greater chance for the material to rip. I have found that if you take a warm cup of water and pour it over the spots that have frozen, then you are in good shape and it will come off easier. Simply, if you know that it will just snow, then use it! You'll have no issues. If it is any other type of precipitation, then use with caution or use the warm water trick. Overall, it works for me and I am happy with it.
756985
The shovel is only 5-8# and very efficient on approximately 1 - 2 " of snow. Yes, it is designed for all hard surfaces.
1966701
It's the best push shovel I've used. It's heavy. You really don't want to lift this. You may not want to carry it to go shovel. I love it though.
1202289
No. This shovel is not designed for large tasks such as that. It is suited more for small campsite tasks such as digging out a firepit, creating a small latrine, or digging a solar still. If you are worried about getting stuck and need a good shovel, I suggest investing in a good snow shovel. I have this shovel and live in WI where getting stuck in the snow is a definite possibility. I would not even think of trying to use this small shovel for that task. Hope this helps in your decision!
975244
No problems with snow getting stuck for me, but I've been fortunate so far since receiving the blower with only powdery snow. I've not had to deal with wet packed snow, but would not expect it to have the ability to move heavy, wet snow very well.
912378
This snow shovel is fairly easy to push up the mounds of snow and dump on the other side. I live in Cleveland so the snow comes and goes. Could be difficult if you are dealing with a lot of snow that stays around for months!
2028640
You have to keep in mind that this is a pusher shovel. Not a scoop that you lift with. I recommend you use this shovel with a snow blower. Push the hard-to-get snow to a pile where you can blow it to wherever you want. But don't push snow and lift it. You'll have back problems.