user experience: snow shovels

[cellio]

Often when (or after :-( ) shoveling snow I notice that, despite my best posture efforts, the shovel's handle is just too darn short. Bending at the waist invites lower-back complaints later, but sometimes I just can't do it all by bending at the knees. Sometimes I can "shovel" by (mostly) pushing snow around, but when I've got to lift and move snow, I become quite aware of the shortcomings of the tool. This has been true for every snow shovel I have ever used.

I'm 5'3". This has to be an even bigger problem for people who are much taller than me, right? So... what's the secret? Are there long-handled shovels out there? Do tall people just crouch more when shoveling? Inquiring minds want to know.

Comments

[kayre]

Ergonomic snow shovels.

http://www.benmeadows.com/true-temper-18-ergonomic-snow-shovel_s_220886/?gclid=CLHrkbeE-LwCFWTNOgodfCkAsw&CID=BMPL10&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=220886&ef_id=S5LJsENIYWUAAApIYr8AAAGA:20140304042415:s

[loosecanon.livejournal.com]

Absolutely the ergonomic shovel.
I prefer one which has as a blade a proper arc, permitting me to slide a scoop
of manageable weight.
18" is about the widest I feel comfortable with, and I am in reasonably powerful 5'8" frame.
Look for a metal blade for sidewalks and driveways, but a plastic blade for working around car tires and on roofing or other delicate surfaces.
(yes, this has been a hot and busy topic here!)

[metahacker.livejournal.com]

I crouch a LOT.

The problem with long handled shovels is you quickly lose leverage on that lump of heavy snow.

These days I usually "shovel" in more of a continuous motion, bending my knees, cutting into the snow, then twisting and throwing it over one shoulder while extending my legs; a cross between a weight-lifting squat and the motion one uses with a scythe. It's very efficient and powerful and let's me launch the snow the 5-8' straight up that is required to clear our driveway...