It's also called a 'West Country' shovel in England. The real advantage of long handled shovels and spades is not that they dig or shovel better but that they use your arm and shoulder muscles more than short handled shovels, which require you to use your back more. A major cause of 'bad backs' in this country is caused by using short handled shovels. It would be nice to know how many working days are lost annually as a result. Moreover, in heavy use, spades and shovels always break where the wooden shaft meets the metal. With a long handled spade/shovel, you can then repair it by re-using the (now shortened) shaft. Even better than this shovel is the long handled shovel with the 'D' grip at the top of the shaft, which you can repair several times until it becomes a short handled spade/shovel. A long handled shovel also give you the ability to have a longer 'throw' of the aggregate, waste, or spoil you are digging out.. For some reason we in Britain seem to be wedded to short handled spades but they're really only good for digging over regularly cultivated veg. patches.... and how do I know all this? Because I've had a landscaping business for many years and have used and reshafted more spades, shovels and forks than you've had hot dinners. Indeed, I'm such a sad old fool that I actually enjoy repairing them.
If anyone is facing a lot of digging, I recommend safety shoes that have a reinforced shank. It is good for standing on ladders as the rung is now spread along the foot and for shoveling as, again the force of stomping on the shovel is spread along the foot.
I can never fathom why anyone would use those back breaking short, square spades. The long handle has better leverage and is your only man for loading a mixer.
It's also called a 'West Country' shovel in England. The real advantage of long handled shovels and spades is not that they dig or shovel better but that they use your arm and shoulder muscles more than short handled shovels, which require you to use your back more. A major cause of 'bad backs' in this country is caused by using short handled shovels. It would be nice to know how many working days are lost annually as a result. Moreover, in heavy use, spades and shovels always break where the wooden shaft meets the metal. With a long handled spade/shovel, you can then repair it by re-using the (now shortened) shaft. Even better than this shovel is the long handled shovel with the 'D' grip at the top of the shaft, which you can repair several times until it becomes a short handled spade/shovel. A long handled shovel also give you the ability to have a longer 'throw' of the aggregate, waste, or spoil you are digging out.. For some reason we in Britain seem to be wedded to short handled spades but they're really only good for digging over regularly cultivated veg. patches.... and how do I know all this? Because I've had a landscaping business for many years and have used and reshafted more spades, shovels and forks than you've had hot dinners. Indeed, I'm such a sad old fool that I actually enjoy repairing them.
Fantastic. Thank you for adding this depth to my content. I'll pin this. Mark
Good comparison and good tips about wires.
Thanks for this great feedback Luke. Much appreciated. Mark
If anyone is facing a lot of digging, I recommend safety shoes that have a reinforced shank. It is good for standing on ladders as the rung is now spread along the foot and for shoveling as, again the force of stomping on the shovel is spread along the foot.
Always use a pick to loosen up the dirt first .makes things easier.
Thanks Ted, helpful tip. Mark
I can never fathom why anyone would use those back breaking short, square spades.
The long handle has better leverage and is your only man for loading a mixer.
Hello good review is this type of shovel hood for turning over lots of soil in a large allotment....
It really is a fantastic tool, but that one has a bit more angle on the head than usual?
When the shovel is placed on the ground the front point should measure up 7"-7.5" from the ground. (Irish Statute S.I. No. 91/1953).
You've taught me something here. How interesting. Thanks. Mark
Finally a good shovel not those dwarfs to kill people ...... Put them immediately in the trade eliminate those unnecessary pieces of iron ..
Thank you. I'm glad you like it. I love mine ☺️