A scoop shovel is a shovel that has a wide flare at the base to hold more substrate. The purpose of a scoop shovel is to scoop material that has been loosened already. So a scoop shovel is a workhorse utilized to move piled-up materials such as compost, grain, sand, and gravel. This shovel also comes in smaller sizes to scoop coffee, flour and dirt for plants.
You will find scoop shovels manufactured from a wide variety of materials. Some are aluminum, others polypropylene, steel, or carbon fiber which means some are lighter. Also, depending on the manufacturer, the shape may be rounded or squared, so there are a variety of scoop shovels for you to look at and choose.
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Where and When to Use a Scoop Shovel
A scoop shovel is helpful in various environments; Kitchens, construction sites, backyards, stable yards or the beach. You can utilize this shovel for all kinds of tasks, but its primary objective is to transport material from one place to another. Generally, snow is moved with a large scoop shovel. However, they are also helpful in transporting pea gravel, coal, grain, mulch, manure, or loose soils, kitty litter, sand or getting a large scoop of rice in the kitchen.
The Anatomy of a Scoop Shovel
A scoop shovel consists of two parts, the shaft, and the blade.
The shaft section includes a grip and handle. The blade component consists of the collar, blade/scoop, and blade tip.
The Grip
The grip is right at the top of the shovel, where you place your hand. A D-griping handle is standard amongst shovels, and you will know it is a D handle as turning the shovel onto a horizontal axis will make the letter “D.”
These grips are usually more space-saving since you can easily hang them up in your shed or garage.
The Handle
Next is the handle, which is connected to the grip and will be made from fiberglass, wood, or polypropylene. When buying a scoop shovel, look closely at the handle if it’s wooden.
A good-quality wooden handle will have grains that align with the blade, not against it. Aside from this, the handle is available in various heights, short or tall.
The Collar
The collar is the section connected to the handle and the blade. Here, you’ll generally find some fastener connecting the two. It may be attached with screws, nails or you might find a rivet if you look at a scoop shovel above the budget scoop shovels.
The Blade/Scoop
Whether it’s stamped steel, polypropylene, or aluminum, your shovel will have a blade, the bucket part that holds materials, and digs. The shovel’s blade is rated by a number that signifies the blade’s size or scoop.
For instance, a #10 blade is smaller than a #14. The larger the blade, the more substrate that you can scoop. Also, the larger the scoop, the heavier the shovel.
Most people prefer a #12 shovel, as it is a balance between weight and scooping capacity.
The Tip
Otherwise known as the point, this is the end of the blade. As we mentioned earlier, there are different shapes, but it’s typical for scoop shovels to have square or rounded tips, with the square tip being the most common for scooping.
The Best Large Scoop Shovels
There you have it. Everything you need to know about scoop shovels: with this knowledge, you’re sure to find the perfect shovel for your needs.
You can almost call yourself a scoop shovel expert now! All there’s left to learn is which specific models will meet your needs. Check out our guide Choosing The Best Shovel For You to help you refine your choices.
If you are looking for a quality large scoop shovel that is built to last, our recommendations for moving grain, cleaning animal stalls, and shoveling snow include:
#1 Ames Poly Scoop Shovel
A #12 aluminum blade that strikes the perfect balance between weight and function makes this shovel wonderfully effective while maintaining a lightweight feel.
So regardless of what kind of work you need to do, this scoop shovel is bound to help you out.
The Features
- It’s lightweight and made from polypropylene.
- It is incredibly durable even though it’s lightweight.
- The scoop/blade is angled and ribbed, so the substrate will be less likely to stick, and you can get a good scoop of material.
- The blade is ABS poly, and the wooden handle is ash wood.
- The handle is a D-grip design for control, leverage, and easy storage.
- A #12 aluminum blade that strikes the perfect balance between weight and function makes this shovel wonderfully effective while maintaining a lightweight feel.
#2 Remco Polypropylene Shovel
Whether you need to spread some fertilizer, remove snow, or move soil, this scoop shovel will do right by you. It’s made entirely from polypropylene and proves to be stronger than the majority of similar shovels.
The Features
- It is made from one bit of polypropylene.
- It’s lightweight, and the scoop is wonderfully deep.
- It doesn’t corrode due to the polypropylene construction.
- Even if your hands are on the small side, the grip is very comfortable.
- Come in various colors and sizes.
- It’s fabulous for animal stalls since the scoop is large but not intrusive.
#3 Seymour Jobsite Steel Scoop
This one can indeed do it all. With this lightweight yet super strong shovel, moving snow, spreading salt, shifting fertilizer, or stacking muckheaps is a breeze.
The Features
- It’s versatile and lightweight, thanks to the poly construction.
- Even though it’s lightweight, it’s still very sturdy.
- It was designed explicitly for shoveling snow or grain.
#4 Ashman Large Scoop
This large scoop shovel is made for moving snow off your driveway, decking, and anywhere else. It has a coating on the aluminum blade that ensures snow won’t stick to it. Moreover, it’s strong enough to chip through stubborn blocks of ice. It’ll be your best winter companion.
The Features
- The scoop is angled and ribbed, and the blade is coated.
- Has a D- handle.
- Great for taking with you when driving during snow days for emergency purposes.
#5 Harris Farms Poly Barn Shovel
This shovel is virtually indestructible. It can take a bunch of weight and displays a glorious D-handle for easy digging. Not to mention that it will never rust, nor will it be damaged by chemicals.
The Features
- On piece construction.
- It holds up to 40 lbs. and is made entirely from polypropylene.
- It’s a nice tree-green color, and the blade is 14 inches.
