Here's the scoop on the best snow-moving weapon
I inherited this sliding scoop with my house out in the country, and it has been a lifesaver. I actually prefer it over my little egg-beater snowblower. There's no name on it, but I think it might be the Solem & Sons snow scoop referred to by Todd Gremmels on the earlier thread.
It works so beautifully - scoop up about four or five shovels' worth of snow, slide it along the ground, slide it up the designated snow pile, give it a good shove and let the snow tumble over the other side.
Almost no lifting involved. If the snow is wet, scoop less; if it is powdery, scoop more. Put it exactly where you want it. I clear my driveway in no time and, while I'm tired afterward, I never get back pain.
No gas and maintenance, either.
I dread the thought of anything happening to it. I may have to go buy a back-up just in case.
Even the dog likes it.
Posted by
akjuneau on December 24, 2008 01:45 PM | Permalink
Comments
I've always known it as a Yooper Scooper.
Posted by: MEL1110 | December 24, 2008 02:36 PM
We inherited one at our house here in Duluth proper, that looks just like yours. There is a worn sticker on it that says "Solem Sheet Metal Heating & Insolating (with an o) Route 4, Box 568 Duluth, MN 55803 721-4477 We love ours as well!
Posted by: Kad A | December 24, 2008 03:23 PM
Thats the baby!!!!!
I also agree that I would choose it any day over a snowblower!!!!!!!
Well unleast untill I am to old to push the freshees!!!
Peace
Todd
Posted by: Todd Gremmels | December 24, 2008 05:24 PM
where i come from we call that a yooper scooper.
Posted by: cando | December 25, 2008 11:47 PM
Yeah, those are pretty nice. I have a plastic one that is highly effective, you can fill it up and then tip it back, and push it like a sled over any hill of snow! You never have to pick it up, which greatly lessens exertion and chance of injury or fatigue.
Solem and Sons is out on Jean Duluth Road, they're still doing the sheet metal shaboozle.
Posted by: Jerome | December 26, 2008 08:42 PM
I'm eco-friendly to the extreme but that looks like a pain in the ass! :)
Posted by: Andrew | December 27, 2008 02:34 AM
Secondary usage: I remember my dad using his as a tow-behind sled for groceries when walking home from the supermarket in the aftermath of the '91 Halloween storm. (Step inside the handle and push, don't pull, to avoid injuries.)
Also, in the previous post, Gremmels said Solem & Sons is in West Duluth. You think Jean Duluth Road is West Duluth? How far east do you live, Todd?
Posted by: Barrett | December 27, 2008 06:45 AM
wait...doesn't Gremmels live out on scenic 61?
Posted by: zra | December 27, 2008 08:54 AM
Say, does anybody use this weird-ass steampunk looking snow shovel?
http://www.wovel.com/
Posted by: andy | December 27, 2008 10:21 AM
I would like to stand or sit in it as someone pushes me along. That would be fun!
Posted by: Calk | December 27, 2008 06:36 PM
My dad had one of the originals from Solem's! He beefed it up by reinforcing the blade and it's held up after many years of use. Still hangs on the side of the garage.
Yes, many a grandchildren were pushed around in it.
Best memory is when dad was sick of the snow in the spring so he used the scoop to remove snow from the yard where it was slow to melt. He would place the scooped snow in an upright position thus creating what he called his "snowhenge".
Posted by: heysme | December 28, 2008 12:12 PM
I was just at Lakewood One Stop on Jean Duluth today and saw they had two scoops on sale. Just thought this info would be useful.
Posted by: ruthie | December 29, 2008 04:46 PM
I broke two plastic shovels in the past two days, sigh.
Posted by: The Big E | December 30, 2008 09:11 PM
Sorry about the Jean Duluth in west Duluth. I checked my scoop and sure enuff it says Jean Duluth.
Hey peeps Marshall Hardware has some too.
And hey Andrew!!! This thing is a breeze to use!!!
Peace
Todd
Posted by: Todd Gremmels | December 30, 2008 09:12 PM