Shoveling snow - you're doing it wrong! Efficient method to shovel driveway (now with explanations!)
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- čas přidán 1. 12. 2023
- Shoveling a driveway using efficient clearing technique. ssprod.me/blog/2022/01/04/how...
A follow-up to the original, now with instructions and sound. How to remove snow/how to shovel snow.
Shovelling inspired T-shirt? --- www.zazzle.ca/collections/sho...
15-20cms (6-8 inches) of fresh snow had fallen. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada gets over 2.3m (86in) of snow on average each year. It's a mix of powder, really wet stuff, freezing rain or layers of snow and rain. This video was shot on the less wet type snow, not quite full powder but technique is similar regardless (modify modify modify - look at the blog link for tips in different conditions). I have been shovelling for over 20 years and 95+% of the time the snowblower just sits in the garage because it is slower.
Full info and details here ssprod.me/blog/2022/01/04/how...
Start by clearing a walkway length-wise half-way through your driveway. Using this walkway, push the snow with the shovel towards the side, ideally without taking any steps towards it. If you have a wider driveway, push as far as you can without moving. Once you are done one side, go down the walkway pushing the other side. If you havent made it to the side in one push, repeat again until you have pushed all the snow to the edges. Now lift the snow you pushed on top of the existing snowbank (use your legs) and you're done!
Note that for heavy/wet snow, it can be harder to push and you may need to lift and throw it on the snowbank (or walk through the remaining snow to drop it on the snowbank if throwing is too hard). You can also use a smaller shovel. Once the big accumulation is done you can push the rest or as far as you can. It may seem like it does not help with heavy snow but the worst-case is you shovel like you used to so nothing lost...
Original video had over 250k views, almost 600 comments, CZcams monetizes at 1000 followers so not a dime was made from the original video - importance of subscribing if you enjoyed! - Jak na to + styl
100% spot on- I’ve been doing this for years now.
I have a long blacktop driveway and one thing I do if the snow is fluffy like that (and not too much)- after the initial pass down the center I go back to the top of my driveway (it’s also pretty steep) and I use a wide 48” pusher shovel angled like a snow plow at about 35-45 degrees and RUN down. If I get good momentum it throws the snow nearly all the way across. I can finish with just a few passes.
I don’t think it even takes more energy. Once you have the momentum you just keep it going. I’m sure my neighbors think I look crazy. Oh well.
Thanks for the comment! That actually sounds like fun! The steepness and super wide shovel work in tandem for your technique, good stuff. If you can keep it moving then its less to have to lift and throw. Thanks for sharing!
Wow. Thank you so much for taking the time to edit/update this video with a voice over of your detailed instructions.!! The intention of this video was to help others and you have accomplished that mission! 👏I was searching for a helpful video like this for days when we have huge snowfalls. I know Ottawa gets a ton of snow and you don't call in the army either when that happens. 😀 I always love to learn how to do things more efficiently. Agreed that everyone can use this method as a starting point and adjust based on their situation (ie driveway, physical strength, snow density/volume).
Thank you! So glad it was helpful :)
Living in Michigan, I have this same type of shovel and technique for dry snow. The only thing I'd add is you probably want to switch arms when you switch sides so that you build muscles evenly 😅
Thanks for the comment! On point with switching arms hahaha! never thought of that one.
Been scooping snow that way for about 35 years. And for all of the Captains Obvious, yes you can do the same with heavy snow. It just takes another round or two. I'm old enough now that I have a snowblower for backup.
Some differences between you and I. My plastic grain shovel is deeper and moves more snow. I don't make a run through the center, and I don't walk backwards. Walking forwards, pushing to the left, (my right is dominant), I don't pack any snow down by stepping in it. Turn around at the end and push the other half.
Thanks for the comment. Absolutely right for heavy snow, its just modification. (I had an article with tips and tricks here ssprod.me/blog/2022/01/04/how-to-shovel-snow-and-clean-your-driveway/ ). I don't use a wider shovel as it wouldn't get used that often as we get heavy snow and lots of accumulation, this is sort of the happy medium for most conditions (I have a narrower one too). I see what you mean by walking backwards, I guess it just depend what side i choose to start with, never noticed that!
The grain shovel is only about 14 inches wide, but it's deep. It can hold a lot of snow. But it was expensive, and I don't want to wear it down with pushing anymore. I am waiting, (not anxiously), for the next snow to try my first snow pusher. I will use the same method, but this is 36 inches wide. If I don't feel like using the shovel to move the final windrow, I'll get the snowblower out. As the song says, "don't be a hero, don't be a fool with your life."
Randomly came across this. I live in Central NY, and we get about 120" of snow a year on average, give or take. This method is correct, now that being said, we use snowblowers here for obvious reasons, but if you shovel....GO DOWN THE MIDDLE LIKE HE SHOWS YOU. It works for all conditions and it's still the best method even if its wet and heavy. I respectfully disagree with anyone saying this method is incorrect and welcome you to come to CNY to shovel my driveway anytime we get some lake effect. ;)
Thanks for the comment! We're averaging 88' of snow on average here so not that far off (and I don't own a snowblower, many do, many pay a snow clearing company with big tractors). Thanks again for supporting :)
Thank you for explaining!
Thanks for commenting, hope it was helpful!
@@SunshineproductionsCanadaYeah, it is helpful. It's 1 of those things that are very obvious in hindsight.
As another Orleans guy 😉 I might add one comment… when I have light snow like this I usually throw it farther into the yard so that the bank isn’t so high when the heavy, wet stuff has to be lifted!
Yeah totally! Snowbank management becomes a thing later in the season, especially with narrow lawns. I'll often push the snowbank further out when it gets high enough (and compress it down by walking on it).
Looking good! But it also a perfect conditions: dry snow, solid ground (asphalt), and low temperature. With bumpy ground and wet snow, even the right technique would be a pain in the back and arse!
Thanks for the comment! Yes conditions are pretty good but the name of the game is to modify to what you have. There's no getting away from shoveling the stuff. For wetter snow, you'll need to push more than once - push as far as you can, throw(or carry) to the side, push again. If your driveway isn't Fairly smooth (I have some interlock) the shovel might catch, but, at least for me, it's not really a problem (I haven't shovelled a completely unpaved driveway in many years - let me know if you have tips!). Push, throw, is the idea, and there's some more tips for different situations in the write-up. Don't give up and take your time!
and that is a very good reason to buy a snow blower !
Thanks for the comment, snowblowers are actually slower 90% of the time, plus they burn fossil fuels (not very efficiently or cleanly either). There's only 1 electric/battery operated model that might be able to deal with the conditions we have here but again, I would only consider using it that one time a year when there is a huge amount and it's super heavy (by my standards). Exercise is good :)
@@SunshineproductionsCanada Nice job on the video! I agree that often I can just use a shovel and do that when possible. I use those same techniques to clear with a shovel as you mention in the video. Here in MN we can often get larger snowfalls that encourage the use of a snowblower....especially as banks get higher. I bought an EGO 2 stage (battery powered) blower that works great and blows snow further than gas blowers I have had in the past. I usually do 2-3 neighbors as well, so my back is glad to have the snowblower if needed. And you are right.....shoveling snow is good exercise.
@@marathonkev Thanks for the comment and support! I saw the 2 stages starting to come on the market but wasn't sure how they performed, glad to hear they seem solid! Kudos on you for helping the neighbors too! It happens that I can't get out there quickly with kids/work and sometimes my neighbours do the same, return the favour when possible.
If your snow is that fluffy (which most of the time it isn't) the most efficient way would be a leaf blower.
Thanks for the comment, leaf blower comes up a lot. I'm not sure why? this amount of snow can't be cleared with a leaf blower easily. You might be able to do it (not for the snow left by the plow), but it would take much more time than shovelling. I've never seen anyone use a leaf blower to clear snow - wait that's wrong, I saw it attempted once and it failed, they used shovels instead - czcams.com/video/hwIVK7298Xo/video.htmlsi=5snh1AVs8ZTC-s1r&t=2715
Canada doesn't have bigger snow scoops? That are like maybe 80cm wide? I can say that I would have not cleaned that driveway with shovel. Here in Finland I use those bigger snow scoops to push snow from yards/drive ways.
Thanks for the comment, the one used here is about 60cm wide, There are some bigger ones but they get useless with too much snow or if the snow is wet and heavy. (I have a narrower one too) This is pretty much the ideal size here for most of the snowfalls.
@@SunshineproductionsCanadaYes if there a lot of wet/heavy snow those big scoops can get quite tough to handle. That's why I have snowblower as backup. :) Of course just for small driveway it might be 'bit much'.
good luck doing this with heavy snow :( Looks like you're doing this with light stuff, my favourite to shovel!
Still works very well, you just don't start grabbing a whole shovel with each start, just grab like 1/4 or 1/2 the width
Thanks for the comment. Same idea with any kind of snow, push as far as you can first then when its too hard to push, throw/carry to snowbank, push again if you didn't clear it all. Modify as appropriate :).
@@Scott-fy7fm Thanks for the comment and you're spot on! Push less far, push less snow, use narrower shovel all good modifications for those conditions!
Looks like an Ottawa suburb.... specifically Orleans
And you're exactly right
Yeah that works with that fairy dust good luck with a foot plus of heavy wet snow
Thanks for the comment. As mentioned in the video, you have to modify depending on conditions. Use two or multiple pushes when the snow is heavier, you may need to take some snow and throw/carry it to the snowbank between pushes. Maximize your push time, minimize your throw distances.
I saw you shoveling what skiers call "Champagne Power" a leaf blower and the wind at your back would seriously do a better job. A leaf blower would get all the powder snow off, and when the sun came out the walk would be dry. Show a video of how to shovel heavy wet snow (Like Pennsylvania)
that is impossible to push away.
Thanks for the comment. A leaf blower does not work with this amount of snow. The technique works with heavy wet snow, you just have to modify. Push as far as you can then throw/carry snow to the side, push again. You can also use a narrower shovel or push less snow at the same time, modify depending on conditions.
That's cute with that nice fluffy light snow that came when it was just the perfect cold temperature. Let's see you do that with something that transition to rain during the middle of the night and then back to snow and half of it is frozen in the middle and about the consistency of a snow cone on the bottom or maybe snow that was blown in off of a lake and is packed in 6 ft deep and hard enough that you can drive a car across. You're going to need a chainsaw or heavy equipment buddy.
Thanks for the comment. I do the same thing with modifications, push less far, throw/carry snow in between pushes. During a snowstorm, the trick is also to go multiple times (I have another video pending where I did it at night and then in the morning, with two cars in a wider driveway). You can always dream up of a situation where something doesn't work, but for 95+% of the time, this is the way.
There are folks who needed to be shown this….? 😮
Yep! You can't tell me you haven't seen people use the Scoop-throw-scoop-throw method and take hours to clean a driveway? A lot of people don't face snow very often, some come from places where they've never had snow or lived in apartments and just don't know what to do when they need to shovel. Hopefully, this helps people save time!
@@SunshineproductionsCanada Maybe it’s one of those “What type of brain do you have? Practical v Creative” type scenarios….coz I’m from Australia (a hot part) and it’s common sense to me that you need to make a running track down the middle first and divide the workload up into two….oh well 🤷♂️ Keep educating bro, thanks for posting!
@@Fiveinaline Never thought of it that way, could be! At least if ever you move somewhere colder you got it covered! Thanks for tuning in.
doesn't work everywhere. You need to own the land on both side of the driveway ( or have fun neighbors that don't give a crap ) . I have a snowblower and use a hybrid technique where I push the snow to one side and do passes with the snowblower to send it as far on the lawn as possible ( because when we reach march, these snow mounds are as tall as a person , and good luck shoveling snow over that ! ). Electric snowblowers are pretty good now, but yeah , you have to manage the intake for sure , and wet snow is the worst no matter what !
Thanks for the comment! Yes if you don't own both sides (or like me, one side is very narrow) you can just start your first pass more to one side and push the snow toward where you need it to go (it will take an extra push or two). I've used that hybrid technique too, push the snow and one snowblower pass to shoot it up but its quite rare I use it since it takes me more time to do that than just shovel (if you do have difficulty throwing the snow though, that hybrid way is the way to go). We also run into snow management issues, typically have to push the snowbank down and compact it by walking on it or it gets too high. There was one year that if the snowbank got any higher I would not have been able to throw it up there, it was a good amount taller than me already.