With winter now upon us, and snow covering many regions of the United States, millions of people are shoveling snow to clear their sidewalks and driveways. While most people recognize that snow shoveling is very hard work, and can put severe stress on your heart, fewer people recognize the stress and strain that it places on your back. So, as winter gets underway, we've outlined 10 tips for how to keep your back healthy when shoveling snow.Snow shoveling can place excessive stress on spinal structures. These stresses are a common cause of low back strains and vertebral disc damageIn a study published by Dr. Brad Coffiner, the author noted "when handling heavy snow with a shovel, the L5/S1 disc (i.e. the low back) has been identified as the weakest link in the body segment chain. The most severe injuries and pain are likely to occur in this low back region."Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling Having recognized that snow shoveling can injure your back, now lets look at tips to help you avoid such problemsTip # 1. If you experience pain of any kind, stop immediately and seek assistance.Tip # 2. Choose a snow shovel that is right for you! <ul> <li>Be sure that your shovel has a curved handle, as this enables you to keep your back straighter when shoveling.Obtain a shovel with an appropriate length handle. The length is correct when you can slightly bend your knees, flex your back 10 degrees or less, and hold the shovel comfortably in your hands at the start of the "shoveling stroke". <li>A plastic shovel blade will generally be lighter than a metal one, thus putting less strain on your spine.Sometimes, a smaller blade is better than a larger blade. Although a small blade can't shovel as much, it avoids the risk of trying to pick up a too heavy pile of snow with a larger blade. Tip # 3 Push<b the snow, do not lift it. Pushing puts far less strain on the spine than lifting. Be sure your muscles are warm before you start shoveling. Cold, tight muscles are more likely to sprain or strain than warm, relaxed muscles.Tip # 5. When you grip the shovel, make sure your hands are at least 12 inches apart. By creating distance between your hands, you increase your leverage and reduce the strain on your body. Tip # 6.Your shoveling technique is very important. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends: "If you must lift the snow, lift it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovel of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once; do it piecemeal. Shovel and inch or two; then take another inch off. Rest and repeat if necessary." In addition to these comments, remember to move your feet rather than twisting. Never throw snow over your shoulder. Remember that wet snow can be very heavy. One full shovel load can weigh as much as 25 pounds. Tip # 9. Pace yourself by taking frequent breaks to gently stretch your back, arms and legs.Tip #10. Consider buying a snow-blower. When used correctly, a snow-blower will put far less strain on your back than snow shoveling.By following these tips, you are far less likely to be injured while shoveling snow . Finally, for those of us who are able bodied, it is always worth remembering neighbors on your block who might not be able to remove the snow from their sidewalks. A few minutes of help can make the world of difference to the well being of a less able bodied person as well as make you a good neighbor!
The journey of Masi snow tools began in Rauma, Finland, more than three decades ago, and Masi is still going strong and growing.</p> <p>The founder of the company, Teuvo Sallinen, had the design for a snow pusher made of polyethene in his desk drawer for a couple of year before the suitable partners were found and the first Masi snow pushers were manufactured in 1982. Our company was already using HDPE plastic in the other products we manufactured, such as mudguards for tractors. The material was known to be easy gliding and cold resistant up to the temperature of -40 ºC (-40 ºF).</p> <p>The new product was launched successfully and already in the 1980s, in Finland, the "light, durable and easy gliding" Masi snow pusher superseded its competitors made of reinforced plastic or steel sheet. Also our competitors began to use this tried and true material. But Masi moved on and, alongside the basic Masi 80 snow pusher, we developed a larger Pro model with a shaving edge as well as a smaller Masi 60 model. Updated versions of all these models are still included in our selection. </p> <p>In the early 1990s, the Masi product selection was broadened from snow pushers to long-handled products i.e. snow shovels and pusher shovels. At the same time we really began to conquer the Swedish market.</p> <p><span>In 1996, we sold the 200,000th Masi snow pusher. It was Masi Nova, a novelty product, with the plastic components made with gas–assisted injection molding. This was the first product we designed with computers in a 3D environment. It was also the first one of our products to have an international patent. Nowadays, all our products are 3D-modeled by our dedicated team of professional designers. We have international product protection for our own product ideas and those acquired from our external inventors. </span></p> <p>In the early 2000s, we developed new assembly technology for manufacturing the Masi snow pusher handle. We began manufacturing the handle of larger 22 mm pipe instead of the formerly used 19 mm pipe to make it more comfortable to hold. The new technology improved manufacturing speed and made surface treatment more environmentally friendly. Even after the reform, Masi snow pushers are still known for having a reinforcement pipe inside the handle.</p> <p>In 2002, Motoseal headquarters and component manufacturing were moved into new premises on Isometsäntie, in Susivuori, Rauma. Masi product assembly and logistics were centralized in the earlier facilities on Hakunintie. The eight premises in the area nearby that were rented for manufacturing purposes became obsolete when all assembly was placed in one facility.</p> <p>In the autumn of 2005, we launched the affordable Masi Light in the segment of low-priced consumer products. Masi's 25th anniversary was celebrated in the autumn of 2008.</p> <p>In January 2013, the millionth Masi snow tool was sold. The following autumn we launched two patented novelties: Masi Swing snow scraper and Masi Polar Plus snow pusher with steplessly adjustable handle.</p> <p>In the autumn of 2014, the new dashing shovels and pushers of the Polar AL series enhanced our position as one of the leading snow tool suppliers in the Nordic countries.</p> <p>We are ever more focused on using Finnish snow-how in our supply chain and all major Masi products are entitled to carry the Key Flag Symbol of the Association for Finnish Work.</p> <p>Motoseal Components Oy, the developer, manufacturer and supplier of Masi products, is the only snow tool manufacturer with ISO9001 and ISO14001 certification for quality and environmental management.</p> <p>In addition to Finland, Masi products are sold on a regular basis in Sweden, Norway, Russia, Estonia and the United States. the Masi Distributor in the United Stated is Primoshop . . worldprimoshop.com Masi polar Plus ergonomic and adjustable snowpusher shovel excellent for driveways
This is the best snow pusher shovel that people in Sweden , Finland, Denmark, and Norway have been using for years and is now being introduced into the US market. Clear your driveway 50 %- 70% faster compared to conventional snow blowers and shovels. Use on any surface. It is easier on the back since there is no lifting. The Shovel is manufactured and designed in Finland,and will last for years .There is no need to keep buying shovels every year. Our customers find that the Masi Polar Plus ergonomic snow pusher is easier and quicker to use than a snow blower and a lot less money and less noise . Just push the snow forward and dump. No lifting! No strain on the back! The Shovel is the best snow removal product in the world! The Shovel has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our customers are so satisfied with the Shovel that not one Masi ergonomic snow pusher shovel has ever been returned . The ultimate snow pusher shovel that sets the Nordic standard for quick, safe and easy snow removal.<
Winter has arrived, and with it comes frequent snowfalls. A shovelful of snow can weigh 5-7 pounds. Imagine the weight you have to lift to clear your sidewalk or driveway. The following tips can help keep your back healthy this winter.
Don’t let the snow pile up.If the weather report calls for several days of snow, frequent shoveling allows you to move smaller amounts of snow at a time.
Pick the right shovel.Use the lightweight pusher-type shovel. If you are using a metal shovel, spray it with Teflon first so snow does not stick to it.
Push, don’t throw.Always push the snow to the side rather than throwing it. This allows you to avoid lifting heavy shovelfuls of snow and sudden twisting or turning movements.
Bend your knees.If you find you have to lift a shovelful of snow, use your knees and your leg and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting, while keeping your back straight.
Warm up.Before tackling any strenuous activity take the time to do warm up with some overall conditioning—such as 10 to 15 minutes of walking—followed by some simple stretching.
Take a break.If you feel tired or short of breath, stop and take a rest. Shake out your arms and legs. Stop shoveling immediately if you feel chest or pack pain. If you have back pain that is severe or that persists for more than a day after shoveling, see a chiropractor. If you have chest pain that is severe, seek immediate medical attention.
Two years ago, Finnish Motoseal bought an idea from a janitor to design a scraper that requires only one move to clear snow. The company is also the first in the world to use stepless length adjustment in a snow pusher. Two functions that could be life savers during the Scandinavian winters that are known for their beautiful, frosty landscapes as well as their harsh cold. But with Motoseal you are in good hands. As the first company in Finland to make the scope of a snow pusher out of plastic in 1982, their skilled team has been innovative from day one – and they continue to seek out bright ideas. mototseal also makes the Masi polar plus snow pusher. www.worldprimoshop.com
The journey of Masi snow tools began in Rauma, Finland, more than three decades ago, and Masi is still going strong and growing.</p> <p>The founder of the company, Teuvo Sallinen, had the design for a snow pusher made of polyethene in his desk drawer for a couple of year before the suitable partners were found and the first Masi snow pushers were manufactured in 1982. Our company was already using HDPE plastic in the other products we manufactured, such as mudguards for tractors. The material was known to be easy gliding and cold resistant up to the temperature of -40 ºC (-40 ºF).</p> <p>The new product was launched successfully and already in the 1980s, in Finland, the "light, durable and easy gliding" Masi snow pusher superseded its competitors made of reinforced plastic or steel sheet. Also our competitors began to use this tried and true material. But Masi moved on and, alongside the basic Masi 80 snow pusher, we developed a larger Pro model with a shaving edge as well as a smaller Masi 60 model. Updated versions of all these models are still included in our selection. </p> <p>In the early 1990s, the Masi product selection was broadened from snow pushers to long-handled products i.e. snow shovels and pusher shovels. At the same time we really began to conquer the Swedish market.</p> <p><span>In 1996, we sold the 200,000th Masi snow pusher. It was Masi Nova, a novelty product, with the plastic components made with gas–assisted injection molding. This was the first product we designed with computers in a 3D environment. It was also the first one of our products to have an international patent. Nowadays, all our products are 3D-modeled by our dedicated team of professional designers. We have international product protection for our own product ideas and those acquired from our external inventors. </span></p> <p>In the early 2000s, we developed new assembly technology for manufacturing the Masi snow pusher handle. We began manufacturing the handle of larger 22 mm pipe instead of the formerly used 19 mm pipe to make it more comfortable to hold. The new technology improved manufacturing speed and made surface treatment more environmentally friendly. Even after the reform, Masi snow pushers are still known for having a reinforcement pipe inside the handle.</p> <p>In 2002, Motoseal headquarters and component manufacturing were moved into new premises on Isometsäntie, in Susivuori, Rauma. Masi product assembly and logistics were centralized in the earlier facilities on Hakunintie. The eight premises in the area nearby that were rented for manufacturing purposes became obsolete when all assembly was placed in one facility.</p> <p>In the autumn of 2005, we launched the affordable Masi Light in the segment of low-priced consumer products. Masi's 25th anniversary was celebrated in the autumn of 2007.</p> <p>In January 2012, the millionth Masi snow tool was sold. The following autumn we launched two patented novelties: Masi Swing snow scraper and Masi Polar Plus snow pusher with steplessly adjustable handle.</p> <p>In the autumn of 2014, the new dashing shovels and pushers of the Polar AL series enhanced our position as one of the leading snow tool suppliers in the Nordic countries.</p> <p>We are ever more focused on using Finnish knowhow in our supply chain and all major Masi products are entitled to carry the Key Flag Symbol of the Association for Finnish Work.</p> <p>Motoseal Components Oy, the developer, manufacturer and supplier of Masi products, is the only snow tool manufacturer with ISO9001 and ISO14001 certification for quality and environmental management.</p> <p>In addition to Finland, Masi products are sold on a regular basis in Sweden, Norway, Russia, Estonia and the United States..
Masi snow max Ergonomic snow pusher shovel is used in many cities in Norway.
In order to minimize the nuisance to pedestrians, traffic and property owners, and to ensure unimpeded access for the emergency services, owners of properties in “Inner Oslo” are responsible for clearing snow from the pavement outside their properties and for sanding or salting them. The Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can assist in obtaining information on who is responsible for the removal of snow in particular areas.
In other parts of Oslo the responsibility for snow removal is shared by several bodies:
Oslo Municipality: streets and roads belonging to the city.
This is the best shovel on the planet! I get over 300" of snow per year at my house! I may not even fix my snowblower! I love love love the Masi Polar Plus shovel.
The MASI Polar Plus snow pusher is an absolutely ingenious design that is both practical, beautiful and ergonomically correct made with Finnish Snow- how from Rauma, Finland.., over 1 million sold worldwide. Now, maybe you never heard of Rauma, but like others, have heard of Trauma, when your back goes out after shoveling around the cargo shed or around the house. Just remember before the world got hooked up on cellphones, few people had heard of a great Finnish river called the Nokia. What a great idea for cargo and passenger applications in snowy climes, where a bit of whisking away the snow by shovel can lead to sore backs and worker’s comp. MASI Nova weighs only a couple pounds, cuts nearly a 3 foot swath in the snow and is not lifted but “pushed” along. Construction is hollow-core with sturdy back and sides plus a beveled tipped leading edge. MASI Polar Plus ergonomic patented construction is remarkable considering customers get years of use because of the high quality Finnish manufacturing an construction. . The pusher can even clear the snow pile up on your front lawn if you can’t wait for spring to see the crocuses. Marketed in the U.S. (and anywhere else that you might like to have a pusher delivered) by Robert Seawick ,Worldprimoshop, 9736524219 “You really don’t need a two-cycle snow blower which may or may not start and pollutes everything. “Even a child can move a remarkable amount of snow with MASI Nova. “For commercial use, MASI Nova gets into places rampside and truckside that blowers and shovels barely affect. Storage is a breeze—the entire unit hangs up on a nail.” More information:,worldPrimoshop., www.distantlatitudes@cs.com, 9736524219
Finnish Kid clears the driveway in 6 minutes with the Masi Polar plus ergonomic Snow pusher Shovel. Over 1 million sold worldwide now available in the United Stated. Safe on the back since there is no lifting.
Even people with asnow blowerneed to shovel sometimes, and our snow blower testers have plenty of advice on which snow shovels work best. When shopping, keep in mind that lighter weight means easier lifting, a rigid shovel is best (in the store, push a corner of the shovel into the floor to test for flexing), and a cheap shovel won’t be great. You’ll probably need to spend $30 or $35. Beyond that:
The handle:“Ergonomic” may not mean easy. Bent handles can make the pushing angle hard to adjust, and twisting the shovel to toss snow aside can be difficult. A shorter handle makes snow-throwing easier; longer is better for pushing—you can better tweak the shovel’s angle and use your weight. A wood handle is handsome but heavy, metal is cold, and plastic or fiberglass is often just right.
The grip:D-shaped. Be sure it fits your hands, especially if they’re unusually small or big. A padded grip is nice, as is an extra grip lower on the handle.
The scoop:Sturdy. Metal is generally more rigid than plastic but heavier. Steel on the leading edge can extend a shovel’s life and make it more effective in hard-packed snow, though the edge may scratch a delicate surface such as decking. A scoop about 24 inches across is good for a few inches of light snow; narrower is better when snow is deep or wet and heavy. A deeply curved scoop can clear a lot of snow; a shallow scoop is OK for pushing snow but spills when lifted. High scoop sides contain snow and can reduce flexing.
Bottom line.Look at our lineup below, and consider buying more than one shovel depending on anticipated need—one for lifting, another for pushing, for example, or one for dealing with regular snow and another for an icy plow pile at the end of your driveway.
Advice to keep your back safe while shoveling this winter
Love it or hate it, snow shoveling might as well be one of the official sports of Canada. However, shoveling is no easy task. If done incorrectly, shoveling can easily lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain.
Follow these simple dos and don’ts of shoveling this winter to save yourself from any unnecessary pain!
Do pick the right shovel for you.
We’re all different sizes, so why would we all use the same shovel? To find the right shovel for you, look for an ergonomic shovel with an adjustable handle. When adjusted properly, your shovel should touch the ground with only a slight bend in your knees and very minimal bending in your back.
Don’t bend or rotate your back.
When bending to shovel or pick up a load, bend at your knees and keep your back as straight as possible. This will help prevent unnecessary strain on your back and ease the task of shoveling. Our backs are also more likely to become injured when we’re rotated. Avoid this position by trying to always face the same direction as what you’re shoveling or where you’re putting it down.
Do warm up before heading outside.
Cold muscles and tissues are more likely to get hurt during activity. Before heading outside to shovel, do a quick warm up to get your blood flowing. This could include brisk walking, marching in place, and stretches.
Don’t push through the pain.
If you’re feeling pain while shoveling, it’s time to stop. Pain is the body’s way of telling you that something’s not right and that it’s time to take a break. Avoid pain by keeping the loads light and following the advice above!
Do pace yourself.
Take a break every 10 to 15 minutes, or whenever you’re feeling tired or exhausted. Head inside to warm up, straighten your back, and walk around for a bit to keep your back happy and healthy.
Don’t toss the snow.
If you are having to lift snow out of the way or onto a snowbank, try to avoid tossing it. Instead, walk over to where you’d like to put the snow and drop it off. What may take a few more seconds for every load could very well save you a lot of misery in the future!
Do push the snow.
Whenever possible, try simply pushing the snow to the side of what you’re clearing rather than lifting and throwing. Pushing the snow is a lot easier on our backs and could save you a lot of pain!
Try to keep all this advice in mind the next time you head out to shovel and keep your back safe!
If you are inactive and have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor before you take on the task of shoveling snow.
Avoid caffeine or nicotine before beginning. These are stimulants, which may increase your heart rate and cause your blood vessels to constrict. This places extra stress on the heart.
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold winter months as it is in the summer.
Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as needed.
Warm up your muscles before shoveling, by walking for a few minutes or marching in place. Stretch the muscles in your arms and legs, because warm muscles will work more efficiently and be less likely to be injured.
Pick the right shovel for you. A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, putting less strain on your body.
Lift with your legs not your back. Bend your knees and keep your back as straight as possible so that the lifting comes from your leg muscles, not your back. Never bend at the waist. Step in the direction that you are throwing snow. This will help prevent the lower back from twisting and will help alleviate any back soreness that you might typically experience the day after a hard shoveling job.
Create some distance between the hands. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to lift snow.
Pick-up smaller loads of snow. It's best to shovel by sections. If you are experiencing snowfall levels of 12-inches or higher, take it easy and shovel 2-inches off at a time.
Do push. Don't lift. Save your back and your energy by simply pushing the snow to the side instead of lifting the snow and throwing it off to the side.
Listen to your body. Stop if you feel pain or observe heart attack warning signs. These may include chest pain as well as shoulder, neck or arm pain; dizziness, fainting, sweating or nausea; or shortness of breath. If you think you're having a heart attack, seek medical help immediately.
In The Bleak Mid-winter: 10 Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling
Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling
Tip # 1. If you experience pain of any kind, stop immediately and seek assistance.
Tip # 2. Choose a snow shovel that is right for you!
Be sure that your shovel has a curved handle, as this enables you to keep your back straighter when shoveling.
Obtain a shovel with an appropriate length handle. The length is correct when you can slightly bend your knees, flex your back 10 degrees or less, and hold the shovel comfortably in your hands at the start of the "shoveling stroke".
A plastic shovel blade will generally be lighter than a metal one, thus putting less strain on your spine.
Sometimes, a smaller blade is better than a larger blade. Although a small blade can't shovel as much, it avoids the risk of trying to pick up a too heavy pile of snow with a larger blade.
Tip # 3. Push the snow, do not lift it. Pushing puts far less strain on the spine than lifting.
Tip # 4. Be sure your muscles are warm before you start shoveling. Cold, tight muscles are more likely to sprain or strain than warm, relaxed muscles.
Tip # 5. When you grip the shovel, make sure your hands are at least 12 inches apart. By creating distance between your hands, you increase your leverage and reduce the strain on your body.
Tip # 6. Your shoveling technique is very important. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends: "If you must lift the snow, lift it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovel of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once; do it piecemeal. Shovel and inch or two; then take another inch off. Rest and repeat if necessary." In addition to these comments, remember to move your feet rather than twisting.
Tip # 7. Never throw snow over your shoulder.
Tip # 8. Remember that wet snow can be very heavy. One full shovel load can weigh as much as 25 pounds.
Tip # 9. Pace yourself by taking frequent breaks to gently stretch your back, arms and legs.
Tip #10. Consider buying a snow-blower. When used correctly, a snow-blower will put far less strain on your back than snow shoveling.
By following these tips, you are far less likely to be injured while shoveling snow.also, use a Masi polar plus snow pusher from Finland since there is no lifting and has an ergonomic and adjustable handle and scoop.
These are all of the requirements Masi customers want in a snow pusher shovel and we have all of these attributes in the award winning Masi Polar Plus Snow pusher from Finland. The are now avaiable in the US market at www.worldprimoshop.com
The tool needed to be wide, light, durable, and easy to use. The tool also needed to be constucted of a material that snow would not stick to as well as include a metal edge to reduce wear.
The handle needed to be long enough, comfortable to grip and have an loop on the end for storing.
The blade needed to be lightweight and curved slightly to prevent snow from spilling over the top.
The curvature of the blade needed to allow snow to accumulate in front of the tool without accumulating on the blade itself. Similar to a truck-mounted snow plow.
The new product was launched successfully and already in the 1980s, in Finland, the "light, durable and easy gliding" Masi snow pusher shovels superseded its competitors made of reinforced plastic or steel sheet. Also our competitors began to use this tried and true material. But Masi moved on and, alongside the basic Masi 82 snow pusher, we developed a larger Pro model with a shaving edge as well as a smaller Masi 64 model. Updated versions of all these models are still included in our selection.
02/01/2010: A Medical Miracle For Me! In the middle of summer 2007 I started a research program for something that would help me deal with snow removal and eventually came across internet and this marvelous European snow shovel, the Masi Polar Plus snow pusher. . I live in northern Indiana and knew what was coming & also knew I couldn't make it through another winter with my back & shoulder problems. It arrived quickly in September & for the first time in many years I couldn't wait for it to snow. When it finally did, I went out & did 2 parking spaces, my sidewalk (I have 2 lots), my 2 neighbors sidewalks (they have a total of 5 lots)plus my yard for my dog & I did all of that in 20 minutes and on top of my physical problems, I'm a 65 year old female. That following spring my son had major back surgery & could no longer bend or lift so I bought him a Eurorpean snow shovel for this past Christmas. He was afraid of it at first because he didn't think he could handle it. Needless to say, he was astonished at how much easier it was for him to do his sidewalks. This shovel has been a medical Miracle for both of us! My only complaint is that I have no where to store it so I have to bring it inside every time I use it because I just know someone would steal it if I left it outside! Thanks for a great product!!!
George Maher AG Safety Specialist North Dakota State University
: Miracle On Snow!1 I am not one to comment in this sort of venue but I feel like everyone should own one of these things. After reading about Masi Polar Plus Snow pusher in the New York Times last year, I purchased one since it sounded too good to be true. It proved to be better!! The shovel is so easy to use, that I actually look forward to shoveling the snow. What used to take three man-hours of back-breaking work,is now down in less than one hour and with minimal effort. There literally is no lifting and it sure moves the end of driveway buildup caused by the town street- plows within minutes. This shovel would probably save lives when older sedentary people use this shovel as opposed to conventional shovels. I almost feel like making a motor noise as I "plow" and it is easier, much smaller, quicker, noiseless, much less expensive (I was ahead of the game after one 8" snowfall) and more comfortable than those gas snow throwers. Also, there is no maintenance on these shovels, unlike the gas ones. These shovels also give you a sense of accomplishment. Believe it or not, I offered to "do" my neighbors property to show him the marvels of this shovel!
A relatively new addition to the homeowner's snow remover arsenal is the Masi Nova Snow Pusher.
''I love it,'' said Nicole Gay, manager of Towers Flowers in West Islip, N.Y. ''It's not heavy, not awkward, and it's easy on the back.'' Ms. Gay said that she just started using the shovel this year, and that it is much easier to use, and moves more snow, than ordinary shovels.
The Masi Nova, which is manufactured by Motoseal, a company in Rauma, Finland, is a combination, of sorts, of a shovel and a pusher. (Picture a 31-inch-wide-by-26-inch-deep dustpan with high sloping sides, a high back and a U-shaped, baby-carriage-like handle attached at both sides.)
the design of the shovel makes it possible to move large amounts of snow easily because the bottom of the shovel slides over the ground like a child's plastic sled. When the bucket is full, he said, the user just rotates the plastic bucket to one side or the other and dumps the snow. ''You never have to lift the shovel except to put it away,'' he said. (The shovel, which lists for $70, is available at worldprimoshop.com)