Shovels?

[bunduguy]

Hey gang,
So, I'm mounting some gear on the roof rack of the LC100 so I'm always ready for a trip. However, since this is my DD, I'm trying to be a little stealth. (Sort of- since it is also a business vehicle for Bundu Gear, maybe we do want people to look at us....a little!) Anyway, the stealth part is.. I have an all black axe and mount that blends with my rack, and I'm painting the shovel all black too.
So here's my thought. Though I have had many an opportunity to use a big shovel to dig my way out of a mess as a safari guide, my driving terms have changed now. With a wife and toddler, I'm not going to try and get myself stuck, and will be very cautious where there may not be another vehicle's assistance. I don't wheel or crawl, and I do mostly long-distance dirt/forest roads and double-track.
So I was thinking of just using one of the little shovels instead of a full-size. I know it will be a pain in the #ss to get under the diffs if I need to, but really, the shovel is mostly for poop, stoking the fire and conforming to wilderness regs for a shovel and an axe.
anything I'm missing? Besides a sore back from digging a hole with a little shovel?

 

[gophere]

I carry the short d-handle style, I think it is still 'full size' though at just over 3 feet.

 

[TanamiPumps]

Shovel

I use a conmbo hovel Has D Handle that screws off and can be replaced by a long handle

This gives me the best of both worlds


Combo Shovel - Including 'D' handle + Carry Bag


The unique Combo Shovel takes away the hassle of trying to carry a long handled shovel inside or outside your 4WD

Simply un-screw the long handle at the threaded joint and store it conveniently away

By attaching the supplied 'D' handle it now becomes a useful spade

http://www.extremelimitsoffroad.com.au/prod992.htm

 

[Antichrist]

On the painting, if your shovel has a wooden handle you don't want to paint it. Never paint wooden handles on tools, it's not safe as you can't see the beginnings of damage such as cracks. Also, for tools used outside, paint can seal the wood, but not completely, and allow internal rot to begin.
If fiberglass, be sure of what you're getting. Apparently some fiberglass handles are actually wood clad fiberglass and can become unsafe due to internal rot.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: I've had an old garden shovel, that I've carried in various positions, on about 8 different 4wd's and it still keeps ticking

The "D" handle and narrow blade has been a real help in a lot of different cases !

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[bunduguy]

On the painting, if your shovel has a wooden handle you don't want to paint it. Never paint wooden handles on tools, it's not safe as you can't see the beginnings of damage such as cracks. Also, for tools used outside, paint can seal the wood, but not completely, and allow internal rot to begin.
If fiberglass, be sure of what you're getting. Apparently some fiberglass handles are actually wood clad fiberglass and can become unsafe due to internal rot.

Good call! While I'm in the dry South West I'm not too concerned with rot, but it still make sense for a lot of reasons. Thanks

 

[bunduguy]

Thanks guys; I'm going to stick with the little guy and leave it unpainted.

 

[Bighead]

You could also go for a military entrenching tool for the tasks you are looking at. It folds small and is stored inside with my recovery gear. Just a thought...

 

[nbleak21]

You could also go for a military entrenching tool

Agreed. Pick up a backpack with molly webbing and you can tote it along with you, too!

I've got one strapped on my Camelback in the wrangler for hiking/backpack camping, and one strapped on a DCU pack in the Cherokee, which also houses jumper cables, fix-a-flat, a couple quarts of oil, etc, for some roadside gear.

 

[Master-Pull]

I don't know if you have looked at it yet but, the Hi-Lift Handle-All works great. We got a few of them at work and have been using them for the past few months. Between the sledge, shovel, axe and pick axe it is very useful. We used the sledge to bend back a steel rim that was damaged after an encounter with a tree root.

-Alex

 

[UNI]

Master-Pull Posted: I don't know if you have looked at it yet but, the Hi-Lift Handle-All works great.

I agree with "Master-Pull" on the Hi-Lift Handle All tools with storage bag. Its what we have and use.

 

[crusader]

:sombrero: I've had an old garden shovel, that I've carried in various positions, on about 8 different 4wd's and it still keeps ticking

That's what I use too. Nice and flat to dig under vehicles (and mount flat), lots of surface area, so you're not pulling out a teaspoon at a time, though I prefer one with a more pointed blade. As a matter of fact, I just picked up one with a nice stainless steel shovel head. I just need to get a stronger, more UV-resistant handle for it...

 

[wADVr]

Ive also been using a shovel similar to JIMBO's. Ive had it for well over 10 years and has served me well.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Heh Heh, I think that narrow blade design was for "edging" flower beds wings

Mine has been so helpful, in dirt/shale/snow, but is USELESS in sand, so very low tire pressure and Sand Tracs has helped me in sand-forget the shovel !!

:coffeedrink::costumed-smiley-007 JIMBO

 

[crusader]

..I think that narrow blade design was for "edging" flower beds

Hmm...I just re-looked at yours. Your blade IS narrow. The one I use is about as wide as a normal shovel.