Looking for a shovel

[Older The Better]

I?m looking at getting a new shovel, cracked the handle on another. I believe a while back a member mentioned a shovel that was indestructible and highly recommended it, I believe it was an all metal shovel with some larger wing type deals where you stomp. It was a sharpshooter style that I prefer. I can?t remember what it was called or who made it. Anyone know what I?m talking about or have a recommendation?

 

[SusanMN]

Predator makes some nice ones.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I have a Predator ball handled Dixie (#58?) that not only does detecting duty but gardening and yard work.

No longer made. But the #55 is close.

 

[ticndig]

Maybe it was the Grave Digger . check it out.

 

[brianc053]

Hey Older, my first shovel was one of these little cheap ones from home depot: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bon-Too...V221vBB3VWgtMEAQYAiABEgJS4fD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The problem is that it's short, which meant bending over a lot (hurts the back), and it also didn't dig through roots well.

So I went with a Predator tools Phoenix. Here's mine with my Lesche attached to it:

I love that Phoenix - it's rugged and cuts amazing plugs. But it also is a little short and I still found myself bending over awkwardly.


My brother wanted to get me something for my 50th birthday, so I asked him to get me a different Predator: the Raven. He gave it to me last month, and I love it too. It has a longer "T" handle and can also cut more precise plugs. (I never would have bought a second Predator myself, but since he wanted to give me a gift....)

https://www.predatortools.com/collections/shovels/products/model-25-raven

Good luck with your choice.

- Brian

 

[bowwinkles]

You will need a bit of track but here is one. https://www.toytrucker.com/store/p6/Bucyrus_Steam_Shovel_-_SCALE: 1:48/O-Gauge.html

 

[rebbel31]

I love my grave digger nemesis it’s the last shovel you will have to buy

 

[petejc]

Older the Better, You will not break this one..I'm 77 yrs. old and I love this shovel...When I contacted Predator tools, I asked Pam the owner what shovel the Hoover boys use cause I watch their videos and liked that shovel..She said the Ranger so I bought this one...It is 35 inches long and the blade is 11 1/4 inchs long...Best one on the market in my opinion...The welds are fantastic and he hardens the blade...

 

[JerV3]

Gerber makes a millitary grade folding shovel they are very good.

Lifetime guarantee on them. I broke one and they sent me a new reinforced one.

Great shovel for 45 bucks. Get them on amazon.

Jer

 

[Tpmetal]

I have said it a thousand times and I will say it again.....predator tools! only brand I have not broken yet. I have broken the whites, a lesch, a few lowes/depot specials, and more. predator is the only one that lasted. And no they do not sponsor me nor do I have any association.

 

[eyemustdigtreasure]

I love my grave digger nemesis it’s the last shovel you will have to buy

They do look quite stout - very rugged-looking..., however, they seem too...angular in appearance, and have open areas of the shovel, where mud and sticks can lodge, creating a situation for rust...!

 

[Relicgrubber]

The Anaconda NX5 36" is the best digger i have evr owned...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/292292666229?epid=9007175668&hash=item440e002375:g:7R4AAOSwAaBdlKpi

https://www.ebay.com/itm/202974923529?hash=item2f423f8b09:g:~A4AAOSwUCBemlPj

 

[Older The Better]

Thanks for the suggestions. Definitely got me pointed in the right direction. The steam shovel may be out though it’d really slow down my detecting laying track to each hit, funny though big Brutus is near by and made by bucyrus Erie, both are towns I’ve lived in.

 

[Metaldetecting_Metalhead]

I use the root slayer nomad from radius garden. $40 on Amazon.
94001112

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073X9NHXG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_PQZ3E80K0W70NXZ6N40M
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073X9NHXG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_PQZ3E80K0W70NXZ6N40M.

I use the Root Slayer Nomad.

 

[Truth]

I?ve broken every shovel I had even 2 piranhas. They told me they going to give me the big red I pay $20 and don?t call back. No I?m mean no shovel stronger or better than this one. It used to be red I?m rough on everything.

 

[Older The Better]

I don’t know if anyone cares haha but I’ll feel better not leaving the thread open ended I went with a predator piranha, took a while because I got sidetracked rewiring my house but my shovel should arrive today I’m itching to try it out. I looked at other predators and kind of wanted a d handle but they were all 5-10” shorter piranha was the longest at 40.

 

[Older The Better]

Last update had 15 minutes of daylight to test it out after work, not a bad start maybe there’s more luck to come

 

[oldkoot]

I just ordered a Predator Phoenix a friend has one that I tried out and I will say the way the phoenix is made it cuts the nicest plugs I have ever seen