Choosing the right snow shovel can make a big difference for snow removal companies. One important feature to consider is the cutting edge along the bottom of the shovel blade. Some snow shovels have a plastic edge, while others use a metal edge or a metal wear strip.
What is the difference between plastic and metal snow shovel edges? Plastic edges are generally lighter and more forgiving on delicate surfaces, while metal edges offer firmer scraping performance and better resistance to wear on many hard surfaces. The best option depends on the type of snow, pavement, and work your crew handles.
For professional snow removal contractors, understanding these differences can help improve efficiency, protect customer property, and choose equipment that holds up throughout the winter.
What Is a Snow Shovel Cutting Edge?
The cutting edge is the bottom section of a snow shovel blade that makes contact with the ground. It helps the shovel move underneath snow and scrape material from the surface.
Some shovels have an all-plastic blade. Others feature a plastic blade reinforced with a metal wear strip. Metal-bladed shovels may also have a solid metal edge.
Although these designs can look similar, they perform differently. The material affects weight, durability, scraping ability, and how the shovel interacts with pavement.
Plastic Snow Shovel Edges: Benefits and Drawbacks
Plastic snow shovel edges are popular because they are lightweight and generally gentler on finished surfaces.
Benefits of Plastic Edges
- Lightweight design: Plastic is easier to maneuver and lift, which can help crews working long shifts.
- Surface protection: Plastic is generally less likely to scratch or gouge decorative concrete, decks, and pavers.
- Corrosion resistance: Plastic does not rust when exposed to snow, moisture, or road salt.
- Easy handling: A lighter shovel can be useful for clearing steps, walkways, and smaller areas.
Drawbacks of Plastic Edges
Plastic edges also have limitations. They can wear down faster when repeatedly pushed across rough concrete or abrasive surfaces. They may also flex when working against compacted snow and ice.
Extreme impacts and heavy use can cause certain plastic blades or edges to crack. For commercial crews, this can mean more frequent inspections and replacements.
Best uses: Plastic edges are a good option for fresh snow, regular sidewalk clearing, decks, pavers, and areas where protecting the surface is a priority.
Metal Snow Shovel Edges: Benefits and Drawbacks
Metal cutting edges are designed to provide a firmer contact point against the ground. Common materials include steel and aluminum.
They are often selected for demanding snow removal conditions where crews need additional scraping strength.
Benefits of Metal Edges
- Stronger scraping performance: Metal edges can help remove packed snow and scrape stubborn buildup.
- Wear resistance: A metal wear strip can protect the shovel blade from wearing down during repeated pavement contact.
- Added rigidity: Metal provides a firm edge that is less likely to flex during scraping.
- Heavy-duty performance: Metal edges are useful for demanding jobs involving compacted snow and some icy conditions.
Drawbacks of Metal Edges
Metal edges have trade-offs, too.
Steel edges can add weight, which matters when employees repeatedly lift and throw snow. Metal can also scratch or gouge delicate surfaces, especially when used aggressively on pavers, decks, or uneven pavement.
Aluminum is lighter than steel, but it can dent or bend under heavy impact. Steel also needs proper care to limit rust and corrosion.
Best uses: Metal edges are useful for scraping packed snow, working on durable paved surfaces, and handling demanding commercial jobs where a firmer edge is needed.
Plastic vs. Metal Snow Shovel Edges: What Is the Difference?
Here is a quick comparison of the two options:
| Feature | Plastic edge | Metal edge |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Generally lighter | Varies by metal; steel is heavier |
| Scraping ability | Best for loose snow | Better for packed snow |
| Surface protection | Gentler on delicate surfaces | Can scratch or gouge surfaces |
| Wear resistance | Can wear on rough pavement | Often better against abrasion |
| Rust resistance | Will not rust | Depends on metal |
| Best application | Walkways, decks, and routine clearing | Tougher scraping and demanding surfaces |
Neither option is automatically better for every snow removal job. The right choice depends on the conditions your crews encounter every day.
Which Snow Shovel Edge Is Best for Snow Removal Companies?
For professional snow removal companies, the best choice often depends on the properties being serviced.
Residential walkways and decorative surfaces: Plastic edges can help reduce the risk of scratching decks, pavers, and finished surfaces.
Commercial sidewalks and pavement: Metal wear strips can provide a firmer scraping edge and help extend the useful life of the shovel blade.
For packed snow and icy buildup: Metal edges generally offer better scraping performance. However, a shovel is not a substitute for proper ice removal equipment when thick ice needs to be broken up.
For long shifts and frequent lifting: Consider the total weight of the shovel. A lighter design may help reduce fatigue when employees are clearing snow for hours at a time.
Many professional operations benefit from keeping different shovel styles available. This allows employees to select the right tool for each property instead of relying on one shovel for every condition.
What About a Plastic Shovel With a Metal Wear Strip?
A plastic shovel with a metal wear strip offers a combination of both materials.
The plastic blade keeps much of the shovel lightweight, while the metal strip reinforces the bottom edge. This design can provide better wear resistance than an unreinforced plastic edge while maintaining much of the handling convenience of a plastic shovel.
It is worth considering for crews that regularly clear paved sidewalks and driveways. However, the metal strip can still catch on uneven surfaces or scratch delicate materials, so employees should use the proper technique.
Choose the Right Snow Shovel for Your Winter Workload
When it comes to plastic vs metal snow shovel edges weight, scraping performance, surface protection, and durability are what matter.
Plastic edges are lightweight and useful for routine snow clearing where surface protection matters. Metal edges provide a firmer scraping surface for packed snow and demanding conditions. A plastic shovel with a metal wear strip can offer a practical middle ground.
For snow removal companies, having dependable equipment is essential. Choose shovels based on the properties you service, the conditions your crews face, and the amount of snow they need to move.
Get ready for winter with Discount Snow Stakes! We carry snow removal supplies and commercial snow shovels to help contractors prepare for the season. Contact our team to learn more about our Snow Plow, Excavator, and Bulldozer shovels.