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AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it!
Survivalists, are you tired of breaking your shovel when trying to move dirt?
We all know the importance of having the right tool for every job. No more throwing your back out and breaking your shovel when you’re trying to move some dirt!
This article will tell you what makes a good shovel and which ones are worth buying, so you won’t have to ‘dig deep’ and find the best shovels yourself (No pun intended!)
You’ll also find reviews of some popular brands like Fiskars and AMES, as well as helpful tips from the Survival Surge experts on how to choose the right one. So if this sounds interesting, read on!
5 Best Shovels For Moving Dirt
Fiskars Transfer Shovel
The best shovel for tackling a variety of other jobs alongside moving dirt.
Fiskars Ergo D-handle Steel Transfer Shovel is the best shovel for moving dirt. Fiskars has been around since 1649, and they’re experts at making quality tools.
They started as a family-run company that cares about their customers, and you’ll be able to tell by the way they treat you on the phone or in person.
You can trust that this shovel will last and it won’t break easily like some of those cheapo brands you find at your local hardware store!
The blade is made out of steel, so it’s durable but lightweight enough not to cause back strain when using it for hours on end.
And don’t worry about loose dirt sticking to the blade – this one’s got curved edges, so nothing sticks! What more could you want?
What I Like...
- Durable
- Lightweight Design
- Feel more confident taking on tough jobs.
- Prevents back strain and injuries.
What I Don't Like...
- Handle can be too long for shorter people
- Difficult to remove annoying sticker
Similar Product: Z & G Shovel
AMES 2535700 Shovel
If you’re on the taller side, you need something with a longer handle. Luckily, the Ames Shovel is the perfect choice.
Day in and day out, people are faced with the challenge of moving dirt. Whether it’s on a building site or bushcraft adventure, there is always plenty to do.
With all that dirt comes lots of shoveling. This is where the Ames 2535700 Transfer Shovel can help you out!
This durable shovel offers many benefits, including handling heavy loads of dirt while minimizing fatigue and having cushioned grips that prevent your hands from slipping when sweating excessively.
The durable design means you can store this outside, so no matter what kind of weather system comes through town, you don’t have to worry about damaging your shovel!
The hickory wood handle is long, which provides more leverage for taller people. For the blade, it’s made from tempered steel, which means it can last through years and years of use!
Next time you need to move dirt, all you need to do is grab your Ames Tempered Steel Transfer Shovel and get to work!
What I Like...
- Can last through years and years of use!
- Easier to move dirt without getting fatigued
- Long handle provides more leverage for taller people
- Rubberized non-slip handle
What I Don't Like...
- Not recommended for digging rough terrain
- A little on the heavier side
Similar Product: Truper 31657 Square Point Shovel
Forest Hill Shovel
Want something durable and long-lasting? You can’t go wrong with the Forest Hill Scoop Shovel.
The Firest Hill Scoop Shovel has a super-durable aluminum blade that’s designed to last, and it’s 5.5 lbs which means you can dig through dirt more easily compared to other scoop shovels that are lighter weight.
The shaft is long enough for tall people like me to use comfortably, and the ‘boot kick’ at the top of the blade makes it easier to get into deep piles of dirt. It also helps that this shovel won’t slip out of your hands because of its non-slip D handle!
However, there are a few cons: it does weigh more than most other shovels, so you might have trouble lifting it if you’re not strong. It’s also a little pricer, which can put some people off.
But overall, I think the Forest Hill Aluminum Scoop Shovel is definitely worth the investment!
What I like...
- Crack-resistant and long-lasting
- Your hands won’t slip when moving dirt
- Boot kick makes it easier to dig through dirt
- Easier for taller people to use
What I Don't Like...
- Heavier than some shovels
- Handle too short for taller people
Similar Product: REDCAMP Aluminum Shovel
Harris Farms Shovel
If you need something lightweight that helps preserve energy, this is the shovel for you!
Harris Farms Poly Barn Shovel is lightweight, perfect for any hard work you have to do.
The blade is 16” long and 14” wide, helping you pick up more significant amounts of dirt without it falling off during transportation.
You also use less energy when shoveling with this poly barn shovel because it’s made from plastic, making it super lightweight
Furthermore, you can leave it outside without worrying about damage since it’s made from material that doesn’t rust. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for all shovels, huh!?
The only downside to this shovel is that it may not last forever because it’s made from plastic. However, this is a great lightweight shovel that will make your job a lot easier for the price you pay!
What I Like...
- Lightweight (3.5lbs)
- Can store outside without worrying about damage
- Prevents dirt from falling off during transportation
- Curved blade edges help pick up larger amounts of dirt
What I Don't Like...
- Not indestructible as advertised
- Flimsy with heavy loads
Similar Product: Remco 6981RG Industrial Shovel
Chopper Axe
Mini shovels are perfect for moving small amounts of dirt, as opposed to large amounts.
The Bond Manufacturing LH047 Shovel is the perfect little shovel for all your small survival jobs. This durable, compact, and well-designed tool was made to last a lifetime.
The head is square-shaped with a D handle that improves grip and makes scooping up dirt more straightforward than ever before!
It’s also ideal for those who have trouble lifting heavy loads because its smaller size means you can still move dirt without breaking a sweat or hurting your back in the process.
Plus, this mini shovel can be stowed away as an emergency backup in cars, trucks, garages, and more! On the downside, this handy tool is only recommended for small amounts of dirt because its design limits how much earth you can move at once.
So if you’re looking for a shovel to tackle larger and more complex survival jobs, you might want to consider a different option.
But if you need a reliable and straightforward shovel for everyday use, the Bond Manufacturing LH047 Shovel is definitely the right choice!
What I Like...
- Compact and portable design makes it easy to store.
- Square head design is better for moving dirt
- Durable construction ensures this shovel will last a lifetime
- D handle improves grip and reduces the likelihood of injury
What I Don't Like...
- Best for moving small amounts of dirt
- The blade could be wider
Similar Product: TABOR TOOLS J35A Folding Shovel
How To Choose The Best Shovel For Moving Dirt
Shovel Blade Shape & Size
Blade size refers to the length of the blade or scoop on your shovel. The typical width of a shovel scoop is usually 11 inches wide and 15 inches high, so this gives you some sense of how deep and wide your blades can go at one time.
But then again, it all depends on the type of shovel being used.
Larger blades will allow more material at one time, while smaller blade sizes are lighter and easier to use in confined spaces where you need a narrower scoop or depth.
Shaft Length
A few of the most common uses for shovels are landscaping, carpentry, and moving dirt. The shaft length matters depending on what you’re going to use it for.
If you will be using your shovel in a confined space, with only two feet of space or less between objects or walls, for example, then a shorter shaft is better.
This will make it easier to extract the tool from one spot before digging into another area without hitting anything around it.
On the other hand, if you are looking to use your shovel as an all-purpose tool that does not need any type of specialization, go with a deeper shaft size with more reach.
Shovel Weight
Weight is significant because the heavier the tool, the more energy it takes to use it.
If you are starting a small job, this might not be that much of an issue, but if you are using your shovel often for longer tasks with little time in between, then heavy tools can really take a toll on your body.
As someone who has moved dirt with both heavy and lightweight shovels many times over my lifetime, I can tell you that lighter weight tools reduce back strain and fatigue, so I always choose those first before anything else!
FAQ
What is the best shovel for moving dirt?
Trying to move dirt in a small space? Get a shorter shaft shovel. Need something with more reach? Go for longer. Lastly, you must have the perfect blade size so that you can move all of your assigned material in a timely manner.
What is a transfer shovel used for?
A transfer shovel is a type of design that is useful for the removal of material and the transportation of that material from one spot to a new location.
Unlike a standard shovel with a slight slant on it, so materials being moved will slide down from the blade, this design actually has two different surfaces that aid in moving materials.
One side is angled so materials can be scooped up and carried with relative ease, while the other side features an otherwise flat surface for building or filling purposes.
Should you use a digging shovel for moving dirt?
Similar to most gardening shovels, digging shovels tend to have a sharp blade. After all, they are designed for cutting through tough soil. The problem? These types of shovels don’t let you transport enough dirt because of the narrow blade.
In addition, they don’t have curved blades, so it’s easy for dirt to fall off the sides during transportation.
Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend them for transporting dirt unless you have lots of time on your hands!
Final Words
Your favorite shovel for moving dirt may be different from mine, as it depends on how you plan to use the tool.
If you plan on doing jobs that require more reach and less confined spaces, then go with an extended shaft length.
These will also be good if you need something lighter and easier to maneuver in tight places like digging around trees or shrubs.
If all of these options sound too complicated and time-consuming, we recommend going with the Fiskars Ergo D-handle Steel Transfer Shovel, which can do just about anything!