Contractors Shovels

About Contractors Shovels

Contractors shovels are heavy-duty digging tools specifically engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of professional construction, groundwork, and landscaping projects. Unlike standard garden shovels, these robust tools feature reinforced construction, solid forged heads, and specialised blade designs to tackle everything from excavating foundations and laying drainage systems to trenching for cables and shifting hardcore materials. Whether you're working with clay, gravel, sand, or compacted soil, a quality contractors shovel is an essential piece of kit for any tradesperson's arsenal.

Our comprehensive range includes specialist variants such as round mouth shovels for digging and scooping, square mouth shovels for moving materials and tidying edges, trenching shovels with narrow blades for precision excavation, and cable laying shovels designed specifically for utility work. Many professional-grade models feature fully insulated handles and blades, providing vital protection when working near live electrical cables or underground services—a critical safety consideration on modern construction sites.

We stock trusted brands including Draper, Faithfull, and Bulldog, each offering proven durability and performance that professional contractors depend on day after day. From all-steel construction for maximum strength to ergonomic handle designs that reduce fatigue during extended use, these shovels are built to deliver reliable service across demanding applications whilst meeting the exacting standards expected on UK building sites.

Jargon Buster

Solid Forged

A manufacturing process where the shovel blade and socket are formed from a single piece of steel, creating a seamless, incredibly strong tool without weak points or welds that could fail under heavy use.

Fully Insulated

Shovels with non-conductive coating on both the blade and shaft, tested to withstand electrical voltage. Essential for cable laying, utility work, or any excavation where underground electrical services may be present.

Trenching Shovel

A specialist shovel with a long, narrow blade designed for digging deep, narrow trenches for drainage pipes, cables, or service lines whilst minimising the width of excavation required.

Round Mouth vs Square Mouth

Round mouth shovels have a pointed, curved blade ideal for breaking ground and digging into compacted soil. Square mouth shovels feature a flat, straight edge better suited for scooping, lifting materials, and creating clean edges.

Grafting Shovel

Also known as a Irish shovel, this design features a heart-shaped blade and is particularly popular for earthmoving, root removal, and general excavation work in agricultural and landscaping contexts.

Taper Mouth

A blade design that combines features of both round and square mouth shovels, tapering towards the centre to provide versatility for both digging and material handling tasks.

Who Uses Contractors Shovels?

Contractors shovels are essential tools for a wide range of professionals and trades including:

• Groundworkers and excavation contractors – for foundations, drainage, and site preparation
• Landscapers and groundskeepers – for earthmoving, planting, and terrain modification
• Electricians and cable installers – particularly insulated models for safe trenching near services
• Plumbers and drainage specialists – for installing underground pipework and inspection chambers
• Bricklayers and general builders – for mixing materials, moving aggregates, and site clearance
• Highway maintenance crews – for roadworks, utility access, and surface repairs
• Agricultural workers and fencing contractors – for post holes, drainage, and general farm maintenance
• Demolition contractors – for rubble removal and site clearance operations
• Local authority maintenance teams – for public works, utilities, and infrastructure projects

How to Choose the Right Contractors Shovels

Selecting the appropriate contractors shovel depends on several key factors:

Blade Shape and Application: Determine your primary use case. Round mouth shovels excel at breaking ground and penetrating compacted soil, making them ideal for excavation work. Square mouth designs are better for shifting loose materials like sand, gravel, or spoil. Trenching shovels with narrow blades provide precision for cable laying and drainage work, whilst taper mouth variants offer versatility across multiple tasks.

Construction Quality: Solid forged shovels represent the gold standard for professional use, offering unmatched strength and durability without weak joints. All-steel construction eliminates the traditional wooden handle, providing exceptional longevity on harsh building sites where timber shafts might split or break.

Insulation Requirements: If you regularly work near underground electrical cables or utilities, fully insulated shovels aren't just recommended—they're essential safety equipment. Look for models tested to relevant electrical safety standards, with insulation covering both the blade and shaft to provide comprehensive protection.

Handle Design and Comfort: Consider the handle style—D-grips offer excellent control and leverage for heavy digging, whilst straight handles provide extended reach. Some models feature ergonomic designs or cushioned grips to reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use. Handle length also matters: longer shafts reduce back strain but may be less manoeuvrable in confined spaces.

Weight and Balance: Whilst heavier shovels can provide momentum for breaking hard ground, excessively heavy tools cause fatigue. Look for well-balanced designs that feel comfortable and controllable during extended periods of use.

Popular Accessories

• Tool Storage Solutions – Stanley FatMax, DeWalt TSTAK, and Milwaukee PACKOUT systems keep your shovels organised and protected during transport
• Work Gloves – reinforced grip gloves from brands like DeWalt and Portwest protect hands and improve tool control
• Hi-Vis Workwear – Snickers and Scruffs clothing ensures visibility when working on busy sites
• Cable Avoidance Tools (CATs) – essential detection equipment before excavating near underground services
• Wheelbarrows and Dumpers – for efficient spoil removal and material handling
• Pickaxes and Mattocks – complementary tools for breaking extremely hard ground before shovelling
• Safety Boots – steel toecap footwear protects against dropped tools and heavy materials
• Measuring and Marking Tools – tape measures, line pins, and marking paint for accurate excavation work

Safety Information

Working with contractors shovels involves several important safety considerations that comply with HSE guidelines:

Underground Services: Always use cable and pipe detection equipment before excavating. Even when using insulated shovels, follow proper procedures and maintain safe distances from known services. Contact utility companies to identify underground infrastructure locations before commencing groundworks.

Manual Handling: Adopt proper lifting techniques to prevent back injury—bend at the knees, keep loads close to your body, and avoid twisting whilst holding heavy loads. Take regular breaks during extended digging sessions to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear appropriate PPE including safety boots with steel toecaps and midsole protection, heavy-duty work gloves, and hi-visibility clothing. Eye protection may be necessary when working with rocky or flint-bearing soils that could produce flying debris.

Tool Maintenance: Inspect shovels regularly for damage, particularly checking for cracks in forged heads, loose handles, or compromised insulation. Clean blades after use to prevent corrosion, and store tools properly to maintain their condition and safety integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a shovel and a spade?

Whilst often used interchangeably, shovels typically feature a curved, scooped blade designed for lifting and moving materials, with a raised edge on either side. Spades have flat, straight blades better suited for cutting and slicing through soil. Contractors shovels are generally heavier-duty versions designed for professional construction applications rather than garden use.

Do I really need an insulated shovel for cable laying work?

Absolutely. Insulated shovels are essential safety equipment when working near underground electrical services. Even de-energised cables can become live unexpectedly, and striking a buried cable with a metal shovel can result in serious injury or fatality. Fully insulated models provide vital protection and are considered standard equipment for utility contractors and electricians.

How do I maintain my contractors shovel?

Clean the blade after each use to remove soil and debris, then wipe down with an oily rag to prevent rust. Store in a dry location away from moisture. For wooden-handled models, periodically treat the timber with linseed oil to prevent drying and splitting. Check regularly for damage, and sharpen the blade edge occasionally using a file to maintain cutting efficiency.

What blade shape is most versatile for general contracting work?

A round mouth shovel is generally the most versatile choice for contractors who need a single all-purpose tool. It handles both digging into compacted ground and scooping materials reasonably well. However, if your work involves regular material handling or finishing work, investing in both round and square mouth variants ensures you have the optimal tool for each specific task.

Are all-steel shovels better than those with wooden handles?

All-steel construction offers superior durability and eliminates the risk of handle breakage, making these shovels virtually indestructible on demanding building sites. However, they can be heavier and may transmit more vibration during use. Wooden or fibreglass-handled shovels can be lighter and absorb some shock, but require more maintenance and are more susceptible to damage. For professional contractors prioritising longevity, solid steel or forged construction is generally the preferred choice.