Benefits of a Concrete Scoop for Construction Projects

The Benefits of Using a Concrete Scoop

Pouring concrete is a backbreaking job. The heavy weight of the wet concrete mix means shoveling load after load into forms or onto a slab can really take its toll on a worker's body. Using a concrete scoop helps alleviate much of that strain, making concrete placement faster, easier, and less taxing.

Save Your Back

One of the biggest perks of using a concrete scoop is the relief it provides your back. Shoveling wet concrete weighs about 90 pounds per cubic foot. The repeated bending and lifting involved with traditional concrete shoveling and placement puts enormous strain on the back muscles, often leading to injuries for construction workers.

A concrete scoop allows the worker to move loads of concrete in an upright position without excessive bending or need for heavy lifting. The elongated handle on the scoop means the load can be pushed rather than lifted. This upright concrete moving motion prevents back injuries and allows the worker to transport and place much more concrete before fatigue sets in.

Move More Concrete

In addition to preventing worker fatigue and injury, a concrete scoop allows a worker to move far more concrete than with a traditional shovel. The larger capacity of a concrete scoop means more concrete is transported in each load. This saves significant time and effort over the course of a pour.

Some concrete scoops can hold over 3 cubic feet of concrete per load - more than five times the amount held by a typical concrete shovel. This increased capacity enables concrete workers to pour slabs, footings, walls and other structures much more efficiently.

Precise Concrete Placement

A concrete scoop also provides greater precision when placing concrete. The elongated scoop handle allows excellent control while pouring concrete into tight forms or over rebar. The concrete can be placed right where it needs to go without the strain of needing to toss it or drop it from the height of a wheelbarrow.

The ability to precisely place concrete improves the quality of the finished product. There is less chance of accidentally hitting rebar or forms and causing defects. Walls, footings and slabs will be strong and correctly reinforced when the concrete is placed deliberately.

Choosing the Right Concrete Scoop

With the right concrete scoop, placing concrete becomes much less exhausting. Not all concrete scoops are created equal, however. Here are a few things to look for when selecting a concrete scoop:

Durability

The concrete scoop will need to hold up under heavy loads and constant use. Look for thick steel construction. The scoop should have reinforced edges and seams. Make sure any welds are wells made for longevity.

Comfortable Handle

Since the concrete scoop handle bears all the weight of the loaded concrete, comfort is a must. The handle should be long enough to keep pouring comfortable without excessive bending. Make sure it is sturdy and securely attached.

Some scoops have a cross handle rather than a straight handle which provides even better leverage and comfort during use. Ergonomic handles with rubber grips can also improve comfort and control while working.

Right Size

Consider what types of projects the concrete scoop will be used for. Larger scoops around 3 cubic feet are ideal for large pours like slabs, footings, and walls. Smaller scoops of 1 cubic foot or less allow more precision for smaller jobs.

Make sure to select a fully loaded weight you can comfortably manage and maneuver. Scoops sized 2 cubic feet or larger will require two workers to handle while loaded.

Scoop Concrete with Ease

A quality concrete scoop pays for itself quickly in reduced strain, greater efficiency, and improved concrete placement. Workers can look forward to many years of service from a rugged, well-designed scoop. Your back and body will thank you after a long day of scooping instead of shoveling wet concrete.

FAQs

How is a concrete scoop different from a shovel?

A concrete scoop has a larger capacity, typically around 3 cubic feet, compared to 1/2 cubic foot for a shovel. The elongated handle and leverage of a scoop allows the user to push the concrete into place rather than lift and toss it.

What size concrete scoop should I get?

Larger scoops around 3 cubic feet are best for big pours like slabs, footings, and walls. Smaller 1 cubic foot scoops allow for more precision on smaller jobs. Consider the weight when loaded that you can comfortably manage.

What should I look for when buying a concrete scoop?

Look for thick steel durable construction, reinforced edges, comfortable padded handles, and welds. Make sure it is sized appropriately for the projects you'll use it for.

Can one person use a concrete scoop?

Smaller scoops under 2 cubic feet can be managed by one person. Larger scoops will require 2 or more people to maneuver when loaded with concrete.

How long will a concrete scoop last?

A rugged steel concrete scoop built for construction use should provide many years of service. Look for solid welded construction and reinforced stress points for maximum durability.