Gemplers Shovel Buying Guide

Introduction

When it comes to getting the job done right, using the correct tools is essential. For outdoor professionals—whether you’re managing a landscaping crew, working in a nursery, or maintaining a farm—selecting the right shovel can make all the difference. At Gemplers, we understand that having durable, reliable shovels on hand is crucial, which is why we’ve developed a comprehensive line of high-quality shovels built to withstand tough outdoor conditions.

This guide will help you navigate the different types of shovels we offer under the Gemplers brand, as well as compare them to national competitors. You’ll also learn when and where to use each shovel, ensuring your team is equipped with the best tools for the job. Plus, by taking advantage of Gemplers’ bulk purchasing discounts, you can outfit your whole crew with the highest quality tools at competitive prices.

The Basics of Shovel Types

Before diving into specific products, it's important to understand the key differences between the types of shovels available. Outdoor professionals often encounter two main types of digging shovels—round point and square point—along with specialized scoop shovels for handling bulk materials.

• Round Point Shovels: These are designed for digging and breaking ground, especially in harder soils. Their rounded, pointed tips allow for easier penetration of the earth, making them ideal for tasks like digging holes or trenches.
• Square Point Shovels: A flat-edged tool, perfect for scooping, edging, and trenching. The squared-off blade allows for easier manipulation of loose soil, gravel, or debris, making it excellent for tasks that require leveling or scooping up materials from flat surfaces.
• Scoop Shovels: These are ideal for moving bulk materials like snow, mulch, grain, or debris. Gemplers offers both poly and aluminum scoop options, providing flexibility in terms of durability and weight.

When choosing a shovel, consider the task at hand. For tougher digging jobs, a round point shovel is often the best choice. For jobs that require moving or leveling material, a square point or scoop shovel can save time and effort.

You can read more about the importance of using the right tool for landscaping jobs in our Landscaping Tools Guide.

Gemplers Round Point Shovels

The Gemplers Round Point Shovel is a versatile workhorse that comes in both wood and fiberglass handle options. This shovel is designed for digging, breaking ground, and moving loose materials, making it an essential tool for landscapers, farmers, and outdoor crews.

• Wood Handle Option: Offers a classic feel, combining strength and slight flexibility, which can reduce strain during long hours of use. The wood is treated for longevity, making it suitable for heavy-duty jobs.
• Fiberglass Handle Option: Lighter than wood, fiberglass is highly durable and resistant to weather and environmental wear. It's an excellent choice for crews working in all weather conditions, providing extra toughness with minimal weight.

When to Use:

• Digging holes for planting trees or posts
• Breaking through hard ground where a flat-edged tool would struggle
• Scooping loose materials, such as dirt or gravel, out of dug spaces

Comparison with National Brands: We might be a bit biased, but we believe our round point shovels are the best on the marketing. We often hear customers compare them to Bully Tools (which you can also find on our site). Both brands are high quality and durable, made from hearty materials that will stand the test of time. The biggest difference between Gemplers round point shovels and Bully Tools is that Bully shovels are made in the USA... hence the higher price point.

Important note: All Gemplers Round Point Shovels (and all long handle landscape tools) are backed by our Lifetime Warranty

Gemplers Square Point Shovels

The Gemplers Square Point Shovel is designed for precision tasks such as scooping and trenching. Available with either wood or fiberglass handles, this shovel is ideal when a round point isn’t the best fit. Its flat blade allows for more control when moving loose materials or working on flat surfaces, making it an essential tool for professionals in landscaping, nurseries, and farming.

• Wood Handle Option: Offers a sturdy grip and a traditional feel. Treated for longevity, the wood handle is perfect for those looking for a combination of durability and a comfortable, familiar tool experience.
• Fiberglass Handle Option: This lighter and more durable option is ideal for those who need a shovel that can withstand harsh weather conditions and regular heavy use. Fiberglass is less likely to split or break compared to wood, making it a great long-term investment for crews working in demanding environments.

When to Use:

• Scooping loose materials like gravel, soil, or sand
• Edging garden beds or landscaping areas
• Trenching for irrigation or planting

Comparison with National Brands: The Gemplers Square Point Shovel competes closely with Bully Tools, see the note under our round point shovel section for similarities and differences.

Gemplers Scoop Shovels

For outdoor professionals handling bulk materials, Gemplers’ line of scoop shovels provides exceptional durability and ease of use. These shovels come in poly and aluminum varieties, allowing you to choose the best tool based on the material you’re handling. Whether it’s snow, grain, mulch, or other debris, Gemplers has a scoop shovel to match your needs.

• Poly Scoop Shovel: Made from lightweight, durable plastic, this shovel is ideal for moving lighter materials like snow or mulch. The single mold poly construction ensures that it won’t rust or corrode, making it a great option for wet or snowy conditions. Plus, the Gemplers Poly Scoop is FDA food safe.
• Aluminum Scoop Shovel: For more heavy-duty jobs, such as moving gravel or heavier debris, the aluminum option provides added strength without adding too much weight. It’s rust-resistant and built to withstand tough conditions.
• Poly Scoop Shovel with Wood Handle and D-Grip: If you need extra control while moving bulk materials, the D-grip handle provides better leverage and comfort during prolonged use. The wooden handle gives a solid, classic feel and is perfect for snow removal or handling lighter debris.

When to Use:

• Moving grain, mulch, or other bulk materials
• Clearing debris on construction or landscaping sites‍
• Snow removal during winter storms

Snow Shovel Options:

• Gemplers 18" Poly Snow Shovel with Wood Handle
• Gemplers 22" Poly Snow Pusher with Wood Handle
• Gemplers Poly Scoop Snow Shovel with Wood Handle

Comparison with National Brands: You can compare Gemplers scoops to brands like Bully, Seymour, or Foxy. Compared to those folks, Gemplers scoop shovels are built with the same level of toughness but at a more competitive price point, especially when purchased in bulk. The poly scoop options offer a lightweight advantage, while the aluminum models provide superior strength for handling heavier materials.

For more on snow removal tools and tips, check out our article on 10 expert tips for effective snow removal.

Gemplers All-Steel Round Point Shovels

The Gemplers All-Steel Round Point Shovel is a heavy-duty solution for outdoor professionals who need the ultimate in durability and strength. This shovel comes with two handle options—straight handle and D-grip—allowing you to choose the right style based on your job’s requirements. The all-steel construction ensures that this tool can handle the most demanding conditions without bending or breaking, making it a perfect choice for rocky or hard-packed soil.

• Straight Handle Option: Ideal for tasks that require extended reach and leverage. This option provides more length, which can be beneficial when digging deeper holes or working in tough ground conditions.
• D-Grip Handle Option: Offers more control and precision, especially when working in tight spaces or for tasks that require a stronger grip. The D-grip also adds comfort during prolonged use.

When to Use:

• Digging in rocky soil or compacted ground
• Heavy-duty tasks, such as trenching for irrigation or construction
• Moving heavy materials, such as clay or thick soil

Comparison with National Brands: The all-steel construction of Gemplers shovels is designed to withstand years of rugged use. Compared to national brands like Fiskars, Gemplers shovels offer similar durability but come with the added advantage of our quantity discount program and lifetime warranty, which can save you significant costs when equipping an entire crew. Additionally, the all-steel design means you won’t have to worry about handle breakage in tough conditions.

Choosing the Right Handle Material

Selecting the right handle material is just as important as choosing the shovel blade type. Gemplers offers shovels with handles made from wood, fiberglass, and steel, each with its own advantages depending on your specific needs.

• Wood Handles: A classic choice, wood handles offer a comfortable grip and slight flexibility that reduces strain during extended use. They are typically treated to withstand the elements and are well-suited for tasks requiring precise control, such as digging and trenching.
• Fiberglass Handles: Lighter and more durable than wood, fiberglass handles are ideal for those working in extreme weather conditions or performing heavy-duty tasks. They are resistant to weathering and won’t split or break as easily as wood, making them a longer-lasting option for outdoor professionals who need a tough tool for daily use.
• Steel Handles: Offering maximum durability, steel handles are designed for the toughest jobs. While heavier than wood or fiberglass, they provide unmatched strength, making them the best choice for jobs that require heavy digging or cutting through tough ground materials.

When to Choose Each:

• Wood: For jobs that require comfort and precision over long periods, such as planting or edging.
• Fiberglass: When weight and weather resistance are key, such as during year-round outdoor work.
• Steel: For the most demanding tasks, like breaking through rocky soil or handling heavy-duty construction projects.

Why Buy in Bulk?

Equipping an entire team with the right tools is essential to maintaining productivity and efficiency. Gemplers offers quantity discounts that allow outdoor professionals to buy high-quality shovels in bulk, saving money while ensuring your crew has the best tools for the job.

Benefits of Bulk Buying at Gemplers:

• Cost Savings: Purchasing shovels in bulk reduces the price per unit, allowing you to outfit your whole team without breaking the budget.
• Consistency: Ensuring that every crew member has the same high-quality tools increases efficiency and reduces time wasted dealing with equipment failures.
• Long-Term Durability: Gemplers shovels are built to last, meaning that your bulk investment will continue to pay off over years of use.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shovel is crucial for outdoor professionals looking to get the job done efficiently and effectively. From round point shovels for digging and breaking ground to square point shovels for scooping and trenching, Gemplers offers a diverse range of high-quality tools built to handle any outdoor task. Don't forget about scoop shovels for moving bulk materials and our specialty sawtooth shovels for cutting through roots and tough ground.

By purchasing in bulk, you can save money while ensuring that your team is outfitted with the best tools in the industry. Gemplers shovels stand up to national brands, offering competitive pricing and durability that’s trusted by outdoor professionals nationwide.

Explore Gemplers' full range of shovels today, and take advantage of our quantity discounts to outfit your whole crew with the best tools for the job!