lesche digger or predator shovel ..etc

[rdb7]

so all i have now is a cheapo garden shovel that came from kellyco with my ace.......i also bought a 98c edging tool from menards at the advice of somebody on this site

do you guys use lesche digging tools? predator shovels? both?


or am i fine with cheapo tools once the ground softens?

thanks!

 

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[tmanfromtexas]

I use a small 6in wide garden shovel I got from Menards for most of my digging. I have a Lesche tool from Minelab for digging shallow targets. I like the shovel because it makes a cleaner hole and its less work but thats just me. SMAN...

 

[rdb7]

hmmm i actually bought a spade shovel from menards b/c i was determined to break through the frozen ground.. i did however chicken out and not use it as i thought it would be frowned upon

the blade is like 4.5" wide x 18" tall ..... with the handle the shovel is like 4' long

 

[Lookn4Seated]

Well, my minelab digger could not handle the frozen ground at the lakeshore park i was at earlier last month. I just bought myself a lesche digger on ebay for $32.00 and a 28" Lesche Ground Shark shovel for $49. I rather get it out of the way spending the money once, and not have to worry about buying new digging tools.

P.S. The cheapo ones will do until you recover enough clad to buy yourself the Lesche. Thats what I used my clad for.

 

[treasurefiend]

First I had the "Templar diggin buddy" or something like that, then I bought the Leache. Each has their own advantages and dis advantages. As for a shovel, I still have Goio's small D-handle shovel (its the smallest shovel that Menards carries) As long as you are comfortable with your equipment that's all that matters. Just because it costs the most or everybody has one, that doesn't mean its the best.

 

[tmanfromtexas]

First I had the "Templar diggin buddy" or something like that, then I bought the Leache. Each has their own advantages and dis advantages. As for a shovel, I still have Goio's small D-handle shovel (its the smallest shovel that Menards carries) As long as you are comfortable with your equipment that's all that matters. Just because it costs the most or everybody has one, that doesn't mean its the best.

Those small d handle shovels are also really good for swinging at flying bottles. SMAN...

 

[treasurefiend]

First I had the "Templar diggin buddy" or something like that, then I bought the Leache. Each has their own advantages and dis advantages. As for a shovel, I still have Goio's small D-handle shovel (its the smallest shovel that Menards carries) As long as you are comfortable with your equipment that's all that matters. Just because it costs the most or everybody has one, that doesn't mean its the best.

Those small d handle shovels are also really good for swinging at flying bottles. SMAN...

Yes they are...

 

[kimsdad]

Here's what I use in the turf when it's warm:



10 or 12 dollars at Lowe's. It's inexpensive and sharp.

Personally, I stay away from turf hunting in the winter so I don't do anything to mess up the grass and make MD'ers unwelcome. In populated areas, I like to keep a low profile, and never felt easy strolling in with a shovel in hand. I winter, I do woods hunting and use a small shovel made for MD'ing to cut through the tundra. I recently found out that you can't hunt the frozen forest without a good, sharp, strong shovel!

Good luck!

 

[Lowbatts]

I have the Minelab copy of the Lesche, yes copy is a good word for photography purposes. Bent it over the first time I used it in moderately dry soil at the park. Still use it, but very carefully. I've broken a few of those true temper things over the years, as I will work in hard terrain sometimes. The only off the shelf tools I've found useful are a sturdy keyhole saw and a good knife. The Lesche's Ive used were borrowed but I could tell that even I couldn't screw one of those things up.

Have the long predator shovel, it's great for cutting through the rooted floor of deep wood sites hereabouts. But I have to fix the rolled tip on it now, it got a little toungue at blade's end last time I hit hard ground with it. The only drawback is carrying it. Hindsight says get the short handled Predator. Also used a short-handled fence post shovel (squared blade) for a while and it worked well.

The small garden shovel will fail at the handle if it's the plastic "D" handle variety. Most of those compact folding shovels, especially the "camp" variety will also fail where they are riveted to the blade, they are however great when kept at 90 degrees in roadside, curb or sidewalk work.

 

[twistidd]

I've used the Lesche digger from day one, though I have a less-threatening looking garden digger I use for tot lots (so I don't scare the kids). The cheap garden digger is much lighter too, so I can carry it in my pocket if I want. However, the Lesche is the workhorse! I've used that thing so much, and it has worn over the years but hasn't broken or bent yet. I have never used another specialty digger, so I don't know how it compares to them.

Joe

 

[mikewaz]

I have to pick up a new digger pretty soon because I bent my Fiskars this last weekend in the frozen ground.
It didn't take that much effort either to bend it about 15 degrees or so. I thought that frozen plug was coming out of the ground, but it was the tool bending.

I'll probably go the same route as some of you and get a Lowes and either a Lesche or a Gator digger. The Fiskars was great under normal conditions, but once you break their back, it's time for a new one.

I also agree to keep it simple in the parks, private yards and tot lots. People freak when they see someone walking around with a big old shovel and a detector.

Mike

 

[John Deere Digger]

I use a lesche all the time. Great tool, has not bent yet, and I usually cut big plugs.
JDD

 

[dirtyJohn]

I use a military E-Tool as my shovel, it's good if you want a shovel but still remain inconspicous (used mostly for woods hunting). I have a lesche, it's good for cutting roots and it's durable but I actually prefer my $10 Wilcox digger. Nothing says "Call to cops" quicker than someone digging holes in a park with a shovel.