Motorists plying rough terrains or long distance drivers often fix a spade at the rear side of their cars.
That small spade, sometimes attached to a spare tyre, is widely known as an off-road shovel or folding shovel.
It is an essential and multi-purpose accessory which also improves car's physical appearance. In some parts of the country,off-road shovel is associated with class, but it serves a bigger purposes.
Drivers going to hilly areas such as in Makueni, Mount Kenya region, Nandi Hills, Taita Taveta and areas around Mout Elgon fit the off-road shovels on their car's rear side.
Fuel tankers and trailers crossing different border points, such as Malava, Isebania, Namanga, and Moyale, also carry the off-road shovels.
Vehicles travelling to areas with sandy soil and beaches along the coast also have that small shovel mounted at their rear sides.
How off-road Shovels are Used
An off-road shovel is akin to a giant spoon that lets you easily remove ground dirt from your path.
It can help driver remove a car stuck in the mud or even on sandy terrains and along the coastal line.
In Nyahururu, the off-road shovel was used to several motorists to remove snow which had filled the road in 2017. It was essential in cracking and removing ice rocks on the road.
Vehicles moving along the coastal line, such as in Mombasa, Malindi and Watamu, use off-road shovel to build sand castles with trenches to help them manourver the terrain.
Vehicles ferrying people heading to various campsites such Tigoni, Naivasha, Nanyuki and Aberdare use the off-road shovel to create a fire pit.
Trailers use the small shovel to clear the road and remove mud during their travels. According to experts, off-road shovel is essential accessories as it helps drivers reduce on towing costs.
Different shovels are designed to serve specific purposes. Their handles can be foldable and made with soft rubber. They also have thickened cutting edges with ergonomic design made of strong tempered steel.
Unlike spades used for construction, small shovels fitted on cars are light and compatible. The different types of shovels mounted on cars include a draper folding steel shovel with a carbon steel blade connected to a tubular steel handle.
AA emergency snow shovel is similar to draper shovel but comes with a storage pouch but is fabric rather than vinyl.
Gerber’s shovel is smaller (42cm open, 23.4cm closed) and lighter (794g) than all other shovels mounted on cars.
Their prices vary depending on type and function they perform.
