Shaft attachment for the shovels

An important element in a shovel is the shaft attachment - the so-called socket, which is sometimes also called a grommet.

 

There are several types of socket, which differ e.g. in shape, size and processing and have an influence on the stability of the shovel.

 

For some tasks, a high resilience is very important - for others, the low weight of the tool is crucial. It is important to find the best compromise - the more resilient an element is, the heavier it will be.

 

Shovel socket type

The type of socket differs in shape and processing and depends on the used material.

Schaufel mit einer auf stoß geschweissten Dülle

Socket welded on butt

  • socket and blade made of one piece
  • socket encloses the shaft
  • shaft is fixed with a nail
  • Slotted hole for easy readjustment in case of wood shrinkage

Features:

  • high durability
  • hohe stability
  • simple shaft exchange
  • relatively high weight

Schaufel mit einer überlappend geschweissten Dülle

Overlapped riveted socket

  • socket and blade made of one piece
  • double material thickness in the overlapping area
  • shaft is fixed with a nail
  • Slotted hole for easy readjustment in case of wood shrinkage

Features:

  • high durability
  • hohe stability
  • simple shaft exchange
  • relatively high weight

Eine Schaufel mit Federdülle

Spring socket welded on butt

  • forged shovel blade
  • socket and blade made of one piece
  • socket enclosed shaft
  • shaft is fixed with two nails
  • 2 slotted holes for easy readjustment in case of wood shrinkage

Features:

  • very high durability
  • very high stability
  • easy shaft exchange
  • high weight

Eine Schaufel mit Schwanenhalsdülle

Gooseneck socket

  • Socket and blade made of one piece
  • Socket encloses the shaft
  • Shaft is fixed by lateral 1-fold riveting

Features:

  • high stability
  • relatively high weight
  • low resilience
  • craftsmanship is necessary when replacing the shaft

Socket 6-fold riveted

  • is only available for light metal blades
  • blade consists of 2 parts and is riveted 6 times
  • socket encloses the shaft
  • shaft is fixed with a nail
  • slotted hole for easy readjustment in case of wood shrinkage

Features:

  • high resilience
  • relatively high stability
  • very light weight
  • easy shaft exchange


Socket reinforcement

The highest stress in a shovel is at the connection between the shovel blade and the socket ( shaft attachment).

 

To increase the resilience of a shovel, the whole shovel blade can be made of thicker material. However, this would significantly increase the total weight of the shovel.

Therefore, the blade is partially reinforced or bent to achieve greater stability.

Schaufel mit Schwerlastdülle – breite Verformung (Sicke) an der Blatt-Vorderseite

Heavy duty socket – rib

  • approx. 3 cm long and 5 mm wide deformation ( rib) on the front side of the blade
  • rib stiffens the connection between the blade and the socket
  • very high resilience

Schaufel mit Düllenverstärkung - einem Verstärkungsblech an der Blatt-Rückseite

Socket reinforcement

  • additionally welded reinforcement plate on the back side of the blade
  • reinforces the connection between the blade and the socket
  • very high resilience

Shovel blade lift

The blade lift describes the angle of inclination between the blade and the shaft and is very important for the intended use and handling.

 

Schaufel mit 3/4 gehobener Dülle

¾ blade lift

For long shafts:

  • normal blade lift
  • 45° inclination angle
  • optimal for picking up material from the floor in an upright and back-friendly position

Schaufel mit 1/2 gehobener Dülle

½ blade lift

For shorter shafts

  • flat blade lift
  • 30° Inclination angle
  • very good power transmission
  • ideal for excavations
  • for working in narrow areas e.g. in a shaft
  • ideal for picking up material from an raised working surface, e.g. from a lorry bed

Schaufel mit 1/4 gehobener Dülle

¼ blade lift

For shorter shafts:

  • flat blade lift
  • 30° Inclination angle
  • very good power transmission
  • ideal for excavations
  • can be used similar to a spade
  • for working in narrow areas e.g. in a shaft
  • ideal for picking up material from an raised working surface, e.g. from a lorry bed