Several different types of shovels are available for rent:

- Pointed digging shovel--Has a point at the end of the blade. Used for digging through dirt or soil, including compacted, dry, hard, or stony soil. Good for gardening and digging holes. To get extra force to dig through the soil, put your foot on the footplate (the top, flat part of the shovel blade) before you dig down.

- Square/flat shovel--This shovel's blade is square-shaped, with a flat bottom. It is good for transplanting flowers or crops in the garden without damaging the plants’ root systems. It can be used in soft, loose dirt.

- Trenching shovel--Has a narrow blade. Good for digging trenches, such as to place underground pipes. To get rid of the soil in a trench you're digging, you can either move the shovel toward or away from you.