From someone who used to earn most of my money by showel and pitchfork from I started working for real as a 15 y.o. until I was around 18 in 1998:

Yes, the correct showel makes a whole lot of difference. You have to believe me on this.

Straight edge for flat surfaces. Pointy edge for digging. Pitchforks with various numbers of tines depending on if you are moving fresh grass or hay (typically 3 tines) or manure (5 or more).

I am somewhat amused at how extremely my life has changed over the last 27 years: I am now a consultant and a techlead but I can never forget my past and somehow I thing it helps to keep me grounded and in touch with reality.