If digging is the main task (as opposed to cutting tasks) a basic square-tipped garden spade is an economical alternative. Probably set you back $10 from a big box store. Cut down the handle to fit your space. You can do a surprising amount with these. Put a 45 degree bevel on the business end -- it helps a lot with digging, whether in soil or compacted snow. I used one for some basement demolition last year; with a crudely sharpened bevel, it cuts drywall like butter. Not the first choice for powdery snow, though.