Ok,
Well I finally got the information you will need. I went to a Sears HARDWARE store - not a Sears that sells everything like clothes, shoes, etc.
The shovel is made by Union Tools - it is labeled a Digging Shovel. It has a plastic green handle and the Item # is:43106. The SKU/barcode that they scan is 79617 43106. It was $14.99 and I bought it last week.
What I did was remove the plastic green handle and then took an old pitchfork with an old fashioned wooden/metal handle and removed that handle and will be putting that handle on the one I bought from Sears. I carefully removed the rivet looking nails so that I can re-use them when I attach the new handle.
You will have to shorten the handle a few inches and then whittle it down depending on the diameter of the new handle you put on.
I have access to my school's woodshop, so I will use their belt sander to carefully sand down the end that fits into the handle. I will mark the outside of the wooden shank all the way around with a pencil and cut around it carefully with a coping saw and then sand it with the belt sander.
It should come out perfect...just another small project!
P.S. Does anyone have a picture they can post of the pioneer shovel strapped to the side of the bed? I would like to see how far the handle extends before I start cutting my handle later this week?? I believe Binford should have some...where are you buddy?