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Gardening requires lifting and transporting loads of heavy, large, or numerous items across wide spaces. This is probably why the garden wheelbarrow was invented. Its design is ideal for reducing work time, work effort, and work fatigue.
The only problem with the simple design of this tool is that it can be reinvented and new designs can be marketed every year. With so many styles, sizes, and brands of wheelbarrows available for gardeners, it makes selecting the best one challenging.
But we don’t believe that any part of the gardening process should be too challenging or off-putting. This wonderful pastime or career should be a pleasure. So, this is why we have done the hard work of pulling together a list of how to find the best wheelbarrow as well as a few stellar options available on the market.
To decide what makes a wheelbarrow the best, we will consider the following features:
Durability
Wheelbarrows are used for heavy-duty work so they must be able to hold up to long hours and weighty loads. When considering the durability of a wheelbarrow, the element that should be most considered is the load tub’s material. Load tubs are typically made from these four types of materials:
Fabric
This type of load tub is used for wheelbarrows that are collapsible. This design feature makes it an easy to store item. The material may not be the sturdiest but depending on the work required of it, a fabric wheelbarrow can be very useful and storage-sensible.
Metal
This type of load tub is a popular choice due to its longevity and ability to withstand heavy loads and rough work environments. The downside to this material is that it is heavy and it does rust. There are options for Stainless Steel wheelbarrows that deal with these downsides quite efficiently.
Plastic
This type of load tub is another popular choice. It provides durability, longevity, and it is lightweight. It may not handle every tough job as well as a metal load tub, but it certainly can withstand many heavy loads and tough jobs.
Wood
This type of load tub is nostalgic and is typically only used for items that are decorative. Before fabric, metal, and plastic load tubs hit the market, these were all the rage, or rather all there was. It is a fairly durable material, but it is heavy, it can rot quickly, and it doesn’t hold up to wear and tear quite as well as plastic or metal.
Handles
Handles are an important feature of a wheelbarrow. They can make or break the workday depending on how they maneuver a load. Handles should be durable and they should easily maneuver the wheelbarrow and its load. Handles are typically made from these three types of materials:
Metal
Handles made from this type of material are extremely durable. They should last for years without bending or breaking. The only downside to using handles made from metal is that they get hot when they are sitting in the sun for long periods of time. Fortunately, this problem is easy to overcome with gardening gloves or handle grips.
Plastic
Handles made from this type of material are usually only found on plastic wheelbarrows. While they are lightweight and fairly durable, they do have a tendency to crack or break with temperature changes.
Wood
Handles made from wood are fairly durable and still quite popular. Unfortunately, they do rot out easily and can cause splinters.
When considering which type of handle is best for you, keep in mind that handle grips are available. Many wheelbarrows feature handles with grips already on them, but if the wheelbarrow you prefer does not come with a grip, they can be purchased separately and put on the handles later.
Price Point
Cost is an important factor to consider when purchasing any garden tool. The goal is to purchase a wheelbarrow that is cost-effective but not cheaply built. Sometimes it is better to invest more money into a purchase so that you are guaranteed that the item is durable and will work for a long time.
Tires
Traditionally, wheelbarrows have only featured one wheel; however, modern times call for modern updates, so now there are multi-wheeled wheelbarrows on the market. But, is the update really better than the traditional style? Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.
One-Wheel Wheelbarrows
Pros
- It is easy to tip over to unload
Cons
- It is difficult to maneuver
- It is unbalanced and can tip over when it shouldn’t
Multi-Wheel Wheelbarrows
Pros
- It is very stable and doesn’t tip easily
Cons
- It is not very maneuverable
Additionally, some tires are pneumatic, some are flat-free, while others are plastic wheels. Let’s look at the pros and cons of these as well.
Pneumatic Tires
These are air-filled tires. Because of this, they will require regular refilling.
Pros
- They maneuver on soil and grass very well
Cons
- They can break down or tear easily
Flat-free tires
These are rubber-filled tires. Because of this, they work right out of the box without the need for an air pump.
Pros
- They maneuver on soil and grass very well
Cons
- They do not ride as smoothly as pneumatic tires
Plastic Wheels
These are tires that are designed to move light-weight carts or wagons, not large or heavy loads.
Pros
- They don’t need an air pump
Cons
- They do no maneuver well on soil or grass
- They can warp under extremely cold or hot temperatures
Weight Limit
The purpose of a wheelbarrow is to carry heavy items, so it needs to be a heavy-duty item itself. However, it is a good idea to remember that you must push the wheelbarrow and its load through a lawn. If you get a wheelbarrow that is too heavy, you may not be able to move it and if you get a wheelbarrow that is too light it may not be able to carry the loads you want to move.
Best of the Best
Now that we know what to look for to find the best wheelbarrow, let’s look at a variety of wheelbarrows on the market. As we investigate each of these, keep in mind what you need from this tool and how each of these can help with your lawn work.
True Temper Poly Kids Wheelbarrow – Best Children’s Wheelbarrow
Durability
This wheelbarrow features a load tub made of tough plastic that will not rust.
Handles
This wheelbarrow has two seal-coated wooden handles
Price Point
This wheelbarrow is very reasonably priced at just under $40.00.
Tires
This wheelbarrow features one solid rubber tire.
Weight Limit
This wheelbarrow holds loads up to 25 pounds
Pros
- It is the perfect size and weight for kids to use
Cons
- Some customers have stated that it is not a sturdy tool
Simplay3 Easy haul Plastic Wheelbarrow – Best Ergonomic Wheelbarrow
Durability
This wheelbarrow is made from heavy-duty plastic that can withstand a lot of hard work.
Handles
This wheelbarrow features one handle that is placed in the best position to provide weight distribution and ergonomic support.
Price Point
This wheelbarrow is just over $100.00 making it a very reasonably priced gardening tool.
Tires
This wheelbarrow has two 13.5-inch tires with treads that keep them from slipping.
Weight Limit
This wheelbarrow is designed to hold up to 250-pound loads.
Pros
- It is reasonably-priced
- It has a deep load tub to hold 4 cubic feet of materials
- It tips easily for loading and unloading
- It contains a storage tray for tools
Cons
- It is an item that is hard to keep in stock
- It requires some assembly
Allsop Home and Garden Wheel Easy Folding Wheelbarrow – Best Fabric Wheelbarrow
Durability
This wheelbarrow features a load tub that is made from nylon and coated in vinyl to protect it. It also has a frame made from powder-coated steel. These features make it quite durable.
Handles
This wheelbarrow features two traditionally designed handles that provide maneuverability to the tool.
Price Point
At just under $200.00 this wheelbarrow is a great buy.
Tires
This wheelbarrow includes one tire located in the front.
Weight Limit
This wheelbarrow is able to hold up to 350 pounds of material.
Pros
- It is available with two different sized cargo beds
- It folds up so it is easy to store and transport
Cons
- Some customers have stated that the metal bar in front of the tire hits rocks as it is pushed
- It does not have a stand
WORX WG050 Aerocart 8-in-1 2-Wheel Wheelbarrow – Best Hybrid Wheelbarrow
Durability
This wheelbarrow features a load tub that is made from metal.
Handles
This wheelbarrow features two easy-to-grip handles.
Price Point
With all the versatility offered by this wheelbarrow, $200.00 is an excellent price.
Tires
This wheelbarrow features two flat-free tires.
Weight Limit
This wheelbarrow only weighs 49 pounds but can handle loads up to 200 pounds.
Pros
- It features eight different types of carts in one tool
- It is well-balanced so that its center of gravity makes lifting and pushing the wheelbarrow easier
Cons
- Some attachments are sold separately
- Not constructed with the most durable design or materials
Marathon Dual-Wheel Residential Yard Rover Wheelbarrow – Best Lightweight Wheelbarrow
Durability
This wheelbarrow has a load tub that is rust-proof.
Handles
This wheelbarrow features a loop handle that makes it easy to push or pull, and dump the tool.
Price Point
At just under $100.00 this is a reasonably priced garden tool.
Tires
This wheelbarrow features two air-filled tires.
Weight Limit
This wheelbarrow is able to carry loads up to 300 pounds.
Pros
- It only weighs 29 pounds
- It is very easy to maneuver
- It is easy to assemble
- It has a sturdy frame
- Its tires are large
Cons
- Some customers have stated that the tires go flat easily and must be replaced
- Some customers have stated that the load tub bends easily
True Temper R6STSP25 Never Flat Tire Steel Wheelbarrow – Best Metal Wheelbarrow
Durability
This wheelbarrow features an alloy steel load tub.
Handles
This wheelbarrow features two handles with comfort grips.
Price Point
At around $300.00, it is a little more pricy than other options.
Tires
This wheelbarrow features one never-flat tire.
Weight Limit
This wheelbarrow can handle loads up to six cubit feet or loads up to 300 pounds.
Pros
- It has a stand for resting the wheelbarrow
- It is a sturdy tool
- It has many good reviews
Cons
- Some customers have stated that it was delivered without all the pieces
- Some customers have stated that they had trouble with warped wheels
Yardmax YD4103 Power Wheelbarrow – Best Motorized Wheelbarrow
Durability
This wheelbarrow load tub is made of steel and coated to protect it from scratches and rust.
Handles
This wheelbarrow incorporates two handles with control levers to easily control the machine.
Price Point
This wheelbarrow costs over $2,000.00, so it is an expensive investment in a gardening tool.
Tires
This wheelbarrow includes four 4-inch all-terrain tires.
Weight Limit
This wheelbarrow can hold and haul 660-pound loads.
Pros
- It can be dumped with one hand
- It can carry up to 660 pounds
- It has a zero-turn radius
- It has 3-speed settings
- It is self-propelled
- Its motor is CARB and EPA certified
Cons
- It is expensive
- It is an item that is hard to keep in stock
- Some customers have stated that the tires go flat easily
Ames RP810 Poly Wheelbarrow – Best Plastic Wheelbarrow
Durability
This wheelbarrow features a load tub made of plastic.
Handles
This wheelbarrow features two wooden handles.
Price Point
This wheelbarrow is reasonably priced at under $200.00.
Tires
This wheelbarrow features two pneumatic tires.
Weight Limit
This wheelbarrow can handle loads up to 8 cubic feet.
Pros
- It is a stable tool
- Its handles are seal-coated to prevent rot
- It is easy to assemble
- It has great reviews
Cons
- Its tires can go flat
Oypla Heavy Duty Plastic Two Wheeled Garden Wheelbarrow – Best Wheelbarrow for a Hilly Region
Durability
This wheelbarrow features a strong plastic load tub and a steel frame.
Handles
This wheelbarrow features one loop handle for easy maneuverability.
Price Point
At under $100.00, this is a reasonably priced garden tool.
Tires
This wheelbarrow features two pneumatic tires.
Weight Limit
This wheelbarrow is capable of hauling up to 330 pounds of material.
Pros
- It is lightweight
- It is stable
- It is maneuverable
Cons
- It is an item that is difficult to keep in stock
- Some customers have stated that the tires are not designed for yard work
Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Home Utility Yard Wheelbarrow – Best Wheelbarrow for Budget
Durability
This wheelbarrow features a loaded tub made of sturdy plastic and a frame made of powder-coated steel.
Handles
This wheelbarrow features one loop handle with a padded grip.
Price Point
This wheelbarrow is right at $100.00.
Tires
This wheelbarrow features two pneumatic tires.
Weight Limit
This wheelbarrow can handle up to 5 cubic feet of material or up to 330 pounds.
Pros
- It is an inexpensive option
- It is easy to maneuver
- It has a stable design
Cons
- Some customers have stated that the overall design is flawed
- It is not built for rough terrain or heavy usage
Research Citations
FAQs
Even though these tools are designed to do similar tasks, they are slightly different from each other. Here are some of the differences to help distinguish them from each other:
A garden cart has between two and four wheels, while a wheelbarrow has one or two wheels in the front
A garden cart is more stable because it has a low center of gravity, while a wheelbarrow is more maneuverable because it is designed to be pushed
A garden cart usually has a flat and wide bottom with vertical sides, while a wheelbarrow is shaped like a half-barrel with high sloping sides and a rounded bottom
While these gardening tools are highly advantageous for quickly moving materials around a yard, they do have a few disadvantages. If you are interested in getting a wheelbarrow to use around your lawn and garden, keep in mind that they are hard to balance and they can weigh a lot. This can make them difficult to push. But, otherwise, they are fine garden tools.
Wheelbarrows were created to ease the burden of heavy loads and multiple trips, but they can wreak havoc on one’s back. It is best to learn how to properly carry and push a wheelbarrow in order to prevent back pain. The proper way to do this is:
Refuse to carry more weight than you can handle
Raise the handles with straight arms, a straight back, and bent knees
Learn how to balance the loads so that the weight rests on the wheelbarrow wheel
Learn how to dump the wheelbarrow so that it doesn’t strain your back
Maintain the air pressure of the tire and the lubrication of the wheel bearing
Concluding Thoughts
Wheelbarrows are a simple technology that has lasted for many centuries. They have helped to develop and cultivate many societies around the world with their ability to make heavy work less taxing. Since we live in a modern age with new technologies, advanced features, and a multiplicity of options, I hope this article has made your search for the best wheelbarrow a lot easier.