Wheelbarrow Buying GuideWhen looking for your next best wheelbarrow purchase, there are several things that you should jeep in mine.
First, consider the tire distribution. The more tires the wheelbarrow has, the better stability that you can expect. This makes it easier to handle heavier loads.
Also consider the load tray material. Typically, you will find that there are plastic, metal or wood. If you want to ensure that you can carry a heavy load, then look for materials that are much heavier as well.
To prevent injury, ensure that you purchase a wheelbarrow that has excellent grips. These should ideally be ribbed, and a fantastic non-slip material is rubber. With this material, even in adverse weather conditions, you will be able to control your wheelbarrow without worrying that it will slip.
Finally, check and confirm whether your wheelbarrow has a warranty. This is a strong indication that your wheelbarrow will stand the test of time. It also reveals that the materials used are of exceptional quality, and free from defects. You can trust this type of product to deliver the results that you expect.
First, consider the tire distribution. The more tires the wheelbarrow has, the better stability that you can expect. This makes it easier to handle heavier loads.
Also consider the load tray material. Typically, you will find that there are plastic, metal or wood. If you want to ensure that you can carry a heavy load, then look for materials that are much heavier as well.
To prevent injury, ensure that you purchase a wheelbarrow that has excellent grips. These should ideally be ribbed, and a fantastic non-slip material is rubber. With this material, even in adverse weather conditions, you will be able to control your wheelbarrow without worrying that it will slip.
Finally, check and confirm whether your wheelbarrow has a warranty. This is a strong indication that your wheelbarrow will stand the test of time. It also reveals that the materials used are of exceptional quality, and free from defects. You can trust this type of product to deliver the results that you expect.
O U R S E R V I C E S
Guide To Chose Best Gardening Product
- The moment that you consider tinkering in gardening or farming, you are bound to need an excellent wheelbarrow. It will help you move your plants and other items up and down. Whereas in the past, most wheelbarrows looked the same, today it is possible to find a wide range of wheelbarrows. These make gardening easier and more efficient, and which look great as well.
- Now, when choosing a wheelbarrow, you can consider the size of the barrow. Also think of the positioning and number of wheels, the height of the handles and so much more. Here are ten of the best wheelbarrows for you to choose from.
Choosing The Perfect Wheelbarrow
Let’s get this out of the way first: the perfect wheelbarrow for you will be different from the perfect wheelbarrow for me.
Everyone has a different garden and gardening needs. To make a good buying decision, we need to look at what makes wheelbarrows good in general.
The most important thing to consider is what you're going to use your wheelbarrow for. Answering this question will help narrow down the size, shape, and price range you should consider.
Types of Wheelbarrows
There are three kinds of wheelbarrows available to you. Which you choose depends on both the conditions of your garden and your own personal preferences.
Hybrid Wheelbarrows
AerocartSave
Hybrid wheelbarrows are a mix of classic good best wheelbarrow design that has been updated for modern times. In the past, wheelbarrows had a single wheel and a load tub that was so shallow it wouldn't much of anything.
Now, wheelbarrows come with 1, 2, or even 4 wheels and a variety of tub sizes, depending on the type of load you need to haul.
Hill-Use Wheelbarrows
If you live in a hilly area, get a wheelbarrow that's easier to use!Save
Save
If you live in a hilly area, get a wheelbarrow that's easier to use!
While there are not specific wheelbarrows designed for hills, if you do have hilly terrain in your area you should choose a wheelbarrow that will operate well in those conditions.
You'll want to look for one with a lightweight frame, typically a high-quality plastic. The ball bearings in the wheels should be well-lubricated and the handles should have grips to help pull it up a hill.
Also consider getting a wheelbarrow with two wheels so you have extra stability when going up or down steep inclines.
Electric Wheelbarrows
The most high-tech option for you to consider is the electric wheelbarrow reviews . As you might imagine, these are more expensive than the traditional or hybrid models. Even after you purchase one, there are additional maintenance costs to consider.
While there are some of these on the market, they're not too popular and they're not one of my recommendations in this guide, simply because most people do not need them.
However, I did find this clever motorized wheelbarrow modification that someone built. The ingenuity of people is amazing!
Wheelbarrow Features to Know
Just like other garden tools, there are a ton of different options and customisations that wheelbarrow manufacturers add to their products.
I've broken all of the most common garden best wheelbarrow features down so you can understand exactly what to look for when making your purchase.
Load Tub Material
The load tray of your wheelbarrow can be made from:
Wood
Plastic (Polyethlene)
Fabric (Typically a folding wheelbarrow)
Metal (Stainless Steel)
As a general rule, the heavier and more sturdy the load tub material, the heavier loads the wheelbarrow can carry. At the same time, this means that the wheelbarrow itself is heavier, which makes it harder to operate.
Choose a load tub material that can support everything you want to haul in your best wheelbarrow for the money while still remaining light enough for you to operate it easily. For most people, this means a lightweight metal or a polyethylene plastic is the best choice.
Weight Limit
Every single wheelbarrow manufacturer lists the weight limit that their wheelbarrows can hold. The weight is depending on a wheelbarrow’s construction, with heavier and more sturdily built wheelbarrows able to carry more.
However, the introduction of polyethylene load beds has made some wheelbarrows extremely lightweight, but still able to carry a heavy load.
Cargo Volume
Cargo volume refers to how space you can fill in your wheelbarrow. Most wheelbarrows average around 10 cubic feet of material.
Volume is an important factor to consider. Most people only look at the weight a best wheelbarrow ever can carry, but it doesn't matter that your wheelbarrow can carry 1,200 pounds if you can't fit 1,200 pounds worth of material on it! Do some thinking and plan out what you’ll be putting in your wheelbarrow on a regular basis. This will affect the size that you need to best wheelbarrow ever.
Tires
Wheelbarrow TireSave
Save
Number
Wheelbarrows come with either one, two, or four tires. The classic wheelbarrow is the single tire wheelbarrow, which can be hard to maneuver, especially if you are going up hills or have an heavy load. However, it's also easier to turn around corners and move up narrow pathways.
Most people opt for a two-wheel wheelbarrow for stability's sake. Some go for a four-wheel hybrid because they want to drag it behind them with ease. These are more like a garden cart, which I have reviewed in detail here.
Wheel Types
Most high-quality wheelbarrows will have pneumatic tires, which are filled with air and are similar to car tires. These are the best tires you can buy, because they roll smoothly over almost any type of terrain.
Some less expensive models will skimp on the tires, making them out of plastic or without any tread. Try to avoid these as they will break down much quicker, potentially causing a huge spill in the garden wheelbarrow !
Ball Bearings
The final factor that will affect your tires is the ball bearing that is within the tire. The quality of this ball bearing will affect both how much weight your wheelbarrow can carry as well as how fast and smooth the tire rolls along the ground.
Choose a wheelbarrow that has a high-quality, industrial-grade bearing if possible. It will last much longer and won't break down.
Handles
A standard set of wheelbarrow handles Save
A standard set of wheelbarrow handles
The handles of your wheelbarrow will affect both how easy it is to turn and how easy it is to dump the load. Most wheelbarrows will have long wood handles that attach to the front of the wheelbarrow for easy leverage when dumping.
Some other types will have a single handle that can be either pulled or attached to a tractor or an ATV. These will have a dumping feature on the load bed so you do not have to awkwardly empty your best wheelbarrow.
Grips
The best handles come with a rubberized or plasticized grip of some kind to help maneuver the wheelbarrow easier. When hauling a heavy load, it’s helpful to have a nice grippy surface to hold onto instead of holding on to bare wood.
Pegged Rests
When you set your wheelbarrow down after moving it, you’re setting it down on rests. Unless your wheelbarrow has four wheels, it will have some kind of structure to rest on when not in use.
The best ones are made out of stainless steel and will not warp even under the heaviest loads.
Racks
This is a rare feature, but some wheelbarrows have additional storage racks running in between the handles or on the sides of the tub. They allow you to load up oddly-shaped items, garden tools, or mulch bags.
Rust Resistant
Unless you’re using your wheelbarrow inside (not likely!), you’ll want one that is resistant to the elements. If you get one with a load tub made of plastic, you only have to worry about sun damage. If you get one made out of metal, you have to worry about rust, so try to get a stainless steel one if possible.
Warranties
Whenever you invest in a piece of gardening equipment, especially one that's a bit more expensive, it's always good to check the warranty. Some Brands offer better warranties than others, so make sure to check exactly what's covered and what isn't before you make a purchase.
The better the warranty, the more you can trust that the company stands behind their product. Think about it: why would a company offer a good warranty if they knew they made low-quality wheelbarrows? It just doesn't make sense.
Best Wheelbarrows For The Money
Overall Pick
Gorilla Cart 600lb - Best OverallSave
Save
For most people, the best overall wheelbarrow for the money is going to be the 600lb capacity Gorilla Cart. The 36 x 20" tub is made of polyethlene plastic, making it durable but lightweight. It comes with four pneumatic tires for smooth rolling over any terrain.
The most impressive feature is the fully-vertical dumping ability of the tub, so you don't have to awkwardly maneuver the tub to get everything out.
The handle is a pull-handle only, meaning you can't attach it to a tractor or ATV. But you shouldn't need to at this size. On top of that, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Heavy Duty Pick
Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart, 1200lb
Save
Unsurprisingly, my pick for the best heavy duty wheelbarrow for the money is also from Gorilla Cart. The 1,200lb model comes with a few features that the 600lb one lacks, all for not much more money.
The first and most obvious is the larger load tub at 40 x 25". It holds 10 cubic feet of material and up to 1,200lb. That is a HUGE amount of space!
The second major improvement is the two in one handle. It can either be a pull handle or attach to an ATV or tractor for serious hauling power.
Check > best wheelbarrow for concrete
Small Wheelbarrow Pick
Marathon 2-Wheeled Yard Rover
Marathon - Best Small WheelbarrowSave
If you just need a wheelbarrow for smaller jobs around the house, the Marathon Yard Rover is the best one for you.
It has two pneumatic wheels and will carry 300lb and 5 cubic feet of material. That's not a lot, but it's more than enough for many home gardeners.
It's also extremely lightweight, coming in at just under 30lb.
Two Wheeled Option
WORX Aerocart 2-Wheeled Yard Cart best commercial wheelbarrow
AerocartSave
This unique design from WORX is my pick for the best two best contractor wheelbarrow wheeled wheelbarrow for the money. It can be turned into a wheelbarrow, yard cart, dolly, or trailer tote at a moment's notice, making it super versatile.
It's made of solid steel but is still easy to manage and even features a fold-out extension arm to load up extra cuttings, tools, or other gear.
It's on the more expensive side, but for the versatility it offers it's hard to beat.
Collapsible
Mac Sports Collapsible Utility Wagon
Mac Sports Utility WagonSave
If you care about portability more than load capacity, choose this wheelbarrow. Again, it's more of a utility cart than a wheelbarrow but it's still a good option if you just need a bit of extra help pulling around some gear.
It's 35.5" x 20" x 22.5" when unfolded and only 8" thick when collapsed, making it easy to store.
Let’s get this out of the way first: the perfect wheelbarrow for you will be different from the perfect wheelbarrow for me.
Everyone has a different garden and gardening needs. To make a good buying decision, we need to look at what makes wheelbarrows good in general.
The most important thing to consider is what you're going to use your wheelbarrow for. Answering this question will help narrow down the size, shape, and price range you should consider.
Types of Wheelbarrows
There are three kinds of wheelbarrows available to you. Which you choose depends on both the conditions of your garden and your own personal preferences.
Hybrid Wheelbarrows
AerocartSave
Hybrid wheelbarrows are a mix of classic good best wheelbarrow design that has been updated for modern times. In the past, wheelbarrows had a single wheel and a load tub that was so shallow it wouldn't much of anything.
Now, wheelbarrows come with 1, 2, or even 4 wheels and a variety of tub sizes, depending on the type of load you need to haul.
Hill-Use Wheelbarrows
If you live in a hilly area, get a wheelbarrow that's easier to use!Save
Save
If you live in a hilly area, get a wheelbarrow that's easier to use!
While there are not specific wheelbarrows designed for hills, if you do have hilly terrain in your area you should choose a wheelbarrow that will operate well in those conditions.
You'll want to look for one with a lightweight frame, typically a high-quality plastic. The ball bearings in the wheels should be well-lubricated and the handles should have grips to help pull it up a hill.
Also consider getting a wheelbarrow with two wheels so you have extra stability when going up or down steep inclines.
Electric Wheelbarrows
The most high-tech option for you to consider is the electric wheelbarrow reviews . As you might imagine, these are more expensive than the traditional or hybrid models. Even after you purchase one, there are additional maintenance costs to consider.
While there are some of these on the market, they're not too popular and they're not one of my recommendations in this guide, simply because most people do not need them.
However, I did find this clever motorized wheelbarrow modification that someone built. The ingenuity of people is amazing!
Wheelbarrow Features to Know
Just like other garden tools, there are a ton of different options and customisations that wheelbarrow manufacturers add to their products.
I've broken all of the most common garden best wheelbarrow features down so you can understand exactly what to look for when making your purchase.
Load Tub Material
The load tray of your wheelbarrow can be made from:
Wood
Plastic (Polyethlene)
Fabric (Typically a folding wheelbarrow)
Metal (Stainless Steel)
As a general rule, the heavier and more sturdy the load tub material, the heavier loads the wheelbarrow can carry. At the same time, this means that the wheelbarrow itself is heavier, which makes it harder to operate.
Choose a load tub material that can support everything you want to haul in your best wheelbarrow for the money while still remaining light enough for you to operate it easily. For most people, this means a lightweight metal or a polyethylene plastic is the best choice.
Weight Limit
Every single wheelbarrow manufacturer lists the weight limit that their wheelbarrows can hold. The weight is depending on a wheelbarrow’s construction, with heavier and more sturdily built wheelbarrows able to carry more.
However, the introduction of polyethylene load beds has made some wheelbarrows extremely lightweight, but still able to carry a heavy load.
Cargo Volume
Cargo volume refers to how space you can fill in your wheelbarrow. Most wheelbarrows average around 10 cubic feet of material.
Volume is an important factor to consider. Most people only look at the weight a best wheelbarrow ever can carry, but it doesn't matter that your wheelbarrow can carry 1,200 pounds if you can't fit 1,200 pounds worth of material on it! Do some thinking and plan out what you’ll be putting in your wheelbarrow on a regular basis. This will affect the size that you need to best wheelbarrow ever.
Tires
Wheelbarrow TireSave
Save
Number
Wheelbarrows come with either one, two, or four tires. The classic wheelbarrow is the single tire wheelbarrow, which can be hard to maneuver, especially if you are going up hills or have an heavy load. However, it's also easier to turn around corners and move up narrow pathways.
Most people opt for a two-wheel wheelbarrow for stability's sake. Some go for a four-wheel hybrid because they want to drag it behind them with ease. These are more like a garden cart, which I have reviewed in detail here.
Wheel Types
Most high-quality wheelbarrows will have pneumatic tires, which are filled with air and are similar to car tires. These are the best tires you can buy, because they roll smoothly over almost any type of terrain.
Some less expensive models will skimp on the tires, making them out of plastic or without any tread. Try to avoid these as they will break down much quicker, potentially causing a huge spill in the garden wheelbarrow !
Ball Bearings
The final factor that will affect your tires is the ball bearing that is within the tire. The quality of this ball bearing will affect both how much weight your wheelbarrow can carry as well as how fast and smooth the tire rolls along the ground.
Choose a wheelbarrow that has a high-quality, industrial-grade bearing if possible. It will last much longer and won't break down.
Handles
A standard set of wheelbarrow handles Save
A standard set of wheelbarrow handles
The handles of your wheelbarrow will affect both how easy it is to turn and how easy it is to dump the load. Most wheelbarrows will have long wood handles that attach to the front of the wheelbarrow for easy leverage when dumping.
Some other types will have a single handle that can be either pulled or attached to a tractor or an ATV. These will have a dumping feature on the load bed so you do not have to awkwardly empty your best wheelbarrow.
Grips
The best handles come with a rubberized or plasticized grip of some kind to help maneuver the wheelbarrow easier. When hauling a heavy load, it’s helpful to have a nice grippy surface to hold onto instead of holding on to bare wood.
Pegged Rests
When you set your wheelbarrow down after moving it, you’re setting it down on rests. Unless your wheelbarrow has four wheels, it will have some kind of structure to rest on when not in use.
The best ones are made out of stainless steel and will not warp even under the heaviest loads.
Racks
This is a rare feature, but some wheelbarrows have additional storage racks running in between the handles or on the sides of the tub. They allow you to load up oddly-shaped items, garden tools, or mulch bags.
Rust Resistant
Unless you’re using your wheelbarrow inside (not likely!), you’ll want one that is resistant to the elements. If you get one with a load tub made of plastic, you only have to worry about sun damage. If you get one made out of metal, you have to worry about rust, so try to get a stainless steel one if possible.
Warranties
Whenever you invest in a piece of gardening equipment, especially one that's a bit more expensive, it's always good to check the warranty. Some Brands offer better warranties than others, so make sure to check exactly what's covered and what isn't before you make a purchase.
The better the warranty, the more you can trust that the company stands behind their product. Think about it: why would a company offer a good warranty if they knew they made low-quality wheelbarrows? It just doesn't make sense.
Best Wheelbarrows For The Money
Overall Pick
Gorilla Cart 600lb - Best OverallSave
Save
For most people, the best overall wheelbarrow for the money is going to be the 600lb capacity Gorilla Cart. The 36 x 20" tub is made of polyethlene plastic, making it durable but lightweight. It comes with four pneumatic tires for smooth rolling over any terrain.
The most impressive feature is the fully-vertical dumping ability of the tub, so you don't have to awkwardly maneuver the tub to get everything out.
The handle is a pull-handle only, meaning you can't attach it to a tractor or ATV. But you shouldn't need to at this size. On top of that, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Heavy Duty Pick
Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart, 1200lb
Save
Unsurprisingly, my pick for the best heavy duty wheelbarrow for the money is also from Gorilla Cart. The 1,200lb model comes with a few features that the 600lb one lacks, all for not much more money.
The first and most obvious is the larger load tub at 40 x 25". It holds 10 cubic feet of material and up to 1,200lb. That is a HUGE amount of space!
The second major improvement is the two in one handle. It can either be a pull handle or attach to an ATV or tractor for serious hauling power.
Check > best wheelbarrow for concrete
Small Wheelbarrow Pick
Marathon 2-Wheeled Yard Rover
Marathon - Best Small WheelbarrowSave
If you just need a wheelbarrow for smaller jobs around the house, the Marathon Yard Rover is the best one for you.
It has two pneumatic wheels and will carry 300lb and 5 cubic feet of material. That's not a lot, but it's more than enough for many home gardeners.
It's also extremely lightweight, coming in at just under 30lb.
Two Wheeled Option
WORX Aerocart 2-Wheeled Yard Cart best commercial wheelbarrow
AerocartSave
This unique design from WORX is my pick for the best two best contractor wheelbarrow wheeled wheelbarrow for the money. It can be turned into a wheelbarrow, yard cart, dolly, or trailer tote at a moment's notice, making it super versatile.
It's made of solid steel but is still easy to manage and even features a fold-out extension arm to load up extra cuttings, tools, or other gear.
It's on the more expensive side, but for the versatility it offers it's hard to beat.
Collapsible
Mac Sports Collapsible Utility Wagon
Mac Sports Utility WagonSave
If you care about portability more than load capacity, choose this wheelbarrow. Again, it's more of a utility cart than a wheelbarrow but it's still a good option if you just need a bit of extra help pulling around some gear.
It's 35.5" x 20" x 22.5" when unfolded and only 8" thick when collapsed, making it easy to store.
D E S T I N A T I O N SHelp To Find Wheelbarrow
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