Wheelbarrows have been in existence since time immemorial. They are useful for hauling things around the garden, workshop, or any premises. The truth is you do not need the best out there since all do one basic job, haul things around.
However, the quality of the wheelbarrow components determines how long it lasts and how user-friendly it is. In this article, you will find reviews of the best wheelbarrows to buy along with a buying guide sections to help you through the selection process.
Table of Contents
The 7 Best Wheelbarrows
1. WORX WG050 Aerocart 8-in-1 All-Purpose Wheelbarrow
This Worx aerocart is one of the best designs on the market. The wheelbarrow allows you to change it from one function to another. It is, therefore, suitable for regular yard work and various types of jobs.
Key Features
- 8-in-1 design
- Turbo lift design
- Flat-free tires
- Two-wheel placement
- Comes with accessories
- 300lbs capacity
The unique design of this Worx aerocart is suitable for different jobs around the home. It has various configurations for every situation without much effort on your side. The aerocart allows you to take on a job that you would need assistance with.
It comes in an 8-in-1 design and is super easy to transform from one mode to the other. On this note, you can change it to a yard cart, a bag holder, extended dolly, and cylinder carrier. It can also work as a regular dolly, a plant mover, and a trailer tote.
With the flat-free tires, you can move the wheelbarrow smoothly even on rough terrain. The two-wheel placement makes all the functions easy to use by shifting the pivot. The best part is that the package comes with all the accessories you need to change between modes.
The Worx aerocart is a fantastic choice for a regular gardener; however, it is too small for large loads. You might have to go a few trips with this cart, but for the quality, it is worth the investment.
2. Gorilla Carts GOR6PS Yard Dump Cart
Finding a functional cart to use for regular yard work can be challenging with all the models on the market. But, this particular design from Gorilla Carts has proven to work well for most people.
Key Features
- Patented quick-release dump feature
- New frame design
- Heavy duty poly bed
- 40 x 25 inches bed
- Padded 2-in-1 handle
- 13 inches pneumatic tires
- 6 cubic feet capacity
One of the features that stand out with this model from Gorilla Carts is the patented dump technology. It features a quick-release feature that allows you to load and offload the cart quickly.
Additionally, it comes with a 4-wheel design that makes it stable and easy to maneuver any terrain. The bed comes in heavy-duty poly material that withstands regular use. It is super easy to clean and resists damage by the elements.
The 2-in-1 handles stands out from regular ones on the market. The handle allows you to hook the cart to your tractor. You only need to pull the locking pin and turn the handle for easy hooking.
This Gorilla Carts model is a great choice for a heavy load but, the hitch that attaches to a tractor does not last long. It is quite flimsy with heavyweight items. The good thing is that you can replace it with a heavy-duty metal to function correctly.
3. Polar Trailer 9376 Utility Cart
This utility cart comes in a unique design. It is useful for hauling things around the garden and suits different uses.
Key Features
- 400lbs load capacity
- Polyethylene tub
- Measures 65 x 29 x 29 inches
- 20-inch spoked wheels
- Solid rubber tires
If you are looking for a cart for your garden, dock, farm, or general use, this Polar Trailer is a great choice. It has a load capacity of 400 pounds and features 20-inch spoked wheels. Together with the ball bearing hubs and solid rubber tires, this utility cart will take on any hauling job.
Whether you need it to haul rock, dirt, mulch in your garden, or carry firewood and camping gear, this cart will make the work easier for you. The polyethylene tub does not rust and can withstand cracks for years. Additionally, the centered and balanced axle gives the cart better stability with heavy loads.
For stability and quality of materials, this yard cart carries the day. But, it might not work well on rugged terrain and raised yards. The big tires can be challenging to maneuver with heavy loads.
4. Best Choice Products Utility Yard Wheelbarrow
The best wheelbarrow for yard work should have a spacious tub to carry your intended loads. This design from Best Choice Products has a 5 cubic feet tub providing ample space.
Key Features
- 330lbs capacity
- Dual-wheel design
- Versatile handlebar
- Heavy duty barrow
- 13-inch wheels
The wheelbarrow suits different uses with the large tub. Additionally, it features a dual-wheel design, which contributes to the stability of the wheelbarrow. The tires come in high-quality rubber material to withstand any terrain regardless of the weight.
The handle is versatile and comes with thick padding. This design ensures you have an excellent grip pushing the wheelbarrow. It also lifts off the strain from your hands when carrying heavy loads.
The barrow comes in powder-coated steel and polyurethane. These materials are durable and resist rust buildup.
This heavy duty wheelbarrow is suitable for someone on a budget. However, it needs a little maintenance to keep all the parts in the best working conditions. The metal parts tend to rust if left outside; therefore, it is best to store the cart indoors.
5. Marathon Industries Residential Yard Wheelbarrow
This two-wheeled yard rover wheelbarrow can work well to haul both light and heavy loads in any terrain. The design is simple for easy loading and offloading.
Key Features
- Two air-filled wheels
- Loop handle
- Rust-proof poly tray
- 5 cubic feet
- 300lbs load capacity
- Easy to assemble
You can use this rover wheelbarrow to haul topsoil, logs, yard waste, and mulch. It is made of high-quality materials to withstand regular use and resist damage. The tub comes in rust-proof poly material to last long and clean easily. The steel frame is well-coated to resist rust when used in wet weather.
The wheelbarrow is lightweight, and the ergonomic design is easy on your body. You can easily lift, pull, or push the cart with the comfortable loop handle. This design distributes the weight evenly so you have an easy time hauling loads away.
The residential yard rover is ideal for regular yard work; however, it is too low for tall people. Also, the wheels require regular maintenance since they are air-filled.
6. Garden Star Marathon Yard Rover
Two-wheel designs are much more stable than one-wheel models. If you are looking for a dual-wheel wheelbarrow, this design from Garden Star is a suitable choice.
Key Features
- Air-filled wheels
- Loop handle design
- 5 cubic foot tray
- 300lbs load capacity
- Easy assembly
- Polypropylene construction
This manual yard rover wheelbarrow can work well for regular yard jobs such as hauling topsoil, mulch, grass, etc. It comes with two air-filled wheels that make it easy to lift, balance, and maneuver around. The heavy duty loop handle makes it easy to push, pull, and dump the contents.
The 5-cubic foot tray can carry a load of up to 300 pounds. It is perfect for residential use and is super lightweight to move around. The tray is made from a polypropylene material that is easy to clean and strong to withstand regular use.
The wheelbarrow is super easy to assemble and meets the needs of a regular gardener. However, it might not be the best to haul weighty loads. It is quite small, and the tray can easily warp with heavyweights.
7. Walsall 85 LTR Easiload Wheelbarrow
You can find the best wheelbarrow on a budget. This design from Warsall is an affordable option and comes in a simple design for convenient use.
Key Features
- 120kgs capacity
- Tubular steel frame
- Heavy duty construction
- Pneumatic wheel
- Easy to assemble
The wheelbarrow comes in a small size and has a 3.5 x 8 inches wheel. It is ideal for people with small yards that need a design that will maneuver easily. It features a tubular steel frame with a protective coating to withstand use in the outdoors.
The wheelbarrow is ideal for regular use; however, the tire might need regular maintenance. You might need to keep inflating if you use the wheelbarrow on rugged terrains. The good thing is that you can quickly inflate it or replace the tube after a while.
What to look for When Buying a Wheelbarrow
Before settling on a specific model of a wheelbarrow, it is essential to check for features and keep some factors in mind. With this, you will ensure you not only get a high-quality wheelbarrow but one that works for your needs.
Features
Type of Materials
You will need to get a wheelbarrow that can withstand rough use. A wheelbarrow made from high-quality materials will save you money for replacement as time goes by. On this note, you should consider choosing a wheelbarrow made from heavy iron or steel frame. This material can withstand harsh conditions and holds up well with regular use.
When it comes to the material for the tub, most wheelbarrows have steel or plastic tubs. Steel tubs are more durable than plastic ones and work well for any type of job. However, steel is prone to rust, so you should take caution to store the wheelbarrow out of the elements.
Plastic ones are only limited to home use to carry lightweight things. They are easier on your back and suit regular gardeners. Although plastic does not rust, it may crack under the weight of a massive load or in freezing temperatures.
There is a less common type made of canvas. This material allows you to fold the wheelbarrow after use and save space on storage. Although it is convenient for small spaces, they are not always the best for demanding garden work.
Tub Area
The tub design and area varies from one product to another. Most wheelbarrows come with rectangular tubs that have rounded bottoms. Others are square and smaller to carry a small load at a time.
When choosing a wheelbarrow, consider the cubic foot of the tub to suit your needs. For example, if you intend to carry wood planks, for the most part, find a tub that matches the length of the wood. On the same note, if you want to use the wheelbarrow to haul bags of sand, find a deeper tub to carry more at a go.
Loading Capacity
The loading capacity of wheelbarrows varies from one design to another. Every wheelbarrow has a specific limit of pounds it can carry without warping or affecting its quality. If you are looking for one for regular undefined work is, you should get one with a bigger loading capacity.
Wheels
Should you go for one or two wheels? The traditional model of a wheelbarrow comes with one wheel at the front-center. This design of a wheelbarrow makes it easy to maneuver any terrain. It is also easier to dump the contents but requires extra control.
Two wheels are better for stability and control. A wheelbarrow with two wheels is much more balanced to carry heavy loads than the one-wheel design. However, with two wheels, you will have to compromise on maneuverability and use up more effort on hilly terrains.
The material of the wheels is also an important feature to keep in mind. The tires come in two standard types; pneumatic tires and non-pneumatic tires. A pneumatic tire has an inner tube that you pump up like a bicycle. The air inside the tire works as a shock absorber for a smoother ride.
However, like all tires with inner tubes, a pneumatic tire is prone to damage with rough terrains. It can easily pop and will, therefore, need replacement or repair. Additionally, you will need to check the pressure regularly as it is prone to go flat with heavyweights.
Non-pneumatic tires, on the other hand, come in solid rubber. These cannot pop or go flat even with heavyweights. Some models combine both types of tires, semi-pneumatic tires. This type is a rubber tire with built-in air pockets. It provides shock absorption of pneumatic tires but does not require inflation.
Handles
The type and design of the wheelbarrow handle will determine how easy and comfortable it is as you push. Wheelbarrow handles come in two main kinds; traditional and ergonomic.
Traditional handles are straight and provide the best maneuverability. With these handles, it is easy to tilt, flip, and dump. However, these require more hand strength to control the movement of the wheelbarrow.
Ergonomic handles, on the other hand, can either be closed handles or single-bar grips. These make pulling easier and are much comfortable on the hands. These are suitable for use by anyone regardless of their size. The traditional ones, however, are not comfortable for people with narrow shoulders.
Manual or Motorized
A manual wheelbarrow is the most common type. It requires you to use your physical energy and push it. It can be severe when carrying massive loads; however, it is more affordable and easy to find.
A motorized wheelbarrow uses electric power to propel the tires. This type only leaves you with the task of maneuvering the wheelbarrow to control its movement. Motorized wheelbarrows are suitable for heavy loads and are easy to maneuver.
The motorized type is common in industrial environments for hauling large, heavy loads. It is quite expensive compared to the manual design and requires regular maintenance.
Weight of the Wheelbarrow
As much as the quality of the material is an essential factor, heavy steel or cast iron can be quite challenging to manage. Unless you want to choose heavy duty, you should settle for a significantly light design. With a light wheelbarrow, you can easily maneuver small spaces and push it on rough, uneven terrains.
Factors to Keep In mind
Ease of Use and Comfort
You want to make sure that the wheelbarrow you get it easy to use and remain as comfortable for you as possible. It is, therefore, vital to check the length of the handles as very short ones will strain your back and affect your posture when pushing. It is best if the handles come with rubber grips to prevent rubbing on your palms.
Type of Terrain
The type of terrain you intend to use the wheelbarrow on will guide you on the best model to select. This is regarding the size, the type of wheels, and the general design. For example, in rocky terrain, a wheelbarrow with non-pneumatic wheels will maneuver easily, and you will not have to worry about punctures.
A single-wheeled wheelbarrow may not be the best on rocky terrain. It will be challenging to maintain balance and maneuver. If you are carrying fragile things, a wheelbarrow with pneumatic wheels is best. It will absorb the shock to keep the load safer.
For very inclined terrains, consider getting a one or two-wheeled wheelbarrow. The regular garden cart with four wheels will not maneuver easily and will possibly hurt your back when pushing.
Assembly
When choosing a wheelbarrow, it is essential to choose one that is convenient to assemble. Check whether the wheelbarrow comes pre-assembled or if all the parts come apart.
Some designs can be complicated and will need you to find someone to help you put it together. Others only require you to fit the tires, which you can do without additional help. The good thing is that most manufacturers include an assembly manual in the package.
Storage
Wheelbarrows can be big and bulky to keep organized in your storage. It can be a problem if you have a small space. However, there are designs that you can fold or convert to collapse the size and suit small storage areas. Consider the cubic feet to ensure it suits the storage space you have.
Dumping Needs
The perfect wheelbarrow for your needs should be easy to tip over and empty its contents. It is, therefore, important to note that most of the weight rests on the front wheel when emptying. It can be challenging to dump if the contents are heavy. On this note, consider the dumping feature a wheelbarrow has to give you some sort of flexibility to lift, tip, and empty.
User Limitations
Who will be using the wheelbarrow? If you buy a wheelbarrow for your entire family’s use, consider the design to suit everyone. Ensure the height is favorable for the users to ensure a comfortable experience using it.
Multi-functional Features
Some wheelbarrows designs have social features to enhance functionality and suit specific needs. For example, there are wheelbarrows with moving elements such as a potted plant mover. Others have cylinder holders for better securing when carrying cylinders.
Price
How much money have you set aside to buy the wheelbarrow? The price of wheelbarrows varies from one design to another, depending on the features it has. Heavy-duty models will cost you more than plastic-tub wheelbarrows.
If you are chasing quality, you should not let price be the determining factor. This is because a higher-priced model does not necessarily mean it is the best in the market. On that note, a low-cost option is not necessarily inferior in quality.
FAQs
1. How do you choose a wheelbarrow?
Like other gardening equipment, you need to consider a couple of factors to ensure you get the right wheelbarrow. The essential features to look for are the size, quality of material, wheels, capacity, and handles.
Additionally, you need to consider the type of job you intend to use the wheelbarrow for. If you need it for gardening in a residential yard, then a small one will work well. For extensive gardens, a bigger and more stable wheelbarrow is best.
2. Are plastic wheelbarrows good?
Plastic wheelbarrows are ideal for light yard work to haul small loads. Plastic wheelbarrows do not rust and are super lightweight to push.
However, they might not last long with heavy weights or in freezing temperatures.
3. How do you maintain a wheelbarrow?
After use, it is essential to clean your wheelbarrow to remove dirt and any other material. You can use a soft brush or cloth to clean the tub. For wheelbarrows with hardwood handles, wipe them down after every use. If they tend to get a little rough around the edges, sand them down lightly to even out the edges.
4. Are steel wheelbarrows better?
Steel is a high-quality material and is known for its durability and strength. On this note, steel wheelbarrows are long-lasting and withstand regular use. Also, they are much more stable to carry heavy loads without affecting the quality. However, they need proper care, and you should not leave them under the elements.
5. Why do most wheelbarrows have one wheel?
Designs that come with one wheel are common on the market. This is because a one-wheeled wheelbarrow is more comfortable to maneuver in any kind of space. If your residential yard has plenty of corners, this type of wheelbarrow is easier to move around and push. However, they are ideal for small loads and require you to provide balance when hauling things around.
6. Can you replace your wheelbarrow tire?
Yes. Wheelbarrow tires can wear out quickly if you use it on rough terrain. Regardless of the type of tire the design has, you can always remove and replace it when needed. Wheelbarrows tires are quite affordable and readily available.
7. What makes a good wheelbarrow?
There are several factors to keep in mind; however, the quality of materials is one of the main ones to check. You want to get a wheelbarrow that will withstand the load and last long despite regular use. Also, you want to ensure all the parts, including the wheels and handles, are well-built.
8. What are the parts of a wheelbarrow?
A wheelbarrow consists of a tray, commonly known as a tub in steel, plastic, or wood. It also features steel support that attaches the tub and the steel legs. It also has a wheel with a rubber tire around it. The support extends past the tray to create handles that you hold on to push.
Conclusion
Choosing a wheelbarrow does not have to be a difficult task. With the reviews above, you have an idea of what to expect on the market. You can find a suitable design to suit your budget and gardening needs. More to this, the buying guide gives you an insight into the features you should consider.