Whether gardening or landscaping, odds are you're going to have material to move around, and usually plenty of it. From mulch to stone, these materials just can't usually be moved a scoop at a time. A wheelbarrow is your best friend in moving them from point A to point B.
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Wheelbarrows
Why Do You Need a Wheelbarrow?
A wheelbarrow is something every household should have handy. From gardening to landscaping to cleanup, they can really be used for more things than we could ever discuss here.
The most obvious advantage of a wheelbarrow is the time saved in your chores compared to working without one. Just imagine how long it would take to do something simple as mulching a flower bed if you had to walk across the yard with a shovel full at a time.
Wheelbarrows can also save your back. Instead of picking up, carrying around, and then setting down whatever heavy items you may need to move around, you could turn right to your wheelbarrow. For folks out there who already have a bad back or an injury, there are extra stable wheelbarrow designs just for you.
There are simply some places that you just aren’t going to be able to get with a truck or tractor. It always seems that whenever there’s a place in your yard that is absolutely inaccessible by machine, there’s some sort of work to be done in there. Whether hauling out that unsightly pile of dirt or hauling in potted plants to fill that bare spot that’s been bugging you, the wheelbarrow is going to be your partner and biggest help.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Wheelbarrow
There are many different types of wheelbarrows on the market today, featuring many differently styled components. Wheelbarrows are available in various combinations of these features to make units specialized for a number of purposes. Here a few of these options and their purposes.
Body Material
The two main compositions of wheelbarrow bodies available today are metal and plastic. In these two main types, there are of course many variations in density and thickness. How sturdy does your wheelbarrow need to be? Of course we all want the toughest wheelbarrow that can last a long time, but we have to decide whether the added weight of a thicker composition is worth it.
Body Shape
Many of wheelbarrow body shapes are designed with a few specific purposes in mind. Flat bottom shallow wheelbarrows may serve best to cart flats of plants or small bits of fertilizer, whereas tall deep wheelbarrows are more for moving bulk mulch, stone or soil. Keep your purpose in mind while you’re browsing the market.
Handle Shape
The shape of a wheelbarrows handles can determine what that unit will be best used for. Some handles are straight and stout, for heavy hauling and durability. Others may be light tube steel and angled up so you don’t have to bend so much to operate the wheelbarrow or keep it more level. These types of handles can be a godsend for those of you with poor backs.
Wheels and Tires
The wheel setup that you choose is very important. Keep in mind just what sort of terrain you’ll be wheeling through, not to mention the load weight and your own physical strength and limitations. Wider tires add stability and support a heavier load. Narrow tires can more easily squeeze between roots and rocks. Double wheeled wheelbarrows add stability and support for weaker or injured users, but might not fit everywhere you need to go.
Now that we’ve gone over the features of wheelbarrows, find a combination of options that suits your purposes. Remember to pay attention to all the components of wheelbarrows you’re considering, and you’ll be sure to find the combination that’s perfect for you.
Our Wheelbarrow Reviews
#1 – WORX Aerocart Multifunction 2-Wheeled Wheelbarrow
This useful wheelbarrow has two tires, making it easier to use on uneven terrain. With the design of this wheelbarrow, the center of gravity is well balanced so you can ensure it won’t suddenly topple over.
The arms of the wheelbarrow can also extend to make it easier to carry oversized items that are usually awkward to tote around. With its strong steel construction, it can carry large weights and should last you a long.
#2 – Marathon Dual-Wheel Residential Yard Rover Wheelbarrow
The two wheels are great for proper balance on uneven earth and the wheels are excellent for easy lifting and turning. If you find the wheels becoming flat, a manual pump is included so that you can inflate the tires for your needs.
#3 – Ames True Temper Total Control 6 Cubic Foot Poly Wheelbarrow
Much like old wheelbarrows, it has wooden handles. But it also has a metal frame, which makes it quite durable. With the strong, heavy duty construction, you will have yourself a sturdy gardening tool for lugging heavy items around.
#4 – Lifetime 65034 Two Wheel Wheelbarrow
Despite being made of recycled plastic, this wheelbarrow can tote a large capacity of 550 lbs. It is also weather resistant and quite durable due to the strong steel frame.