No matter how much experience you have in gardening, a wheelbarrow is a must-have tool.
Wheelbarrows come in all sizes and shapes depending on their intended use.
They all look similar but are designed for different purposes.
A wheelbarrow that uses lightweight material to be moved will most likely not be useful for a heavy-duty wheelbarrow.
With all of the various wheelbarrows on the market, it is hard to just settle on one product.
Before you purchase a wheelbarrow always thinks of your work, property needs, and maybe storage.
Features To Consider When Purchasing a Wheelbarrow
Wheelbarrows are built to function in distinct ways, and there are different characteristics that affect their functionality.
On that note, we will take a look at some of the most important characteristics to be aware of when purchasing a wheelbarrow.
1. Tires
The tires are one of the most crucial features you want to consider.
Think about your backyard space’s terrain before selecting a wheelbarrow.
If you have a flat and small backyard space, you can go with a smaller wheeled wheelbarrow.
If your backyard space is not level, you may want a wheelbarrow with larger wheels to navigate.
The material of the tires is also important.
Wheelbarrow tires can be made of:
- plastic
- rubber
- or inflatable material
Air-filled tires will provide a smoother experience and are best suited for uneven terrain or loads that are heavy.
Conversely, a wheelbarrow that consists of plastic tires are intended for transport on smooth or even ground and carrying light loads.
Foam-filled solid rubber tires do not need air. Solid tires are great to have if you have a rocky backyard since they won’t be punctured.
Solid tires are a good option if you want a maintenance-free tire. However, they are expensive, and they tend to get weighed down for transports of heavy loads.
2. Type of wheelbarrow
Every type of wheelbarrow has its advantages, and depending on the job, some wheelbarrows are better for particular work than others.
There are four primary types of wheelbarrows.
Type #1 – raditional single-wheel design
The standard format includes one wheel and two steel legs at the rear for support.
This model’s best benefit is its lightweight transportation of products, however, it may tip ahead with larger loads.
Type #2 – Motor-powered wheelbarrow
Electric or battery-powered wheelbarrows of this kind are powered by electricity or a battery and are designed to push or pull items.
They are intended to minimize the amount of effort needed to move them around. Some wheelbarrows of this type also include features like speed functions to increase or decrease speed and multiple wheels.
Type #3 – Two-wheeled design
Wheelbarrows that are designed in this way have two wheels, one on the front of each side.
They provide great balance for heavy loads and are hard to tip.
The main disadvantage of these types of wheelbarrows is that they can be difficult to push down a winding path.
Type #4 – Foldable wheelbarrow
In contrast to the other wheelbarrows with tubs made of plastic or steel, the foldable wheelbarrow’s tub consists of fabric.
This foldable fabric tub keeps the wheelbarrow lightweight and easy to push. You can fold it up and either set it in a garage or hang it in a shed.
3. Tub capacity
When buying a wheelbarrow, you may want to check the tub capacity, which ranges from 2.5-10 cubic feet.
If your tub is large, you will be able to carry a lot of weight, but it may be difficult to push.
Select a wheelbarrow size that works for you.
4. Load and weight capacity
You’ll notice load and weight capacity change from wheelbarrow to wheelbarrow.
For example, an empty wheelbarrow weighing 40 pounds has a carry capacity of approximately 90 to 150 pounds.
Many electric wheelbarrows will hold about 600 pounds, while folding wheelbarrow will hold about 50 pounds.
Just keep in mind that you will want to think about the type of task you’ll be doing with the wheelbarrow itself and the weight will be carrying with it before deciding on which wheelbarrow to buy.
5. Handles
Most wheelbarrows feature a standard steel or alloy wood handle, which is good for general pushing.
The single-arm handles, which resemble shopping carts, also provide the user with a good experience in collecting or pushing the two-wheel version without much pain.
Some handles have foam grips that minimize hand blisters.
6. Plastic or steel tubs
The wheelbarrow comes with either a plastic or steel frame tub.
Steel frames are made to be stronger than plastic.
Steel tubs may hold heavy objects like rocks, but they tend to be more expensive than plastic ones.
A negative about steel tubs is that they can be hard and cumbersome to push.
If you plan to lift light objects, you should use plastic tubs.
If you plan a job that involves mixing concrete or moving heavy objects, steel tubs should also be your construction material of choice.
7. Other Supplementary Qualities
Some wheelbarrow designs may have different qualities that may provide support and make it easy for you to perform tasks.
This includes:
- Elevated tires. They help users portage over tough rocky terrain.
- Tray to provide added space for transporting gardening tools.
- A bottle holder lets users carry a drink or water bottle to stay hydrated.
- LED lights. Found on certain motorized wheelbarrows that help to light your area when working in darker areas.
6 Best Wheelbarrows For Backyards
1. Glitzhome GH10017 Steel Framed Plastic Garden Wheelbarrow
Key Features
- It is made with alloy steel and plastic
- 14-inch pneumatic tires
- It weighs 2.65 pounds
- A carrying capacity of 220 pounds
- The tray is 4.7 Cu’ ft deep
- It is black
If you want a high-grade, steel-framed garden wheelbarrow that can traverse nearly all terrains with ease, I can recommend Glitzhome GH10017.
It’s made of solid metal and plastic components; therefore, durability should not be an issue.
It is heavy-duty enough to transport loads exceeding 220-pounds, so you won’t have to make load trips to haul items from your garden.
This wheelbarrow is versatile enough to transport any number of items ranging from grass, tools, manure, flower seedlings, plants, and just about anything else in gardening.
The Tray – which is made of plastic – is encased by a powder-coated steel frame, so you will definitely not have to worry about it breaking down on your journeys.
What is more, it is ergonomically designed so you won’t have to waste excessive effort pushing it around.
The handles are foam coated for extra cushion when you push it around. Also, you will not be at risk of getting callouses or blisters on your hands when you are using it all day. It’s best to protect your derby hands by utilizing gear such as gloves.
The 14-inch wheel is pneumatic which provides stability. Therefore, you can use it under different circumstances without distress.
Keep in mind – also, the inflation limit is 30 psi. You should not inflate it above this limit, or else you may risk a pop.
In addition to being rust-proof, it also looks very stylish. Its color is black and is very sophisticated.
You won’t run into an issue of cleaning it due to it being plastic. Therefore the care for it should not be a concern. Plus, the better you take care of it, the longer it will last.
Although it is required that it ships unassembled, putting it together is not difficult.
In addition, there are very clear assembly instructions if you are stuck putting it together. At most it should not take you more than 15 minutes to put together.
Pros
- Its heavy-duty construction makes it sturdy and durable
- A stable pneumatic tire
- It is easy to maneuver
- Ergonomic design
- The assembling process is straightforward
Cons
- You have to assemble it yourself
The producer offers excellent after-sales services, and they are quick to respond should anything happen.
Despite all of these wonderful features, the wheelbarrow has a super-affordable price tag so you won’t have to pay too much.
The manufacturer Glitzhome really considered the user whenever they designed this product.
2. Marathon Dual-Wheel Residential Yard Rover Wheelbarrow
Key Features
- It is green and gray
- Two wheels
- It weighs 24.9 pounds
- A carrying capacity of 300 pounds
- It has a loop handle
When it comes to balance, stability, and maneuverability, two wheels are better than one!
That said, the Marathon Residential Rover Wheelbarrow has two air-filled wheels, giving it better stability and balance than most wheelbarrows with a single wheel.
Moreover, the wheelbarrow has a loop handle that allows you to pull, push and tip with minimal effort.
At 24.9 lbs it is also lightweight, and 25% lighter than an average wheelbarrow.
Its plastic tray has a 5-cubic-foot capacity and allows you to haul a load of 300 lbs, that’s heavier than many standard wheelbarrows!
So, using the wheelbarrow makes hauling heavy loads manageable where you wouldn’t be able to do on your own:
- top-soil
- yard waste
- mulch
- rocks
It is absolutely ideal for your backyard.
Since it is made of plastic, you’ll have no rusting problems with the wheelbarrow. It can be used and stored outdoors without too much concern for the material itself.
You do need to be careful if conditions are extreme, as with hail or super strong sun.
Although this product comes unassembled, it is easy to put together and even beginners can do it without difficulty. Also, and very importantly, it is a popular product because it suits users of all ages and strengths.
Pros
- Easy to move, lift and maneuver
- It is easy to assemble
- Durable as it is made with sturdy materials
- It has two wheels instead of one
- It weighs 25% less than traditional wheelbarrows
Cons
- You have to assemble it yourself, which can always go wrong
The Marathon yard Rover Wheelbarrow is a very well-known and useful wheelbarrow in the market.
A terrific wheelbarrow for use around your house, on the patio, deck, or sidewalk, or in the backyard to move around or do some gardening.
It is also suitable for renters who want to use it to move from one location to another.
3. True Temper R6STSP25 Never Flat Tire Steel Wheelbarrow
Key Features
- A single wheel
- It is made with alloy steel
- It weighs 6.98 pounds
True Temper has a long history of producing tools of the highest quality, and this wheelbarrow follows suit.
The construction of the frame and handles employs reliable top-of-the-line alloy steel which will last for years, especially with a small amount of care.
This wheelbarrow only has a single wheel, unlike the Marathon wheelbarrow above, but it is stable and very easy to maneuver and push around.
The tire is flat-free, so the chances of it running over something sharp while you’re working in the backyard are slim to none.
Still, you should avoid rolling it over sharp objects as nothing is “foolproof”, and it will dull over time.
The sturdy 6 cubic-foot steel tray will comfortably carry various loades you need to move in your backyard.
6.98 pounds – the wheelbarrow is also relatively light and won’t make you too sore while using it around your home.
Because the handles are also ergonomic, the pair of handles are built for comfort and a good grip, reducing fatigue.
Like many other wheelbarrows, you will need to unassistedly assemble it yourself, luckily, you won’t need a degree in mechanical engineering to assemble it.
Deep breath – it takes just a couple of minutes to put together!
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- It has a flat-free tire
- Easy to maneuver
- It is sturdy and durable
- Affordable
Cons
- You have to assemble it yourself
In addition, should you experience any trouble putting together or utilizing the product, the manufacturers will be there to assist. Customer service, as well as after sale services, can be immediately commended.
The True Temper wheelbarrow features are such that it is versatile and ideal for any type of job.
It goes without saying that its durability will provide you with multiple years of service. This wheelbarrow has a universal value for money.
4. 6 cu ft. Steel Tray Contractor Wheelbarrow
Key Features
- Made of metal and wood
- It weighs 36.5 pounds
- A single wheel
- It has a handle of length 60″
- It is black
This black metallic wheelbarrow may not be the best option in this review, but it is definitely worth give it a try.
First of all, the black color gives it a classier look and gives it a distinct look. So it will look aesthetically pleasing just sitting in your backyard.
Besides that, the tray is heavy-duty steel giving it the strength and support needed to push heavy loads. Additionally, the steel tray braces give added strength when emptying the wheelbarrow.
The tray is made of metal, however, the 60″ handles are fashioned from wood. The wheel barrow also has ergonomic handles ensuring a firm grip and comfort grip so the user does not tiring holding onto it.
The wheelbarrow will allow you to move stuff around your yard without it being an exhausting process.
Thus, you can easily carry:
- soil
- seedlings
- flowers
- even dirt
This wheelbarrow is the heaviest in this review list compared to others at an incredible mass of 36.5 pounds which means a strong individual is required to utilize this wheelbarrow.
This obviously eliminates children, the elderly, or people that can’t manage this weight (e.g. asthma, arthritis, etc.).
The good side of this weight is that this wheelbarrow will hold heavy loads for more years than lighter models.
Another factor that makes this wheelbarrow unique is the glide-ring design of it’s trays.
This design helps ensure the wheelbarrow doesn’t get caught up with shovels or hoes while pushing around.
Finally, the one knobby wheel is designed for the best traction and wear.
Pros
- A flat-free tire
- It is corrosion-proof
- A narrow-tray design
- It has a glide-ring design
- Ergonomic handles
Cons
- It is heavy
The wheelbarrow’s design is narrow and with great maneuverability, so that the tray is easy to fit through small paths or doorways.
It is a great investment for your backyard while not being too costly.
5. Stanley Jr – Wheelbarrow
Key Features
- It comes in yellow and black
- Made with plastic and wood
- It weighs 7.32 pounds
If you have kids and want them to continue to participate with you while you work in the backyard, then your search dies here.
Stanley Jr has kid-friendly tools, including wheelbarrows. The Stanley Jr wheelbarrow is perfect for your kids to work with you.
It is made very durable with wood and plastic pieces that are lightweight for the kids to carry.
This wheelbarrow only weighs 7.32 pounds, which makes it the lightest wheelbarrow out of the ones reviewed.
Like the other wheelbarrows in this write up, the Stanley Jr wheelbarrow is also unassembled and requires you to put it together.
If you are going to involve your kids during the assembly process, ensure they are being supervised.
Some of the pieces are small enough to also be considered choking hazards. The manufacturer rated kids that will be using this wheelbarrow ages 5 plus.
Pros
- Encourages children to play
- It is sturdy and durable
- Ergonomic
- It is easy to assemble
Cons
- It presents a choking hazard if children are unsupervised
The handles are made from wood for ergonomics to provide comfort for a child’s delicate small hands while using the wheelbarrow.
This wheelbarrow will encourage your kids to get productive, and this wheelbarrow would be a perfect opportunity for family time.
6. Makita LXT Brushless Power-Assisted Wheelbarrow
Key Features
- It runs on 18V LXT batteries
- Operates on a BL Brushless Motor
- It has a 3 cu. Ft. capacity
- It has a carrying capacity of 290 pounds
- It can hold two batteries
- LED lights
Many companies offer motorized wheelbarrows, however, the Makita wheelbarrow is among the best.
Not only is it efficient and convenient, but it is also innovative, making it an excellent gardening companion.
The wheelbarrow is powered using 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries. Although the wheelbarrow can accept two 5.0Ah batteries, it only runs with one of them.
The charging time for one 5.0Ah battery is 45 minutes and provides 60 minutes of running time.
You will be provided approximately 100 minutes plus running time if you run both batteries at the same time.
Double Check – The batteries are not in the package, so they will have to be purchased separately.
The electric wheelbarrow uses a BL brushless motor made by Makita for performance.
Performance is a key feature, allowing the use of the wheelbarrow, without expending unnecessary physical effort.
At a weight of 116 pounds, the wheelbarrow is fairly heavy and would be very strenuous for manual operation.
With a load capacity of 3 Cu. Ft. the steel bucket will hold 290 pounds, which is very respectable.
The design of both the frame and barrow are such that it can be easily dumped.
The frame and barrow are hinged so, when it is time to dump your load, the barrow dumps forwards from the rear hinge of the frame.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy
- It is innovative
- It has LED lights for when you want to work in the dark
Cons
- It is expensive
Moreover, the motor comes with two available speeds: normal speed and maximum speed.
So, it travels at 2.5 mph on a 12-degree incline. With that speed you can get HUGE amounts of work done in little time.
In addition, the wheelbarrow has LED lights on either side of the frame to light your way if you work after dark.
It is much more pricy than the other wheelbarrows featured in this review, but worth every penny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look out for when buying a wheelbarrow for your backyard?
A good reference is the size and weight capacity of your selected item.
You will find these numbers around in huge quantities on every listing. Other things to consider are the number of wheels and materials, price.
What factors will determine the size and weight of my wheelbarrow?
Choosing a wheelbarrow that is rated for the size and weight of materials you plan to transport will not only help avoid tipping and breakage, but will also save you time and effort!
Are wheelbarrows difficult to use?
Overall, if you have a wheelbarrow, it is fairly simple to use.
Even so, it is especially important to get your hands on the manual of a more specialized wheelbarrow that will guide you through all of the information and instructions necessary.
You can use this tool to ensure you are doing everything correctly the first time around.
Final Thoughts
Wheelbarrows are a must-have as it can lighten your workload and increase productivity.
Before choosing a wheelbarrow, think about how you plan to use it and what features are important to you.
There are all different kinds of wheel barrows you can find on the Internet, from traditional push or pull wheelbarrows to rolling wheelbarrows.
Most websites will have reviews, pictures, and other helpful information to help you find the right model for your situation! Amazon is one of the best places to shop for wheel barrows!