Wheelbarrows are essential tools when it comes to gardening activities. It efficiently carries the weeds you pull, the dirt you dig up, and other small loads, leaving your outdoor space clutter-free and visually appealing. In this review guide, we will discuss several wheelbarrows chosen by our team that stand out for their comfortable handles, durable builds, and versatility. The WORX Aerocart Wheelbarrow tops the list as the best wheelbarrow overall thanks to its eight different uses, its flat-free tires, and its ability to carry up to 200 pounds. Check it out as well as the others on our list.
Our Top Picks For Wheelbarrows
The Best Wheelbarrows
Best Overall
A wheelbarrow that carries all your gardening tools and is easy to move will be the best for all your yard work needs. The Worx wheelbarrow does all of that and more. This all-in-one tool has eight different uses, which include functioning as a wheelbarrow, bag holder, yard cart, and cylinder carrier, to name a few. I can do this thanks to its brilliant design, which features two flat-free tires which do not require inflation and turbo lift technology. Combined, this means with this wheelbarrow, you can easily carry 200 lbs which will only feel like 17 and move your material with only a little effort. We are so impressed by this 8-in-1 tool’s ease of use, functionality and decent price that we are giving it our best overall award.
Pros
- Multipurpose tool
- Turbo lift energy efficient technology
- Flat-free tires
Cons
- Slightly technical to assemble
Great Value
Wheelbarrows aren’t just for moving things from point A to point B; they also serve as great garden carts. This wheelbarrow from Best Choice does just that, all while delivering on maneuverability and having high-quality construction.
This wheelbarrow’s overall dimensions are 36″ (L) x 25″ (W)x 20″ (H). It has a two-wheel design which grants it a larger tilting angle and has high-density padding on its handlebar to prevent blisters from long use. Lastly, this tool has steel frames with powder coating to make it resistant to rust, so it will last a long while. This wheelbarrow is certainly a great value for all that it offers at its price.
Pros
- Handle design lets you push or pull.
- Durable powder coated frames
- High quality wheels
Cons
- Not many storage options
Large Capacity
If you always have bulks of dirt that need to be transported, you need a lightweight high capacity tool. The Marathon wheelbarrow is great for just that and your yard work. Why? First, it is super light and requires less struggle to pull or push. Second, it has a large weight capacity of 300 pounds which feels like only 25 pounds due to smart leverages. On top of that, it is made of polypropylene which is resistant to harsh weather conditions. This is a great solution for all your carrying needs.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Padded handles for control
- Loop handle to push, pull or tilt
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty work
Great for Kids
Are your kids enthusiastic about gardening? Do you want them to have fun while helping you clear the yard? The John Deere wheelbarrow meets most, if not all, the qualifications to be a great choice for your kids.
It weighs about nine pounds and is made of plastic and some steel. Consequently, it is super light yet can hold a decent amount of material and can be handled by any child above the age of three. Its handles are also made of highly padded vinyl material, making it great for kids to control. Purchase one for your child today.
Pros
- Super confortable vinyl handle
- Long-lasting steel construction
- Safe for your child to use
Cons
- Shallow bucket limits its functionality
Heavy Duty Option
Are you looking for a wheelbarrow suited for heavy-duty tasks? Try the Goplus wheelbarrow. Due to its steel frame and quality tray design, it has a large weight capacity of 330lbs which feels like only 35lbs. It also features pneumatic tires which firmly grip the ground, thus, preventing slipping when working on steep terrain or on a rainy day. You can work hard all day and expect this wheelbarrow to stick with you.
Pros
- Simple assembly
- Trouble-free cleaning
- Pneumatic tires
Cons
- Plastic tray isn’t great for construction work
Great for Gardens
Last but not least, we have this great Green Thumb wheelbarrow from Marastar. This wheelbarrow’s tray is made of hard plastic that is resistant to scratches and is quite durable. It is also quite deep and can hold approximately 300 pounds. In addition, this wheelbarrow features 14-inch air-filled tires, which are great for any terrain. All in all, if you are looking for a solid wheelbarrow, this is one to take a look at.
Pros
- Works well on any terrain
- Scratch resistant tray
- Rounded tray corners prevents injuries
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
The Best Wheelbarrows: A Buying Guide
A good wheelbarrow is easy to maneuver and push around; otherwise, it’s no better than just carrying your garden tools by hand. Steering your wheelbarrow should also not cause friction which results in blisters. In short, there are several things to for in a wheelbarrow before purchasing. So how do you find the most rewarding wheelbarrow? With this buying guide, you will learn how to choose the best wheelbarrow.
Important Factors To Consider When Wheelbarrow Shopping
Tray
The tray is where you put the items you wish to carry in your wheelbarrow. This places it in contact with various items, making it prone to scratches. That’s why your tray should be of high-quality material to withstand scratches. Oftentimes, that means picking a metal tray. If your tray is metal, make sure it is treated against rust. Similarly, if you will be handling any corrosive items, then the tray should be corrosion-resistant.
Wheelbarrows have either a shallow, deep, narrow, or wide tray. Usually, a wide and deep tray is the best if you are looking for a garden wheelbarrow. Deep trays hold the most volume and are the best at ensuring that the items do not fall out while tilting. If your yard isn’t too large and you don’t need to carry too much, consider a narrow shallower wheelbarrow. Narrow barrows are the easiest to maneuver and take care of.
Frame
The frame holds your wheelbarrow tray. Consequently, it bears the most weight. Therefore, you need to select a wheelbarrow with a heavy-duty frame, usually a steel one. In addition to a strong frame, it is wise to find one that is treated to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Capacity
Your frame’s strength and the tray significantly affect the weight capacity of your wheelbarrow. Typically, the greater the weight capacity, the higher the price. To save money, consider what you need to move with your wheelbarrow. A “weaker” wheelbarrow can easily hold 150 lbs but may be all you need. More hardcore wheelbarrows hold over 250 lbs.
Wheels
Wheelbarrows have one or two wheels. Two-wheeled wheelbarrows have higher stability, but single-wheel designs will still get the job done and are more maneuverable. If you need to move greater amounts of material and aren’t worried about your wheelbarrow getting stuck, go for a two-wheel option. Otherwise, you are fine with a single wheel.
Tires
The tire you need depends on the terrain you work on. Tires can be pneumatic or non-pneumatic. Wheelbarrows with non-pneumatic tires are slightly cheaper but have worse traction. On the other hand, pneumatic tires have the highest traction for a higher cost. If you are working on rough terrain or expect to use your wheelbarrow often, opt for the pneumatic tires.
Handles
All wheelbarrows have handles for you to maneuver them. If the handles are not well crafted, they may cause friction on your palms and be painful to use. Look for handles that have padding to make them comfortable to hold. Also, the handles should be long and wide enough for you to stand between them and walk without accidentally kicking the wheelbarrow.
Plastic or steel?
A wheelbarrow can have either plastic or steel construction. Plastic wheelbarrows are the lightest and cheapest but effectively cannot carry anything heavy. Unless you need to move very little or have children who will want to help with gardening, don’t pick plastic; go for steel. Due to the high strength of steel, it’s great for solid and bulky items.
User
Broadly speaking, there are wheelbarrows for kids and adults. Kids’ wheelbarrows are usually of plastic and lightweight. They also have handles that will not slip out of their tiny hands. When it comes to adults, the weight of the wheelbarrow is not a big deal, so you are free to purchase whatever you’d like.
Price
Wheelbarrows’ prices range dramatically depending on their quality. The most hardcore wheelbarrows cost over $200, while wheelbarrows that address basic yard needs range between $100 and $200. Wheelbarrows below $100 may still fit your needs, but they tend to be lower-quality, mainly plastic, and/or for children.
What Are the Different Types of Wheelbarrows?
Wheelbarrows have different designs depending on their use. Let’s go through them.
Basic garden wheelbarrow
This is the most common wheelbarrow type. It has a one or two-wheel design. They are usually lightweight, which increases their maneuverability.
Heavy-duty wheelbarrow
The heavy-duty wheelbarrows are similar to the basic garden wheelbarrow. However, they are heavier and also are the best for carrying bulkier items.
Electric wheelbarrow
Electric wheelbarrows are not common. They are usually used by large-scale farmers or for commercial purposes. Instead of you manually pushing it, they use their power, which allows them to carry hefty loads easily.
Garden carts
Garden carts, also known as traditional barrows, were common before the modern-day invention. They have a four-wheel design, and consequently, are less maneuverable and helpful than today’s single-wheel.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, wheelbarrows have different designs which vary based on the number of wheels, tray shape, and material, to suit a user’s needs. In short, more wheels are more stable but less maneuverable, deeper trays carry more but may not be necessary and steel builds hold more but cost more than plastic ones.
Now that you know more about wheelbarrows, it’s time to shop. After you have your new wheelbarrow, be sure to check out this YouTube video by Mike’s Backyard Nursery on some tips and tricks to cut down on some hard work.
People Also Asked
How big of a wheelbarrow do I need?
Most garden work can be done with a standard-size wheelbarrow that can hold about 300 pounds. Wheelbarrows with this capacity tend to be about a foot tall, two feet wide, and three feet long.
Are two-wheeled wheelbarrows better?
Two-wheeled wheelbarrows can be better due to their enhanced stability. However, they are harder to maneuver on rough terrain than their single-wheeled variants.
Are wheelbarrows with plastic trays fine?
Wheelbarrows with plastic trays work great for the average person. You may need to be a little more gentle with plastic trays than metal ones, but ultimately, the frame is what bears the weight and is the largest concern.
How should I store my wheelbarrow?
You should certainly not store your wheelbarrow outside nor keep material in it that could damage it over time. Keep your wheelbarrow inside, for example, in your garage, and without anything in it.
