Having the perfect garden is everyone’s dream, but doing everything by hand to maintain it isn’t exactly ideal. You need the perfect tools and one of the most important ones among them is a wheelbarrow. A good quality wheelbarrow can make it extremely easy for you to transport your soil, mulch, weeds, or pretty much anything else your garden throws at you. And so if you’re a gardening enthusiast and haven’t invested in a wheelbarrow as yet, the time is Now!
But wait, on hearing the word ‘wheelbarrow’, did your mind throw at you an image of your grandparents tucking a wooden thingy around the garden? Well, you don’t need to do that because the modern market is filled with sassy wheelbarrow models that will blow your mind away with their utility and looks. In this guide we’ll be covering everything there is to know about wheelbarrows – their types, features, our top picks for the best 15 wheelbarrows currently in the market, and a lot more.
Read our complete guide about the best garden tool bags.
There are several types of wheelbarrows available in the open market. The one you choose depends upon the condition of your garden and upon your preferences.
Garden Barrow is a classic of the wheelbarrow family. It can come with either one or two wheels, is handy to manoeuvre and comes in use for small DIY jobs as well as doing vegetable patches.
Canteen Wheelbarrow allows you to take half your workshop around with you. The canteen welded to the chassis allows you to leave your equipment packed on the barrow without the risk of losing it.
Professional Barrow is generally equipped with a heavy-duty wheel and can support much heavier loads. Its feet are more stable and well-positioned to allow the bed of the barrow to sit horizontally when still.
Hill-Use Wheelbarrows have a lightweight frame and are typically made with a high-quality plastic. The ball bearings in the wheels are well lubricated and the handles have grips to help pull them up a hill.
Agricultural Wheelbarrow has a bed of metal bars open at the front. It is useful for transporting bulky loads such as straw, hay, food bags etc.
Hybrid Wheelbarrows are a mix of classic wheelbarrow design that has been updated for modern times. They come with 1, 2, or even 4 wheels and a variety of tub sizes, depending on the type of load you need to haul.
Electric / Motorized Wheelbarrows though more expensive than traditional or hybrid models make the task much more easy. You can get on top of them and drive them around on all terrain to carry heavy loads.
Foldable wheelbarrows have fabric sides with a metal frame that allows them to be collapsed when not in use. The sides are not removable and the load capacity is less than a metal framed wheelbarrow.
Now that you have a basic idea of the kinds of wheelbarrows, let’s take a look at the most desirable features of high-quality wheelbarrows.
There are a ton of desirable features you should look for in a wheelbarrow of interest. Some of them are listed below:
Done with the list? Now move on to the things to be considered when buying wheelbarrows.
Read our latest guide about the best leaf grabbers.
Even after deciding on the features and type of wheelbarrow you want, there are a lot of things that you should keep in mind before purchasing.
Terrain Type – Before shelling the dollars out you need to consider what terrain you’ll be using the wheelbarrow on. If planning to work on rocky terrain or mountains, you might want to opt for a three-wheeled wheelbarrow since they are designed to work well on such terrains. For flat grounds, regular wheelbarrows will do.
Capacity – Make sure you keep the capacity of the load the wheelbarrow can carry in mind. Using a light capacity barrow for transporting heavy loads could damage the carrier. So for heavy loads you should buy one that has a heavy load capacity. On the other hand, if you’re mainly going to use it to shift light stuff like potted plants and yard trimmings, a light capacity barrow will do.
User Limitations – In case you’re physically limited, consider buying a three-wheeled barrow since it is easy to push without applying a lot of force. This is why three-wheeled barrows are in huge demand. For regular users, other factors will help you decide which one you should pick.
Dumping Needs – Emptying a wheelbarrow is as much of a task as is carrying it around. A high quality wheelbarrow shouldn’t be difficult to empty since it offers flexibility and sufficient room. However, some wheelbarrows make emptying extremely difficult because of their ill-fitted wheels. Thus, this is an important factor to consider before investing.
Now that we’ve established the basics, let us move on to our top picks of the 15 best wheelbarrows so that you know which ones to look out for.
Topping our list of great wheelbarrows is the Polar Trailer 8376 Utility cart. Equipped with a super strong tub that won’t rust or dent, this cart is one of the sturdiest ones currently available out there.
Design
This heavy-duty Polar Sport Poly Utility Cart has an extra-large 10 cubic feet high-impact polyethylene tub ideal for hauling rock, dirt, leaves, firewood, grass clippings, gear, game and more. The tub is extremely sturdy and doesn’t rust, dent, or corrode easily so you can put it to as much rough use as you want. Two solid, spoked rubber tires measuring 20 inches in diameter with ball bearing hubs allow for smooth movement. They also make it ideal for movement on any kind of terrain. With a load capacity of 400 pounds, this wheelbarrow is ideal for carrying around heavy weighing stuff like hunting / camp gear, firewood, rocks, game, and much more. Overall, it measures 65 inches x 29 inches x 29 inches.
Ease-of-use
The wheelbarrow is extremely light weight. At just 49 lbs, it is easy to push and maneuver. The wide handle on it is also easy to hold onto and gives more room to adjust hands for the perfect grip. The handle has been designed to offer optimum balance for lifting heavy loads. Quite easy to assemble and use, the Polar Trailer 8376 is a delighter. Just follow the instructions as provided and you can set it up within a few minutes. This means that you are not required to be a technical guru before you can set it and begin to use it.
Additional Features
Since the cart has been constructed using superior quality materials, it is quite durable. So once you buy this wheelbarrow, you won’t be needing another similar purchase for a long time.
Pros
Cons
This model of a wheelbarrow by Worx is perfect for a small garden. The company is known for its zero-emissions products.
Design
The Worx Aerocart Multifunction 2-Wheeled Yard Cart, Dolly, and Wheelbarrow with Flat Free Tires are an 8 in 1 system that converts to a host of things like a dolly, extended dolly, wheelbarrow, yard cart, rock/plant mover, a bag holder, cylinder carrier, & trailer tote. It does not make a lot of noise. In fact, it is known for its low-noise feature. It is made from powder-coated steel and comes with two dolly arms, each having the capability of holding up to 300 pounds. Regarding its sturdiness, it is quite solidly built and is not flimsy at all. Another great thing about this product is that it does not require much maintenance. You just need to make sure that you don’t keep it at the mercy of the natural elements.
Ease-of-use
This wheelbarrow needs to be assembled. However, it is an easy process and one can do it within 5 minutes. The instruction manual helps as well. The Aerocart can aid you in moving heavy containers without external help. A thing that could be improved is the shelf size of the dolly platform. It is currently 5-1/4 inches and could be increased a bit. The two-wheel design of this wheelbarrow makes this model a much easier one to use when compared with traditional wheelbarrows.
Additional Features
Thanks to its design, the Aerocart can be stowed away easily and it takes a lot less space than the other carts. Since it is an 8 in 1 model, it can perform a lot of other work as well without you having to purchase different equipment. There is also a bag holder that you can use for collecting the yard waste. The bag is secured with a bungee cord.
Pros
Cons
The Polar Trailer 8449 Heavy-Duty Wheelbarrow is the perfect choice for heavy loads. Take a look at the review below.
Design
This model works best on all types of utilities. Even if it is not fully loaded, it can balance itself effectively. With its wide pneumatic rubber tires, it can be used on all terrains. Regarding the design, its handle does not come with padding which sometimes becomes uncomfortable. The polyethylene tub having a 400 pound load capacity is perfect for carting about landscape products. This material will not damage or rust easily, even after heavy usage. It is an outdoor cart which can be used on most terrains. While it does not deliver assembled, setting it up is easy and quick. The instructions regarding setting up in the manual may confuse the beginners. The rugged design and the steel frame of the cart make it ideal for a heavy load. You can cart anything, such as rock, dirt, firewood, grass clippings, mulch, leaves, hunting or camping gear, and more. The rust-resistant material is a great feature.
Ease-of-use
Since the wheelbarrow weighs only about 35 pounds, it is very easy to use it. It can also be stored anywhere. While it offers ease of use to the users, it has been noted that the cart can break easily. The wheels also deflate relatively fast. There are shielded ball bearings for smooth and effective operation on rougher terrains.
Additional Features
While there are no notable additional features, its wide 16-inch tyres and the high impact polyethylene tub make up for it. It is capable enough for carting around anything from waste to gear. Optimum load balance makes hauling around even the heaviest load a no sweat job. This model comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty. Validity starts from the date of the purchase.
Pros
Cons
The Giantex Heavy Duty 2 wheelbarrow has been specially designed to be different and better than a normal wheelbarrow. Check out the review for this model.
Design
This model is ideal for garden and backyard lovers, and those who love their occasional DIY projects. It is perfect for hauling stuff, weeding, other small tasks. The 14” wheels can accept about 330 pounds and a 6 cubic foot load. It can be used on most terrains. The back legs offer extra stability, especially when you are loading or unloading stuff from the cart. It is large enough to be used for most work around the house and the yard. While it is made from a durable poly material, it is quite light when used. The air-filled tyres don’t deflate fast and don’t trouble at all. The size of the wheelbarrow is another attractive feature as it is so small that it is quite easy to clean and store. As discussed, it is decidedly a light duty barrow and is not recommended to be used for heavier loads. You might have to regularly fill up the tyres with air, though.
Ease-of-use
The special design of this wheelbarrow makes it stand out from the other models. Its design makes it easier to use. The loop handles make it easy to lift it up and unload. As with most wheelbarrows, it comes unassembled. However, assembling it is a breeze but one cannot do with without taking help from the instruction manual. The loop handle offers good grip and is comfortable to use for long periods of time without any problems.
Additional Features
The steel frame offers stability and robustness. It is rust resistant thanks to the powder coating on the steel frame. Thanks to the balanced and large wheels, moving even 300 pounds is not difficult.
Pros
Cons
Most wheelbarrows are designed for garden or yard work. Not this one! Read on to know more.
Design
This wheelbarrow has been designed for a domestic worker. Its special design makes sure that there is no strain on your back, arms and neck. It has been made comfortable to use without compromising either its quality or its functionality. The Marathon dual wheel residential wheelbarrow is well-designed and sturdy. You will not have troubles like tipping after loading and unbalanced trips. It can accept a load of more than 300 pounds. Surprisingly, it is one of the lightweight models in the market. This wheelbarrow can handle most domestic tasks perfectly. Its 5-cubic poly tray is rust resistant and is perfect for its intended use. The design makes sure that one can use it in all types of terrains without tipping the load over. Thanks to the large wheels, the barrow is stable even when fully loaded.
Ease-of-use
It is very easy to set up this wheelbarrow. One will need hardly any tools. With its two air filled wheels, manoeuvring it over rougher terrains is also an easy job. With two wheels, the load is evenly spread and makes it easier for the user to cart it around. This also puts less strain on the user’s muscles. The cushioned handles make it easier and more convenient to use and save you from getting blisters!
Additional Features
Its 5-cubic-foot tray is ideal for transporting gravel, firewood, mulch, debris, and other things. While it can do all the things other wheelbarrows can do, it can do it with less effort. Storing it also easy. It can be hung on a wall in your shed or garage, leaving floor space open for you.
Pros
Cons
This model is playfully quirky and designed keeping the little ones in mind. It is a popular model in the market. Let’s take a look at its features.
Design
Most of the times, what we consider to be a tiring job, kids jump at the opportunity to work in the gardens. However, with adult wheelbarrows, the kids have a higher chance of getting hurt. They also find it harder to navigate. With this wheelbarrow designed especially for the kids, they can now help out and learn a lot. It is lightweight in nature and hence, is easy for the kids to use. As a kids’ wheelbarrow, it is also designed to be safe. The handles are made of wood. It comes with a red plastic tray that can hold some waste. The bucket is made of plastic. This wheelbarrow has only one wheel and weighs about 11 pounds. It is available in cheerful colours to keep the kids encouraged and motivated. While this is a great product, it is a bit too expensive for what it offers. The size and the build are not that great. The build quality is poor. For this price, there are plenty of other options available.
Ease-of-use
This wheelbarrow has been designed for kids from ages three to about ten. It has been made from high-grade plastic material that makes it easier for the kids to handle. The wooden handle is sealed so they will find it easier to manoeuvre about but they will not hurt themselves.
Additional Features
The Ames True Temper KPWB10 Real Tools For Kids Lil’ Wheelbarrow is a good choice of barrow for the kids. The manufacturers have tried to incorporate most of the features that is available in an adult-sized version. There is a steel cross brace for extra stability. The rubber tyre and steel axle also lend sturdiness to the product.
Pros
Cons
This Dual Wheel Home Wheelbarrow by Best Choice Products is designed for use in the gardens. Let’s take a look at its features.
Design
This model is perfect for carrying gardening tools, potting soil, weeds, and other trash. For those who want a wheelbarrow strictly for residential and light use, this is perfect for the job. It is made of polyurethane, powder coated steel, and rubber. The thick, padded bar makes manoeuvring it about easy. The 13” wide tires are made of rubber and are pneumatic. This model can accommodate about 330 pounds but weighs only about 26 pounds. The plastic in this wheelbarrow does not seem too sturdy. While it will not rust like steel, it can break. Hence, it cannot be used for heavy-duty work. Thanks to its dual wheels, it offers more balance and makes unloading easier. It is best for simple yard work, small DIY projects in your garden, and other similar tasks. The two wheels also help in keeping the barrow stable and not letting it tip over.
Ease-of-use
It is quite light and can be used by most without exerting themselves. It is perfect for older people and those who are not very strong. It can also pivot in tight corners, making it easier for you to use it. Most of the time, assembling it is a real pain. In this case, however, it is simple and easy and hardly required any assistance.
Additional Features
This wheelbarrow is offered in a bright green colour which makes it a great choice! The use of polyurethane, powder coated steel, and rubber make it rust resistant. This will let you use the cart for a long time to come. Thanks to the padded loop handles, moving it about is also a pleasure. On the whole, using this wheelbarrow for small work around the house is easy and convenient.
Pros
Cons
Here’s a pleasant surprise! The Smart Garden Cart is delivered fully assembled. You are spared the pain and the efforts of assembling this cart. You can start using it right away!
Design
It is designed to carry up to 250 pounds which are lesser than the average. Users will not feel the strain as it is easy to lift and unload the stuff you are carrying in it. It comes with 6 built-in tool holders and a galvanized steel axle. It has excellent balance and will not roll away when you leave it alone for a bit. One thing you must know about this product is that it is made from plastic, even the wheels. While it is not durable, most customers were happy with it. Since it is plastic, it cannot rust and the tires cannot deflate. Many people use a wheelbarrow for carting around firewood. If that’s the case, this is a very good option. It is durable enough for this task and can fit in a lot of wood thanks to its size. The handle is easy to hold and offers a good grip. It is not a good fit for tall users – that includes anybody over 5’6. For the features it offers, the price is great.
Ease-of-use
The Smart Garden Cart can be hanged up when not in use. It is also quite lightweight which means it is easy to manoeuvre around. With its light weight, old and young people alike can use it to their advantage. It weighs only about 14 pounds but still manages to be sturdy enough. Due to this, wheeling it about and loading and unloading it is not much of a problem.
Additional Features
This model contains 6 built-in tool holders that make it chock full of useful features. It is made in the USA. While the cart is lightweight, it can hold heavy material.
Pros
Cons
This is one of the most reputed brands for wheelbarrows in the market today. The best part about this is that is it affordable and has a ton of useful features.
Design
It is quite a large wheelbarrow with four wheels. It has an ergonomic design and is quite stable. It is perfect for use in factories. It is a great tool and is strong enough to carry heavy loads. This can be used anywhere from backyards and gardens to construction sites and factories. The four wheels offer excellent stability, support, and balance. The tires are airless which mean that it never goes flat! They are also quite durable. With its great design, it can be used for carrying liquids and solids without straining your body in any way. It has heavy duty construction. The suspension has been designed to accept large weights. Thanks to the multiple wheels, there is a lesser chance of spills. The tires are quite large and the plastic basin has the capacity to hold about 6 cubic feet. It can be used on a farm as well. Do note that a plastic tray might not offer as good service as a steel tray.
Ease-of-use
The four wheel system of this wheelbarrow distributes the weights equally and promotes its balance. It also makes it easier to use and wheel it about. Even those who are not strong enough to push heavy loads will be able to do it with this wheelbarrow. It is quite easy to use. The wheels and the design of the cart make it easy to operate the barrow.
Additional Features
Its ergonomic design is patented. The design has been specially developed to prevent spills and avoid back injuries. The handles are made of wood which makes it lighter than its metallic counterparts. It is strong and will not break away any time soon.
Pros
Cons
This model was made in China in the beginning. Later, production began in the US as well. Let’s see how the review goes.
Design
Metal is a major component of this wheelbarrow and hence, it is excellently built. It comes with a steel case. The wheelbarrow will be delivered unassembled. It is up to you to put it up together. It will take one about an hour to assemble it. The axis of the tires is made of steel. The tires need to be filled with air. It is easy enough to handle. The cart has a capacity of carrying about 300 pounds. You will not hear any rattling or other sounds as it is solidly built and can easily carry the mentioned weight. The large wheels provide ease of rotation. With them, you can also go longer distances without fearing to ruin the barrow. Whether it is a flat or a steep terrain, this wheelbarrow can be used here without trouble. This model balances great in such situations thanks to its 2 wheel design. Regarding some specifications, the width of the tray is 27.5” and the length of the tray is 36”. It is not recommended for highway use. It is available in a variety of colours, with pumpkin orange and pink being the most popular ones. The bucket is made of plastic. You will also receive 2 flat tires with the package.
Ease-of-use
It is remarkably easy to assemble and is a lightweight model. The loop handles offer comfort and convenience to the user while the powder-coated steel frame provides durability. The flat free wheels provide easy lifting and manoeuvring.
Additional Features
The polyvinyl tray is shallow and hence, it is simple to operate. Using a spade to fill the tray is the recommended method. The 5 cubic foot poly tray is rust resistant.
Pros
Cons
Are you a garden enthusiast? Or do you grudgingly do the yard work? Whatever the reason be, you will definitely need a wheelbarrow. Let’s see this model.
Design
Most wheelbarrows designed for garden or residential use are light duty ones. If you are looking for a heavy duty model, this might be the right option. This wheelbarrow by True Temper is a one wheel option. It is available in both steel
and plastic bin varieties. This barrow is known to provide years of use and durability without any trouble. Its 6 cubic foot capacity is one of the largest available in the market, which means that it can accommodate just about anything. The insides are deep so that the load does not easily tip over. An added advantage is that the tire will never go flat. It also helps you from buying replacements once in a few years. This model is weather resistant and comes with a hoard of features. The handles are made of steel so you will not have to worry about protecting it specifically. Sometimes, the load tips it over. In that case, you don’t have to worry about the handle breaking. It is sometimes difficult to lift when it is fully loaded.
Ease-of-use
The front is a sloped curve which makes it easy to unload by simply tipping it over. This is especially useful for shorter people. It might sometimes be difficult to use it when it is fully loaded because it requires more upper body strength to use it. However, the single wheel model offers more space to pivot.
Additional Features
The tray is 6 cubic feet and is made of steel, just like the handles. As already mentioned, this wheelbarrow is a one tire system. There is a conversion kit available. You will also receive a 90-day warranty.
Pros
Cons
Wheelbarrows are a necessary item for gardening. It is all the more pleasing when it is affordable and has all the main features.
Design
While this model is not as large as other options available in the market, it offers to get your work done. The poly tray has a capacity of 4 cubic feet. This comes with a strong steel frame. The Garden Star 70019 Dual-Wheel Garden Barrow will not slide in muddy terrains and will not make pushing harder. This is one of the reasons why it is the perfect gardening companion. It can also be used for simple backyard work. The loop handle makes it easy to push and to lift, even when it is loaded. The design and the inclusion of 2 wheels make sure that it offers a good balance. The dual wheel models provide better control as well. The poly tray is durable. However, the rest of the barrow uses light materials which raises the issue of its sturdiness. The wheelbarrow can accept a load of up to 300 pounds. If you are looking for a reliable barrow, this one should be suitable for all your gardening needs. For all that it offers, it is marketed at a very reasonable price.
Ease-of-use
The Garden Star comes with two pneumatic rubber tires which makes it easier to stay away from tire related trouble. The loop handles make it easier to lift and manoeuvre the barrow. The poly tray is quite strong and robust, making it an ideal choice for serious gardeners.
Additional Features
The 70019 model by Marastar is quite popular in the market, to no one’s surprise. It is perfect for carting around items like sand, gravel, mulch, fertilizer, yard waste, and more. The cart’s capacity is only about 4 cubic feet but it is steady and can support over 300 pounds of weight.
Pros
Cons
This wheelbarrow by the United General is a versatile one that is designed to suit all your needs. Check out the review to know more.
Design
This versatile barrow has a high-density poly tray which offers the user a generous carrying space. The model has a large pneumatic tire that helps manoeuvring in uneven surfaces, and in mud, and grass easier. The ergonomic handles are made of wood and hence, can accept heavy loads without much trouble. It is indeed a surprise that a wheelbarrow with such features is available at an affordable rate. The company is also known for manufacturing products for home gardeners. Some options come with small trays. With the United General WH89679 model, you will find it different. The trays are spacious. Thanks to these large trays, one will require fewer trips, saving you a lot of effort and energy. The extremely large tires play their role in making the wheelbarrow sturdier. The barrow will not be assembled on arrival. It will need to be set up. Most barrows which require assembly usually come with quite an easy system. However, here, the assembly can take you over 2 hours. Precision problems might be there as well.
Ease-of-use
The large, pneumatic wheels help in moving the cart around easier. While it can accept heavy weights, with proper wheels, it becomes easier to move them around. It is also easy to load and unload without additional help. The wooden handles do their bit in making it easier to push. It works in all kinds of terrain.
Additional Features
The poly tray, steel undercarriage, pneumatic tire of 14 inches, and wooden handles all play a role in making this wheelbarrow as user friendly as possible. This product is imported from the United States of America.
Pros
Cons
When you are looking to save space, this wheelbarrow is a great option for you to consider. It can easily fold and hence, takes up very less space.
Design
This wheelbarrow can fold literally flat, but when it is expanded, it opens up to become 32” long x 20” wide x 29” high. It has only one tyre which is solid enough so that you will not have to worry about the tyre deflating. The foldable bag is made up of PVC backed polyester and can be cleaned with wet wipes in case it gets dirty. The bag is quite strong and can carry about 100 lbs. You can easily hang the wheelbarrow with the hook attached to the bag. It folds flat with dimensions being 45” high x 13” wide for quick and easy storage.
Ease of use
In case you want to get rid of all those leaves in your backyard, then this is the model you should consider. It can easily carry leaves and can later be folded and stowed away in your garage or store room. It is strictly a light duty wheel barrow and under no circumstance can it accept a heavy load. It is better suited for shorter people or those who cannot or do not want to carry too much weight at once. Due to this reason, a lot of female customers are really happy with this product. You can take it with you on your camping trips if you want to transport lightweight materials from one place to another.
Additional Features
There are three pouches near the handle so that you can put in all your small tools there. It is durable and long lasting. Due to its folding nature, it can be easily transported from one place to another with ease. Very useful for small jobs such as dry leaves, small trash, or for other garden debris.
Pros
Cons
This wheelbarrow will definitely not let you down, especially when you are trying to get a tough job done. Check out the review for United General WH89975 Steel Tray Contractor Wheelbarrow.
Design
The United General WH89975 is one of the most durable wheelbarrows in its price range. It suits the gardeners and comes only in a single colour – red, which everyone would like. The best part is that the paint does not wear off even after a tough task or over time. The wheelbarrow weighs about 14.5 lbs which is very light for all the weight it can carry. It is mainly designed for any general-purpose yard work. It can easily cart around soil, leaves, green turf, plants, etc. The 16” inch tyres are non-flats so you do not have to worry about them deflating. The base of the tray is made of steel for additional strength. The steel used to make the tray is of contractor grade to ensure that quality is not compromised.
Ease-of-use
The handles are made of wood to soften the feel when handling the wheelbarrow. Though the bright red paint does not wear off with rough weather, you might want to be extra careful with the handles in case you are going to store this wheelbarrow in your backyard. You might want to get them painted to ensure a longer life. Overall, the product is very easy to manoeuvre. It cannot handle heavy weight. Volumes of up to 18 gallons can be accommodated in the basket.
Additional Features
The durable metal undercarriage is definitely a helpful point. There are two legs for better control when made to stand stationary. The tyres are huge which help in covering the ground quickly. They move very freely on the axel in order to give better control and grip to the user.
Pros
Cons
Hope our tips and list help you in picking the right cart for your purpose. Make sure you research enough before putting your money on the line.