The 10 Best Wheelbarrows
Carry Light or Heavy Loads With the Best Wheelbarrows and Garden Carts Around
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Have you ever wondered which wheelbarrow is the best wheelbarrow? This tool has been around since 100AD, so we tend to take it for granted. However, wheelbarrows have come a long way since being invented in China all those centuries ago. Many offer different features for different uses.
We have compiled a list of the ten best wheelbarrows of 2022. Imagine life without the humble wheelbarrow. You would have to haul heavy loads of debris from one corner of the garden to the next; a simple project would take hours! (See our guide to save time while cutting the grass, consider investing in a riding lawn mower.)
With the right wheelbarrow, you can finish the job quickly and without too much strain. Obviously, a little old lady who enjoys tending to her petunias will not need a heavy-duty Jackson wheelbarrow. But luckily, there are numerous wheelbarrows and garden tools available on the market. Thanks to our list, you can now purchase the best one for your needs.
Gardeners also may find a string trimmer useful. If you’re experiencing snow at the moment, a snow blower or snow shovel may be more suitable. See the top snow shovels here.
View The Best Wheelbarrow for the money, Below
- Marathon Dualwheel Yard Rover
- WORX Aerocart Multifunction Wheelbarrow
- Garden Star 70019 Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow
- Gorilla Carts GOR4PS
- Mac Sports WTC-124
- Jackson M6T22
- Ames True Temper R6STSP25
- Bosmere W302 Folding Wheelbarrow
- Best Choice Dual-Wheel Home Utility Yard Wheelbarrow
- Giantex Heavy Duty 2 Garden Cart
1. Marathon Dualwheel Yard Rover
One of the Best Wheelbarrows for Lightweight Work
The Marathon Dualwheel Yard Rover is a lightweight wheelbarrow weighing only 29 pounds. It is 25% lighter than your typical wheelbarrow, making it a great light-duty option. Even though most residential wheelbarrows outweigh it, it can still handle a whopping 300-pound load capacity. In addition, the 5-cubic foot tray is 36 inches in length and 27.5 inches wide, which is the perfect size for hauling things like mulch or firewood.
This garden wheelbarrow tray is made of rust-resistant poly material, making it light and compact. Since it's smaller than your typical wheelbarrow, it's easier to handle and maneuver when fully loaded. This Marathon wheelbarrow has two wheels instead of one and a loop handle, making it easier to lift. It's low to the ground, which might be a problem for very tall people, but children and senior gardeners will use it with ease.
The two-wheel design ensures that the wheelbarrow won't tip to the side while carrying a heavy load. In addition, the flat-free tires available from the manufacturer are easily interchangeable. Although this is not a heavy-duty wheelbarrow, you can use it to mix concrete in small amounts.
Check Price on Amazon ➞2. WORX Aerocart Multifunction Wheelbarrow
Most Versatile Wheelbarrow
The WORX Aerocart Multifunction wheelbarrow is a highly versatile lifting and moving garden cart. Unlike a traditional wheelbarrow, it instantly converts to a dolly and more. With features such as oversized flat-free tires and fold-out extension arms, this proves to be a very versatile garden cart indeed.
The tub carrying capacity of this WORX Aerocart Multifunction wheelbarrow is only three cubic feet, but it's quite solid and weighs 48 pounds. The two-wheel design makes it more balanced. Even though it can accommodate a 300-pound load, it distributes the weight of the load evenly. This means less strain on your back and joints.
Made from strong, sturdy painted steel, this wheelbarrow is durable yet lightweight. The hard rubber wheels won't leave black marks on your paving or indoors.
Although this is primarily a wheelbarrow, it has been designed to be super adaptable. It boasts the ability to do the work of eight different carts while remaining tool-free. Use it as a dolly, hand truck, cylinder holder, and a normal wheelbarrow. This wheelbarrow also features a turbo lift. The extension arms can handle loads of up to 80lbs each, which means you can move small trees and other landscaping items with ease.
The oversized, hard rubber tires help to keep the cart balanced and centered. As a result, the cart has a solid feel even though it only weighs 48lbs. This steel wheelbarrow has a 300lbs carrying capacity, and the wheels ensure it can roam over most terrains without puncturing or tipping over. It's one of the best wheelbarrows on the market.
Check Price on Amazon ➞3. Garden Star 70019 Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow
Best Garden Wheelbarrow for Light Work
The Garden Star is an all-purpose backyard wheelbarrow with an affordable price tag. It will make a thoughtful garden tools gift for weekend gardeners and backyard enthusiasts alike. This wheelbarrow is much lighter than the WORX Aerocart but has a 4-foot cubic tray. The manufacturers have powder-coated the 4cubic foot steel tray wheelbarrow. They've also assembled it onto a rust-resistant zinc finished frame. This lightweight material makes this wheelbarrow affordable and easy to use.
You'll need to assemble this wheelbarrow, which might not appeal to everyone. There are five steps to the assembly, six bolts, and detailed instructions. As a result, you might find yourself shopping for a more expensive model that's ready to go.
As far as durability goes, this might not be the sturdiest wheelbarrow around due to its lightweight material composition. It is, however, great value for money if you intend to use it for backyard purposes only. The frame is rust-resistant and zinc-coated, adding at least some durability.
Check Price on Amazon ➞4. Gorilla Carts GOR4PS
A Great Option for Heavy Materials
This Gorilla Carts wheelbarrow makes hauling and unloading heavy loads easy on any terrain. Gorilla Carts have a full line of products to meet the needs of light-duty homeowners and commercial-duty professional users. They offer a wide variety of carts in different sizes and weight capacities. This wheelbarrow means business with its 38.7-inch by 20-inch rust-resistant poly bed tray. Weighing in at 31.5lbs, it's hard to believe that this cart can easily haul a load capacity of 600lbs over any terrain imaginable.
An innovative powder-coated steel frame design allows for quick and easy assembly. The tub features durable, heavy-duty poly, which is easy to clean and will not rust. It also has four 13-inch pneumatic tires, which are strong enough to tackle any terrain.
The most prominent feature of this garden cart is the Poly Garden Dump Cart feature. It is specially designed to be loaded and unloaded quickly and easily. Even when fully loaded, the four, well-balanced pneumatic wheels will not let you lose your load.
The newly designed frame helps minimize assembly time while improving maneuverability over all kinds of terrain. Additionally, an ergonomically padded handle makes it easy to pull the cart when fully loaded. The durable poly bed is strong enough to support any load, easy to clean, and will not rust.
All of these features combine to give you a seriously heavy-duty wheelbarrow. Push heavy loads with ease. Check out Gorilla Carts GOR6PS as an alternative.
Check Price on Amazon ➞5. Mac Sports WTC-124
One of the Best Collapsible Wheelbarrows Around
MAC Sports has always been synonymous with recreational furniture and equipment. This is more of a collapsible folding utility wagon and should not be put through the same grueling workload as Gorilla Garden tools. What it lacks in power, it makes up for in style as one of the only garden tools and utility wagons that have holders for your drinks. This roomy utility wagon unfolds into a spacious carrying capacity of 35.5" by 20" by 22.5". There is also no assembly required.
Not only does the MAC wagon have a large interior, but it also folds up to a mere 8 inches. The folded size is approximately 29.5" by 20" by 8", and it includes a convenient carrying case. In addition, the MAC Sports can support a heavier load of 150lbs. This might not be as much as some of the other carts on our list, but this is not your average wheelbarrow.
The cart interior is made from durable 600D fabric, which you can easily clean. Two small mesh holders on the front of the wagon will snuggly hold a couple of drinks or smaller items. The steel frame is light enough for you to fold it up and store it.
Because of this carrying case, the MAC wagon is perfect for easy transport, set-up, and hauling your gear to your favorite event. Set up is easy, thanks to a pull cord in the center of the wagon interior. Pulling this cord will fold the wagon up in a matter of seconds.
Although this is primarily a pull cart, you can push it by locking the steering mechanism on the handle. The handle extends only 16" past the wagon, which might be a problem if you are tall.
The four wheels are big and work great over different types of ground (sidewalks, dirt, and hills). You can turn the wheels without turning the handle. This feature works great for maneuvering in tight spaces.
Check Price on Amazon ➞6. Jackson M6T22
Best Steel Wheelbarrow to Carry Heavier Loads
Jackson wheelbarrows are the professionals' choice for superior quality, value, and performance. Heavy-duty steel trays, professional-grade steel undercarriages, and strong hardwood handles add up to the toughest, most dependable wheelbarrows on our list. So if you're looking for a seriously heavy-duty wheelbarrow, you've found it. This large contractor's wheelbarrow boasts a six cubic foot tray. The single tire measures 16 inches and is tubed for extra durability. It measures 58.75 inches in length, 25.5 inches in width, and is 27 inches high.
There's no denying that the manufacturers built this wheelbarrow for heavy-duty jobs. From the 60-inch wood handles to the rugged, steel tray, you will be hard-pressed to find another solid wheelbarrow. The tub has high walls yet keeps a reasonably low and forward center of gravity. This makes it easy to maneuver and unload without tipping over. Furthermore, the heavy-duty tray features durable non-flexing steel and will not bend or buckle out of shape.
The manufacturers designed this model with contractors in mind. They engineered it to be robust, durable, and sturdy. It has specially patented leg stabilizers, making the wheelbarrow 40% more tip-resistant. The heavy-duty steel tray is seamless to prevent buckling, and a "H" brace supports it. This wheelbarrow features steel brace material duplicated on the cross strips and the leg shoes.
Since all the hardware components are top-notch, you'll find assembling it easy. The robust steel tub supports and legs slot together without any hiccups. It has a tipping crossbar in front of the tire, making unloading heavy loads much safer. In addition, it provides a single solid "foot" on which you can pivot the heavier load. The front braces provide extra weight support. So whether you are a contracting professional or a backyard landscaper, you can't go wrong with this robust wheelbarrow.
Check Price on Amazon ➞7. Ames True Temper R6STSP25
One of the Best Wheelbarrows for Comfort
The Ames True Temper Wheelbarrow is another rugged contender on our list. This model is built to last and will give you years of service-free use. The Ames True Temper is the perfect contractor wheelbarrow. It features a large, 6-foot steel tray and is the same size as a Jackson contractor wheelbarrow. It is 27 inches high, which means you won't have to stoop down if you're an average-sized person. Extra tall people will still benefit from using this wheelbarrow, thanks to the deeper front part of the tray.
The 6-foot cubic tray is made of durable steel, with extra-strength steel rails around the single-wheeled tire. Carry big loads with a weight capacity of 400 lbs. The steel rails allow for better strength over more typical wooden rails found on a traditional wheelbarrow. This steel wheelbarrow features comfortable grips at the end of the steel handles, making it one of the best wheelbarrows for comfort.
This model is pretty straightforward and doesn't have any bells or whistles. It has a nice deep and wide six cubic foot steel tray, which is seamless for extra durability. The frame rail is made from robust steel, making it sturdier when hauling heavy loads. What makes this steel wheelbarrow great is the airless tire.
Even though this True Temper wheelbarrow doesn't have as many features as the Jackson model, it's still an excellent option for heavy-duty garden or contract work. Worried about a flat tire? Don't be! The flat-free tire can handle any terrain you can think of. Who needs air-filled tired anymore?
The steel frame will get you through years of heavy hauling, making it one of the best wheelbarrows around.
Check Price on Amazon ➞8. Bosmere W302 Folding Wheelbarrow
One of the Best Wheelbarrows for Storage
This is another fold-up wheelbarrow. Although it's not as robust as the Jackson or Ames model, we feel that it still deserves a spot on our list because of its functionality. This Bosmere W302 Folding Wheelbarrow folds flat to 45 inches high and 13 inches wide, so you might want to make sure you have adequate storage space in your garage or shed. When unfolded, it's 20 inches wide and 29 inches high. This is higher than both the Jackson and Ames models, which are only 27 inches high.
The Bosmere W302 Folding Wheelbarrow has a solid, flat-free tire (that you'll never need to inflate) and a lightweight yet sturdy steel frame. The tub part of the wheelbarrow is made from PVC-backed polyester canvas, which is very easy to wipe clean. Although the manufacturers advertise this model as strong and sturdy, we wouldn't recommend overloading it with heavy materials.
Its fold-up design makes it easy to store. Hang it from the built-in loop and velcro tie. There are three small storage pouches on the back that can carry small tools and other items.
Check Price on Amazon ➞9. Best Choice Dual-Wheel Home Utility Yard Wheelbarrow
One of the Best Plastic Wheelbarrows on the Market
This wheelbarrow is on our list because we like the fact that it's made from 100% post-consumer recycled material. A lot of effort has been put into this model to make it durable and stable, and it even comes with a two-year limited warranty. The tub is a nice size, measuring 6.5 cubic feet, and can handle a heavier load of 550lbs. It also has a comfortable height of 29.5 inches and two heavy trodden wheelbarrow tires with a 15.5-inch diameter each.
The tub is made from 100% post-recycled consumer material, which is a plus for the environment. The powder-coated steel frame is weather-resistant, but considering the tub is plastic, we wouldn't suggest leaving it out in the elements.
This wheelbarrow has a wide wheel base design and a low center of gravity. Both of these features provide greater load stability. The comfort grip handles help to take the strain off your hands, but consumers have noted that they bend easily when hauling a large load. In addition, the front of the tub is tapered, giving you more control over dumping your load.
There's a reason why all the wheelbarrows or garden carts on our list are either canvas or steel. Plastic is not the world's most durable material, especially recycled plastic. However, it does have a good-sized tub that can hold a load of 550lbs, so that counts for something.
Check Price on Amazon ➞10. Giantex Heavy Duty 2 Garden Cart
Best Light Duty Wheelbarrow
The Giantex Heavy Duty 2 Wheelbarrow is designed to be easier to use than a standard wheelbarrow. It's aimed at gardeners and backyard enthusiasts who need an extra hand with the odd garden project. This is perfect for weeding, hauling, and other small tasks. Basically, this seems to be a mini-wheelbarrow Although this is a miniature wheelbarrow, it's quite sturdy and can handle up to a six cubic foot load. Its dimensions are 53.2" x 25.6" x 20".
The durable powder-coated steel tub offers a rust-proof performance. The light steel frame is easy to assemble, and the whole unit takes only six bolts. Two air-filled wheelbarrow tires and a cushion-grip loop handle work together to make lifting and dumping a breeze.
This is most certainly designed to be a light-duty garden cart and is comprised mostly of durable poly material. The air filled wheelbarrow tires shouldn't prove to be a problem if you are hauling things up and down your lawn or driveway. Its small size makes it easy to clean and store away in your shed or garage.
Although it can support roughly 330 lbs, we don't recommend using this wheelbarrow for heavy-duty hauling. Instead, stick to things like mulch or weeds, and it should last you a very long time. However, the wheelbarrow tires might need to be aerated now and then since they are air-filled.
Check Price on Amazon ➞What to Look For When Buying a Wheelbarrow
Size
Before you rush out to buy the first wheelbarrow you see, you need to know that they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. All this is covered in our buying guide. The size of a wheelbarrow should be one of the first things you look at when shopping for a wheelbarrow. If you are an average size person, then most wheelbarrows should suit your height. However, if you’re tall, you might find yourself stopping and straining over the wheelbarrow.
Then again, if you’re short, you might struggle to lift a standard wheelbarrow high enough to empty it. Most wheelbarrows are sold pre-assembled, but some need to be assembled first. Take note of the height measurements, or if possible, give the demo a test run around the hardware shop.
Material
Secondly, consider the type of material a wheelbarrow is made of. Some are made from weather and rust-resistant material, while others are from PVC canvas. Avoid a canvas wheelbarrow if you plan to haul a few heavy-duty loads. Plastic wheelbarrows might not be your friend, either! You’ll need a super sturdy construction, so consider looking at steel wheelbarrows.
A new steel wheelbarrow will handle a higher weight capacity than its plastic counterparts. However, heavy-duty plastic might be perfect for anything lightweight such as mulch, grass, or even potted plants.
Design
Some wheelbarrows are more durable than others (such as steel wheelbarrows), although all of them serve the same purpose at the end of the day. Wheelbarrow tires are a prime example of this. Opt for flat-free tires, if possible. Inflatable tires might become cumbersome after a while if you’re always having to inflate them – so check the reviews for this!
The last thing you need is a flat tire. Semi-pneumatic tires are always a great option, as you don’t need to worry about tire pressure. Make sure the tires themselves are made from solid rubber. Whether they are inflatable tires or not, solid rubber tires should tackle any terrain.
Comfortable grip handlebars are a plus, but not a necessity, and the wood handles are less likely to bend or buckle. Check out all the features, from air-filled tires to the weight capacity, and you can’t go wrong.
If you’re working against the clock, you might also want to check out electric wheelbarrows. Although we don’t feature any electric wheelbarrows on our list, they’re still great tools.
Durability
If you need to do contracting work, you should have a contractor’s wheelbarrow. A plastic tub will not support a load of bricks as a seamless steel tub will. If you’re carrying heavy loads, invest in a metal wheelbarrow with steel frames. Lucky, our list is packed with an abundance of heavy-duty wheelbarrows. Also, your granny will not need a super durable wheelbarrow to tend to her flowers.
When not in use, stand the wheelbarrow up, leaning against a wall, preferably under the overhang of a roof. Rainwater that collects in the wheelbarrow can rust it. This is not true of a barrow with a plastic dish, but even so, it will take pressure off the rubber tire and prevent mosquitoes from breeding there. Try investing in a compost bin to keep everything away from attracting flies.
You might think that if you’ve seen one wheelbarrow, you’ve seen them all, right? However, we have compiled a list of ten very different wheelbarrows, and each one has its own set of unique features. Browse our list above, and you’ll find some of the best wheelbarrows on the market.
Conclusion
When choosing a wheelbarrow, the best thing to do is to give it a test run in the hardware shop. If you struggle to push and pull it around the shop, then the chances are you will struggle even more when it’s fully loaded.
You’ll also be able to determine if it has a solid, sturdy feel to it or a hollow wobbly one. Buying a plastic wheelbarrow just because it’s a cheaper option might cost you a whole lot more in the long run. You might end up with repairs or a replacement.
After reading our article, you should have more or less a better idea of what to look for in a wheelbarrow. It will make a huge difference if you know exactly what you’ll be using the wheelbarrow for. This is not a product you’ll want to buy on the fly. Think of it as a long-term investment.
Did You Know?
Late in the 1800s, miners often traveled with a wheelbarrow to carry all their possessions when work was scarce and transportation was limited. In 2004, as a tribute to these early pioneers and to honor their amazing trail-blazing feats, the road between Mareeba and Chillagoe was named the Wheelbarrow Way. Read more about the history of the wheelbarrow here or in this study here.