Any experienced gardener will tell you that the best wheelbarrow is worth its weight in gold. But, gardeners, landscapers, and construction workers may not agree on which wheelbarrow exactly is the best one.
Even though wheelbarrows are pretty straightforward tools, they can greatly differ in size, weight, durability, performance, and, most importantly, quality. To help you pick out the right wheelbarrow for your yard, here are the 10 best wheelbarrows on the market.
Our Top Pick: [amazon link=”B075KHVR15″ title=”Makita XUC01PTX1 Power-Assisted Steel Wheelbarrow” /]
Features
- Brushless Motor
- 275 lbs load capacity
- Interchangeable steel tray
- Rubberized soft grip handles
- LED lights
Contents
Wheelbarrow Reviews
Polar Trailer 8376 Utility Garden Cart
[amazon fields=”B001RPD4UU” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Polar Trailer 8376 Utility Cart” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 49 lbs
- Load Capacity: 400 lbs
- Load size: 10 cu. ft.
When it comes to wheelbarrows, you don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest. A wheelbarrow needs to be great for doing just one thing—moving stuff. Extra features are great, but they are optional.
What makes the Polar Trailer Garden Cart so great is its simplicity. It’s designed to help you move a lot of material without much effort.
Its super lightweight construction helps greatly with that. The whole thing weighs just 49 lbs. The Polar Trailer Garden Cart can carry loads up to 400 lbs without buckling or straining, thanks to its high impact polyethylene tup.
The large tub and light steel frame combo make it a great choice for a wide variety of tasks around the garden, construction site, and campsite. The Garden Cart is a solid option for both professionals and homeowners.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Great for a variety of tasks
- Lightweight
- Impressive cargo volume
- Great value for money
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky if you don’t have the proper tools
[amazon fields=”B001RPD4UU” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Gorilla Carts GOR6PS
[amazon fields=”B01BECQF6K” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Gorilla Carts GOR6PS” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 54 lbs
- Load Capacity: 1200 lbs
- Load size: 6 cu. ft.
The Gorilla Carts GOR6PS is without a doubt a heavy-duty wheelbarrow. It’s one of the most stable and most durable carrying platforms in its category and price range.
It offers an affordable solution to those who need to haul heavy and awkward loads. To allow you to unload material quickly, the wheelbarrow features Gorilla Cart’s one-of-a-kind quick-release dumping mechanism. It lets you load and unload the tray quickly and easily.
Its impressive 1200 lbs load capacity may even be too much for one person to handle. If you can’t manage to haul it on your own, you can add some horsepower to the equation by attaching it to a garden tractor or ATV.
To allow you to transport greater loads with relative ease, the wheelbarrow is fitted with four 13” tires. The durable poly tray is rustproof and easy to clean.
Pros
- 1200 lbs load capacity
- 13” pneumatic tires
- Quick-release dumping mechanism
- Can be attached to a garden tractor
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Load tray a bit shallower
[amazon fields=”B01BECQF6K” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
WORX WG050 Aerocart
[amazon fields=”B00KCIZ5SM” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”WORX WG050 Aerocart” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 49 lbs
- Load Capacity: 300 lbs
- Load size: 3 cu. ft.
If you are looking for a wheelbarrow that will help you save time and energy around the garden, the Worx Aerocart may be the best option for you.
The Aerocart is not a particularly large wheelbarrow, but it offers a few extra features and uses, so there’s more to it than one might think. The wheelbarrow sports long wooden handles and a durable all-steel tray.
It offers more leverage when dealing with heavy loads. This is made possible by the flat-free oversized tires and the extra space between the handles.
The Aerocart is great for carrying tools, rocks, plants, and other awkward items thanks to its two super handy extension arms. They offer a solid platform that can handle 80 lbs of weight.
Pros
- Durable all-steel tray
- Lightweight construction
- Converts to a dolly
- Sturdy
- Useful extra features
Cons
- Small
[amazon fields=”B00KCIZ5SM” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Jackson M6T22
[amazon fields=”B000M2YU” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Jackson M6T22″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 49 lbs
- Load Capacity: 300 lbs
- Load size: 6 cubic ft
Even with all the ingenious and innovative wheelbarrows out there, many gardeners still prefer the classic one-wheel design. It’s certainly not just a thing of personal preference; a well-balanced single-wheel wheelbarrow can maneuver around tricky terrain and tight spaces with great ease.
And the Jackson M6T22 is exactly that—a well-engineered wheelbarrow that’s easy to handle even when carrying heavy loads. The Jackson allows you to turn around easily while pushing hefty cargo thanks to it’s 16” tubed wheel. It offers a great pivot point.
Whether we are talking about commercial or residential jobs, you can rest assured its solid construction will handle the load. The Jackson is great for projects that involve rock and other hard materials. It will stand repeated abuse without any issue.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Air-filled tire
- Excellent maneuverability
- Durable
- Great value for money
Cons
- Susceptible to scratches
[amazon fields=”B000M2YU” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Makita XUC01PTX1 Power-Assisted Wheelbarrow
[amazon fields=”B075KHVR15″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Makita XUC01PTX1 Power-Assisted Wheelbarrow” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 88 lbs
- Load Capacity: 275 lbs
- Load size: 4 cu. ft.
The Makita Power Assist Wheelbarrow is powered by a 6.0 Ah battery that can offer 60 minutes of runtime (1 mile) under heavy loads—quite impressive for a motorized wheelbarrow. The battery can reach a full charge in just 50 minutes.
Whether you’re moving on flat or steep terrain, its 2-speed transmission lets you push it at a maximum speed of 2.5 MPH. The Makita power barrow can even go in reverse.
Equipped with a robust steel tray, highly-efficient brushless motor, and a 7” disk brake, this 3-wheeled workhorse is as tough as they come.
To allow for maximum comfort on the job, the Makita power barrow comes with rubberized soft grip handles. It even features two bright LED lights, one on each side of the steel frame.
The steel durable steel tray is interchangeable. You can swap it out with a steel tube flat bed (sold separately). When it comes to versatility, no other wheelbarrow can beat the Makita XUC01X1.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile
- Steel frame
- Interchangeable steel tray
- Rubberized soft grip handles
- 60 min runtime on 6.0 Ah battery
Cons
- Expensive
[amazon fields=”B075KHVR15″ value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
True Temper R6FF25
[amazon fields=”B01M1LFBP8″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”True Temper R6FF25″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Load Capacity: 400 lbs
- Load size: 6 c. ft.
This True Temper is a great choice if you are looking for a classic, one wheel budget option. It can handle rocks and even surfaces more than well, thanks to its large tubed tire.
The wooden handles ensure a good, balanced feel at all times. They are spaced just enough to allow you to maneuver the wheelbarrow comfortably when the tray is full.
The True Temper R6FF25 is a straightforward piece of equipment. It doesn’t come with extra frills but it is built to last a lifetime.
You can rest assured its 6 cubic feet steel tray will stand use and abuse. No matter the task, it won’t break under heavy loads. The True Temper is truly an all-around wheelbarrow that will deliver more than a bang for your buck.
Pros
- Large tray
- Durable construction
- Built for tough jobs
- Sturdy handles
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Susceptible to minor dents
[amazon fields=”B01M1LFBP8″ value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Marathon Yard Rover
[amazon fields=”B0721CX298″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Marathon Yard Rover” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 25 lbs
- Load Capacity: 300 lbs
- Load size: 5 cu. ft.
If you are looking for a reliable wheelbarrow that’s really easy on the wallet, the Marathon Yard Rover may be your best option. Don’t let its low price deceive you, it can do its job more than well.
Weighing in at just 25 pounds, it’s one of the lightest wheelbarrows on the market. The Marathon Yard rover is fitted with two sturdy pneumatic wheels that ensure a smooth ride even on rough terrain. The air-filled tires also make it easier to move heavy material.
Its durable polypropylene tray can handle loads up to 300 lbs. You can dump, pull or push cargo effortlessly thanks to its loop handle. The handle is made of steel, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking under heavier loads.
Pros
- Very attractive price point
- Easy-to-use loop handle
- Sturdy pneumatic wheels
- Super lightweight
- Smooth ride
Cons
- Not so easy to assemble
[amazon fields=”B0721CX298″ value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
YARDMAX YD4103
[amazon fields=”B01N0YBJZS” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”YARDMAX YD4103″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 350 lbs
- Load Capacity: 660 lbs
- Load size: 4.4 cu. ft.
When manpower won’t cut it, why not go with a wheelbarrow that can provide you with a bit of horsepower to complete the job—6.5 HP to be precise. Equipped with a robust 208 cc Brigs and Stratton engine, the Yardmax will do most of the hard work for you.
This powerful machine lets you handle long and repeated moves without breaking a sweat. The self-propelled, all-wheel drive will make any task a breeze.
The wheelbarrow is equipped with four heavy-duty wheels that can spin on a zero-turn radius. Even though it’s a power barrow, the Yardmax is quite compact. It can move on a dime in a tight area without any issue.
Despite its weight, the Yardmax is surprisingly easy to maneuver. The wheelbarrow is driven by a 3-speed transmission. It offers a smooth ride each time you power up the engine.
The one-handed release lets you dump the cargo with great ease. The wheelbarrow is so well-balanced, tipping will never be an issue.
Pros
- Self-propelled
- All-wheel drive
- Zero-turn radius
- 6.5 HP
- 660 lbs load capacity
Cons
- Pricey
[amazon fields=”B01N0YBJZS” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
PAW Electric Power Assist Wheelbarrow
[amazon fields=”B00E3Y3UOM” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”PAW Electric Power Assist Wheelbarrow” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 88 lbs
- Load Capacity: 200 lbs
- Load size: 4.6 cu. ft.
This 2-wheel motorized wheelbarrow lets you handle 6 cubic feet of heavy cargo easily, quickly, and efficiently.
You can move heavy loads of rock, evergreen shrubs, sand, dirt, and sod without moving a muscle. All it takes is a push of a button. You’ll feel like you’re handling a bag of feathers.
Its sturdy removable hopper sits on a robust steel frame. This powerful tool is built to last for decades. The 24V battery-powered drive system offers maximum convenience.
The 13” turf tires are easy on the lawn and offer a very stable ride. The PAW won’t mess up your garden or grass, unlike many other wheelbarrows.
This hassle-free machine offers exceptional maneuverability. And, since it’s powered by an electric motor, maintenance will be a breeze. The wide axle ensures proper balance even on uneven terrain.
The only puzzling thing about the PAW is the short 1-year warranty. Still, there’s no doubt this workhouse can last much longer.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Easy to maneuver
- Low maintenance
- Designed for heavy-duty jobs
- Steel frame
Cons
- 1-year warranty
[amazon fields=”B00E3Y3UOM” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Greenworks GC40L410 Garden Cart
[amazon fields=”B01N7SR796″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Greenworks GC40L410 Garden Cart” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 75 lbs
- Load Capacity: 200 lbs
- Load size: 3.75 cu. ft.
The Greenworks power barrow is a self-propelled heavy-duty workhorse that takes all the hard work out of hauling heavy and awkward materials. Compared to most other motorized wheelbarrows, the Greenworks power barrow is quite affordable.
The battery can last up to 40 minutes. Considering how agile this machine is, you’ll be able to handle quite a lot of cargo on one charge.
Off-loading is a piece of cake, thanks to the well-designed assist handle. The handle is adjustable.
The push-button controller makes it very easy to operate. There’s also the easy-to-use foot-operated brake. The Greenworks power barrow is all about convenience. The wheelbarrow comes with an impressive 4-year warranty.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Budget-friendly
- 4-year warranty
- Adjustable handlebar
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
[amazon fields=”B01N7SR796″ value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Wheelbarrow Buying Guide
Again, not all wheelbarrows are created equal. What works for me, doesn’t necessarily work for you.
A wheelbarrow may not be a big purchase, but it’s a piece of lawn care equipment that can serve you for decades, so you’d want to make sure to get a model with which you will be happy, (and looks good around an inviting looking yard). Here are a few things you should know before you buy a wheelbarrow.
Purpose
Start by asking yourself, “What will I be using the wheelbarrow for?” Are you looking for a wheelbarrow for construction projects or mainly for your garden? How often will you use it?
What do you plan on carrying in it? On what type of terrain? For how long? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your choices. It’s also a good idea to set a budget early on.
Types of Wheelbarrows
Not counting the classic wheelbarrow, there are 3 main types of wheelbarrows. While some types are better for certain conditions, you can choose the type based on your preferences.
Hill-Use Wheelbarrows
Pushing a wheelbarrow over a hill is no easy task. To make the job easier, engineers have designed a type of wheelbarrow specifically for use on hills.
A hill-use wheelbarrow has a light frame and well-lubricated bearings. The grips on the handles are positioned in a way that makes it easier to push the wheelbarrow uphill.
Most hill-use wheelbarrows are made of plastic. Some of them have two wheels for extra stability. (See here for the best lawnmowers for hilly gardens)
Hybrid Wheelbarrows
A hybrid wheelbarrow is a heavily upgraded version of the classic wheelbarrow. Hybrid wheelbarrows are usually much larger than classic wheelbarrows and typically have two or more wheels.
Power Wheelbarrows
Power wheelbarrows are designed to make the job much easier. With a power wheelbarrow, there’s not much need for manpower. This type of wheelbarrow is powered by a motor or an engine.
Electric wheelbarrows are usually battery-powered. They are efficient and easy to maintain. Gas-powered wheelbarrows are much more powerful than electric wheelbarrows. But, if you get a gas-powered wheelbarrow, you’ll have to change the oil, flush the engine, and check the spark plugs occasionally.
Obviously, power wheelbarrows are way more expensive than classic wheelbarrows, so they are not that popular, even though they are very convenient.
They allow you to handle very heavy loads with great maneuverability. However, if you need to transport heavy cargo, but you don’t prioritize maneuverability, you are probably better off with a garden tractor.
Handles and Grips
Wheelbarrows are all about geometry and balance, so the design of the handles plays a very important role. How easy it is to maneuver a wheelbarrow or handle the cargo greatly depends on the handles.
If you want a wheelbarrow that is easy to maneuver, go with one that has traditional straight handles. Such handles require more hand strength, but they make for the easiest dumping, flipping, and tilting.
If you want a wheelbarrow that’s easy to pull, choose a model with single-bar grips or closed handles. Such wheelbarrows generally have the most ergonomic design.
People with narrow shoulders may have a harder time using a traditional two-handled wheelbarrow. Single bar wheelbarrows are great for folks of any size.
A single bar wheelbarrow can be attached to a garden tractor. To make dumping easier, some single bar wheelbarrows come with a dumping feature.
It’s best to get a wheelbarrow with ergonomic, rubberized grips. Plastic grips are also comfortable. In any case, you don’t want to hold on to bare wood when you’re hauling a heavy load. However, if you do go with a wheelbarrow that has wooden handles, you can attach bike grips to them.
Rests
The rests support the load tray when the wheelbarrow is not moving. The load tray can be made of any material, but the rest should be made of metal, preferably steel. Metal rests won’t bend so easily under heavy loads.
Four-wheel wheelbarrows don’t use rests of any kind, but if you go with a four-wheel model, you still need to make sure that the supporting structure can handle the load.
Load Tray Material
The load tray of a wheelbarrow can be made of wood, metal (steel), plastic (polyethylene) or fabric (folding wheelbarrows).
Wheelbarrows made of steel are the sturdiest, so they can handle really heavy loads. However, they can easily succumb to rust.
If you get a steel wheelbarrow, you’ll need to store it somewhere away from the elements. With a stainless steel wheelbarrow, you won’t have such worries, but it will cost you more. Steel wheelbarrows are usually heavier as well, so they require more manpower.
A wheelbarrow made of plastic or wood will be much easier on your back and your wallet. A plastic wheelbarrow is not suited for heavier loads as it may crack under the weight.
Plastic wheelbarrows are not suitable for use in freezing weather because they can crack as a result of extreme cold. They are also not as durable as steel wheelbarrows because UV rays can weaken the plastic.
Plastic wheelbarrows are lightweight, so they are easier to push. They are best used for light gardening or lawn care chores.
Foldable canvas models aren’t really proper wheelbarrows, but they can still come in handy for some really lightweight gardening tasks. Their biggest advantage is that they require very little storage space.
However, they typically don’t last long. Put a pair of garden scissors in a foldable wheelbarrow and you can kiss it goodbye.
Wheels and Tires
A classic wheelbarrow has one wheel. One-wheel wheelbarrows require greater strength. But, they are very easy to dump and maneuver because of their tripod design.
Two-wheel wheelbarrows offer greater stability. They are a better choice for awkwardly balanced or heavy loads.
But, if you go with a two-wheel model, keep in mind that you are sacrificing a degree of maneuverability. Still, when the turning radius is really tight, the two wheels will come in handy.
A four-wheel wheelbarrow is a great choice for heavy loads. What makes a four-wheel wheelbarrow different from a cart is the dumping feature. Four-wheel wheelbarrows are the easiest to use. You can haul a four-wheel model just like you would haul a cart.
The best wheelbarrows have pneumatic tires. They are fitted with inner tubes. These are inflatable tires so you need to pump them up like car or bicycle tires. Such tires offer a smooth ride and are easy to change. The air in the inflatable tires cushions the ride quite nicely.
To prevent the tires from going flat, you’ll need to keep an eye on the air pressure every now and then. They are the best choice for rough terrain but they still may pop if the conditions are too rough.
There are also wheelbarrows with non-pneumatic tires. These types of tires are made of solid plastic or rubber. They don’t offer such a smooth ride, but you’ll never have to worry about them popping or going flat.
Still, wheelbarrows with solid plastic wheels shouldn’t be your first choice, as they are mostly suitable for flat terrain only. They also break down easier than pneumatic tires.
Some wheelbarrows have semi-pneumatic tires. These tires feature built-in air pockets. They offer a smoother ride than solid tires and you don’t need to inflate them.
You should also pay attention to the quality of the ball bearings located within the tires. The ball bearings should be made of steel. For carrying really heavy loads, choose a sturdy wheelbarrow with industrial-grade ball bearings.
Load Capacity and Cargo Volume
The load capacity of each wheelbarrow is typically listed by the manufacturer. The rule of thumb is: the heavier the wheelbarrow is, the more weight it can support.
But, it’s also important to factor in your own physical strength. Four-wheel and motorized wheelbarrows are the best choices for heavier loads and they require the least amount of manpower.
You also need to consider the volume of the load tray. It dictates how much space you can fill in. The average wheelbarrow has a cargo volume of 3 cubic feet.
Most wheelbarrow shoppers focus on the weight limit only, but cargo space is just as important. Before you purchase a wheelbarrow, consider the type of material you will be transporting.
But, no matter the material—the bigger the wheelbarrow, the fewer trips you will need to make. Generally, it takes 9 trips to move 1 cubic yard of soil or mulch with an average-sized wheelbarrow.
Takeaway
Wheelbarrows are simple tools, but finding the best one for your yard isn’t as easy as one may think. However, if one model had to be singled out as the best one, that would be the [amazon link=”B075KHVR15″ title=”Makita XUC01PTX1 Power-Assisted Wheelbarrow” /]. This metal wheelbarrow has all one would want in a wheelbarrow, plus a variety of extra features that truly make lawn care much easier.
With proper care, its highly-efficient brushless motor and durable steel construction will last for decades to come. No matter what job you need to handle, the Makita Power-Assisted Wheelbarrow will prove to be a valuable helper.
