Buying a Wheelbarrow

Wheel barrows are among the most useful tools in any garden. You will always have something to carry be it tools or plants, fertilizer or weed remnants. Wheel barrows make these kinds of tasks easier, and you cover more ground quickly.

In choosing a wheel barrow you’ll see ones with single or double wheels. The double wheeled version carries more but they also tend to maneuver more awkwardly. Unless you anticipate hauling stone, landscaping items, logs etc. a smaller “garden” cart will probably suffice for most yards. A good size wheel barrow carries about 6 cubic feet of material.

Plastic Wheelbarrows are often a good solution

The base material for the wheel barrow is up to you. Metal lasts forever but is also bulky in itself. It also requires annual painting to keep from rusting. Plastic is very durable, but might crack if left out during temperature changes, or if it carries to heavy a load. These will fade if they’re not UV resistant. Finally there’s wood, but these aren’t terribly popular due to warping and the fact that wood often splinters with aging.

As you look at your options, bear in mind the user of the wheel barrow. Make sure the cart is the right size so that whomever will be using it can actually lift and move it! People with knee or leg problems might find a garden cart a better option. Along with size, consider how large your yard is too. Buy a wheelbarrow that will carry as much as physically possible so that you can make less trips back and forth, saving time. The type of wheel on the system can make a difference here too. Solid, foam filled wheels are a little bigger and move easily over bumpy lawns.

A Brentwood professional Wheelbarrow

A couple more things to look at – first the hand holds. I suggest metal or plastic over wood. All too often wooden handles give you splinters. You also want the grips to be comfortable in your hands (not too big or small) for safe maneuvering. Also look for a wheel barrow that has a removable front panel. This will make dumping a much easier chore. Third, some wheelbarrows are now powered with gas or electric, which is wonderful for people who can’t easily lift and carry. And lastly, find a wheelbarrow with breaks so that your cart doesn’t run away in hilly areas.  

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