Gardening and landscaping almost require a wheelbarrow. There are so many things to move around: soil, gravel, rocks, leaves, and even your tools! Sure, there may be other ways to get the task done, but they’re just not as practical.
We’ve used a lot of wheelbarrows over the years and talked with other homeowners, too. And we know there can be a big difference between one wheelbarrow and the next. Here, we’ll tell you what you should be looking for. And then we’ll make some recommendations about what’s currently available!
What To Consider In A Wheelbarrow
There’s a surprising number of factors to think about when choosing a tool as simple as a wheelbarrow. Sure, it’s not a computer, but there are still a couple of things to keep in mind. Here are the most essential:
Bin Material And Volume
Of course, you’ll want to choose your wheelbarrow based on how much material it can hold and whether it’s tough enough to hold it.
The volume of a wheelbarrow is usually measured according to the number of cubic feet of material it can hold. Most people need one that’s a decent size, but not huge. However, it depends on what you’ll be carrying. And you have to take your own strength into account, too! You don’t need a tool that’s so big that you can’t comfortably move it.
Six (6) cubic feet is our recommendation for most home uses. That’s big enough that you won’t have to make a lot of trips. But it’s also manageable for most materials you might move with it. However, smaller ones can suffice for smaller yards and projects. And a bigger one can help if you routinely have to move larger quantities – as long as you can move it without hurting yourself.
Most wheelbarrow bins are now made of a durable polymer, although some metal ones are still around. In either case, various weights are available.
Weight limit
Don’t rely only on the size of the bin when choosing your wheelbarrow. Also, have a look at the weight capacity. If you do have to haul denser materials like rock, cement, or logs, you want to be sure that the tool will hold up under the pressure. In other words, just because something fits doesn’t mean the wheelbarrow is strong enough to hold it.
If you load it with too much weight, the joints can become stressed and the construction warped, leading to rapid deterioration.
Unfortunately, most wheelbarrows don’t come rated for weight. However, if you have to regularly move heavy objects or mix cement, you’ll probably want a contractors’ wheelbarrow. We’ll only be considering ones better for home use here.
Handle Material
Another factor to consider is the material used for the handles. Traditionally, these were wood, but metals, polymers, and fiberglass are also used.
Of course, the handles have to be strong enough to support the loads you’ll be hauling. They also should fit comfortably in your hand.
We still like wood or metal. They just feel stronger. And while most jobs may be light work, they provide the security of knowing they’ll hold up if we decide to move large landscaping rocks around, too.
Wheel Size, Number, and Material
When “wheel” comes right at the beginning of your name, it should be important, right? And even though it’s easy to overlook, the wheel – or wheels – of your wheelbarrow are important!
Larger wheels can make it easier to move across uneven ground or curbs. And when you’re pushing a load around, you want all the support you can get.
The number of wheels is also worth considering. You may think of just one wheel on a wheelbarrow, but there are also two- and four-wheeled versions! Two or four wheels can help provide extra stability and make it easier to handle your wheelbarrow since you use less energy trying to balance it.
Finally, consider the material carefully. We prefer flat-free rubber tires; they hold up better with the bouncing and bumping around your wheelbarrow will undergo.
Our Picks for the Best Wheelbarrows For Lawn And Garden
Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of specific wheelbarrows. We’ve tried to pick only the best available for home lawn and garden usage.
We do want to mention that if you have any of these shipped, you’ll have to assemble them yourself. In-store, they are generally available both assembled and disassembled. But you can always order online to pick it up at the store – save yourself the hassle of looking for it and the store and pick it up near the entrance!
True Temper 6 cu. ft. Wheelbarrow with Steel Handles and Flat Free Tire
- Bin material: Metal
- Bin capacity: 6 cubic feet
- Handle material: Steel
- Wheels: 1
- Wheel size: 16 inches
- Wheel type: Rubber no-flat
- Empty weight: 45.87 lb.
Our top choice really stands out – and not just for its bright color! You definitely won’t lose sight of this on your property (except maybe for a couple of days when the leaves change in the fall).
More importantly, it’s a workhorse that holds the perfect amount of material for most yard work.
The steel handles are topped with comfortable grips and tapered to fit well in the hand. The tire absorbs a lot of the bumps and bruises, also making it less annoying to use.
Since the bin and handles are both metal, it does weigh more than other models. However, it comes through with its strength and durability.
The complaints we’ve seen about this model have to do with warping or damage due to trying to carry excessive weight like large rocks or cement. However, we found it perfect for most uses around the yard. Gravel, sand for the sandbox, and similar materials can be supported perfectly by this wheelbarrow.
Jackson 6 cu. ft. Steel Wheelbarrow
- Bin material: Steel
- Bin capacity: 6 cubic feet
- Handle material: Wood
- Wheels: 1
- Wheel size: 16 inches
- Wheel material: Rubber no-flat
- Empty weight: 55.2 pounds
This is another great model that will come through for all your backyard needs.
With a steel bin and 6 cubic foot capacity, it falls into that perfect size and material combination. We like the wooden handles too, if for nothing other than nostalgia. They’re sized well and feel “right” in the hands.
One unique thing we like about this wheelbarrow is the extended feet. The rear legs are crucial for balance, this model extends them a few extra inches toward the back. That provides some extra support while the wheelbarrow is stationary.
True Temper 6 cu. ft. Poly Wheelbarrow with Dual Wheels
- Bin material: Plastic
- Bin capacity: 6 cubic feet
- Handle material: Steel
- Wheels: 2
- Wheel size: 16 inches
- Wheel material: Rubber pneumatic
- Empty weight: 23.5 lbs
With this model, we have a few differences. First, it’s a two-wheeled model. It’s also the first one on our list that doesn’t have a metal bin.
It’s important to note that many non-metal models have single wheels. So this combination is just a coincidence! We do find it to be one of the best wheelbarrows available, regardless of wheels and materials.
This wheelbarrow has great balance since it rests on the two front wheels. That adds support both while it’s sitting and while you’re pushing it.
The plastic bin helps make it a lot lighter, too. It’s less than half the weight of the models we reviewed above. That doesn’t reduce its durability, but you’ll appreciate the difference when you’re using it.
This uses inflatable tires so you’ll have to pay attention to tire pressure.
We used ours for light use like topsoil and mulch and thought it was great. However, we’ve seen complaints that the bin cracked after even a small amount of use for logs or rock.
Pure Garden 5 cu. ft. 2-Wheeled Garden Wheelbarrow
- Bin material: Plastic
- Bin capacity: 5 cubic feet
- Handle material: Metal
- Wheels: 2
- Wheel size: 15 inches
- Wheel material: Rubber pneumatic
- Empty weight: 28.05 pounds
This is another wheelbarrow with a plastic bin and two wheels, but it offers a design distinct from a classic model. And we found that design to have a lot of advantages!
The bin sits much closer to the ground on this. It’s higher than a wagon but about nine inches lower than a more traditional wheelbarrow. The lower height means you don’t have to lift as far – which can save you from a lot of aches and pains!
The handle is still high, meaning you don’t have to stoop to push or pull the wheelbarrow. It’s actually quite comfortable to use whether pushing or pulling it.
A disadvantage of that lower design, though, could be if you have obstacles to negotiate. You won’t have much clearance to work with.
This model is just a bit smaller than the others we’ve looked at. It has a 5 cubic feet capacity.
The biggest issue with this tool is the assembly. The instructions aren’t well-written. We’d recommend searching YouTube to find a video guide. It’s not difficult but the included information is poorly designed.
Big-4 10 cu. ft. Heavy-Duty Wheelbarrow
- Bin material: Polymer
- Bin capacity: 10 cubic feet
- Handle material: Wood
- Wheels: 4
- Wheel size: 16 inches
- Wheel material: Rubber pneumatic
- Empty weight: 65 lbs.
You’ll feel like you’ve got the “monster truck” of wheelbarrows with this big one!
You’ve got two large front wheels and two smaller rear ones. Together they offer incredible stability and will help you mount any obstacles with ease.
You also have a huge 10 cubic feet of capacity. That’s more than you’ll probably need. It’s also more than you’d want to manipulate with a regular one-wheel wheelbarrow. But it’s much easier with this machine.
Its plastic tub supports most things you’ll be moving around the yard. But if you need to haul rocks, cement, or other denser materials, you’ll want to look for a sturdier model, preferably with a steel bin.
The tires do perform well, but they are pneumatic, so you may have to inflate them occasionally. They aren’t problematic but you have to keep your eyes out for slow leaks and punctures.
Of course, with its size and extra wheels, it weighs more than other models. But since you can usually push it without lifting, that’s not a problem.
Conclusion
Even with a small yard, there are times when you have to move materials from one spot to another. A wheelbarrow is the tool of choice to do this quickly and easily. Be sure to choose one that’s sturdy enough for what you’ll be moving and big enough to get the job done easily. You should also take into account how easy it will be to push across your terrain. A good one will make your yard work so much easier!
