The 8 Best Wheelbarrows for Every Type of Job

Corrie
by Corrie

By Corrie Pelc


When owning a home, every season brings landscaping or gardening projects a-plenty. Whether you're looking for the best wheelbarrow for mulch and fertilizer bags or one for cleaning up the endless supply of leaves from the trees in your yard, a trusty wheelbarrow is a must-have for the home gardener.


If you have yet to pick up this necessary tool or are in need of a new one, we have you covered with our list of the best wheelbarrows for the money.

Wheelbarrow filled with brown mulch / Photo via Hoosier Homemade

Top Picks

How to Buy a Wheelbarrow

Wheelbarrows have been around for literal eons, with the first instance of a wheelbarrow traced all the way back to the Han dynasty in China. Although wheelbarrows still look about the same as they did back then — a large tub with a wheel on one end and two handles on the other — there have been some changes made over the years. Here are a few characteristics to consider when shopping for your next wheelbarrow:


Wheel Count

Although the traditional wheelbarrow we all know usually just has one wheel at the front center of the wheelbarrow tub, there are now two-wheel options available. In a two-wheel wheelbarrow, the wheels are placed on either side of the tub, lending more stability for large loads or when you need it to stand still. However, dual-wheel wheelbarrows are not as maneuverable as one-wheelers, and they are sometimes harder to go up and down hills with. Now, there are even four-wheel wheelbarrows that look more like a wagon or cart, which offer even more stability.


Tub Material

Wheelbarrows generally come in two material types for the tub. Steel wheelbarrows are super-durable, but may also rust over time, so a little maintenance is required. Plastic wheelbarrows are lighter and won't rust, but they might not be able to handle as heavy a load as a steel wheelbarrow. We suggest plastic wheelbarrows more for gardeners that won't be carrying a lot of weight. There are also now wheelbarrows made of tough fabric like canvas, some of which can be then folded up after use.


Tub Size

The tub of the wheelbarrow is where all the carrying will be done, so you need it to be large enough to handle what you plan to move. Generally speaking, wheelbarrow tubs can be found in sizes of anywhere between two to 10 cubic feet. A four to six cubic-foot wheelbarrow tub is a good size for most home gardeners.


Handles

Wheelbarrows generally have two handles that run parallel to each other, and the user stands in between to lift up the wheelbarrow and push it. Or, some wheelbarrows have one handle in the middle used to push and pull it. The type of handle you like really depends on your hand and arm strength, and how much maneuverability you need your wheelbarrow to have.

Test Factors We Considered When Picking the Best Wheelbarrows

With so many wheelbarrows on the market, it’s hard to figure out what’s best for your home gardening needs. Here’s a look at the test factors we used in determining the best wheelbarrows to buy:

  • Price: There are wheelbarrows available at numerous price points. How does each wheelbarrow fit in a user’s budget?
  • Weight: Wheelbarrows are meant to haul materials back and forth, so it's important to consider a wheelbarrow's weight when it's empty so the user doesn't over-exert themself.
  • Number of Wheels: How many wheels does the wheelbarrow have? As we mentioned above, one-wheeled carts provide more maneuverability, while those with more than two wheels tend to be more stable.
  • Tire Type: Wheelbarrows normally have either hard tires (also called flat-free tires) that do not need to be inflated or inflatable (also called pneumatic) tires that may need to have more air pumped into them over time. Some gardeners may find pneumatic tires easier to handle as they sometimes offer more shock absorption than a hard tire.
  • Handle Type: Handles are important; they must be comfortable for the user in order to maneuver the wheelbarrow properly. As we mentioned above, most wheelbarrows come with two handles that run parallel to each other or one handle in the middle.
  • Tub Material: We looked at what materials the wheelbarrow tub is made with. The material of the wheelbarrow tub can help dictate what can be carried in it. For example, canvas wheelbarrows are best reserved for light loads while metal tubs are great for heavy materials like stones or bricks.
  • Tub Size: Wheelbarrow tub size is measured in cubic feet. This measurement will tell the user how much material the tub can hold.
  • Max Load: Maximum load is important for the user to make sure they won't put too-heavy material in the wheelbarrow, which can break it. What is the maximum load in pounds that the wheelbarrow can handle?
  • Special Features: Wheelbarrows have come a long way, and many come with cool features that make the job of hauling stuff around easier. We looked at whether each wheelbarrow offers any special features, such as padded handles, LED lights, or cup holders.
  • Warranty: We looked at the warranty policy for each wheelbarrow on this list. Does the manufacturer back their wheelbarrow?


Let's dive into it! Here are the top wheelbarrows we rounded up for this year.

Best Overall Wheelbarrow: Jackson M6KBUT12 Steel Wheelbarrow

Weight: 55.2 pounds Number of Wheels: One Tire Type: 16-inch pneumatic tires Handle Type: Dual wooden handles Tub Material: Steel Tub Size: 6 cubic feet Max Load: Up to 1,200 pounds of concrete or 460 pounds of liquid Special Features: Patented leg stabilizers make it less tip-resistant Warranty: 90 days

If you want a wheelbarrow that is efficient, hard-working, and won't break the bank, then the best option out there today is the Jackson M6KBUT12 Steel Wheelbarrow. At under $120, this best wheelbarrow for landscaping and home improvement jobs galore is built to last, with a tub made from heavy-duty steel, a steel undercarriage, a strong hardwood frame, and dual handles. The wheelbarrow's one pneumatic wheel is knobby for excellent grip when wheeled, and its patented leg stabilizers help the wheelbarrow be up to 40 percent more tip-resistant. When empty, the wheelbarrow weighs about 55 pounds and can hold up to six cubic feet of landscaping materials. It can also hold up to 1,200 pounds of concrete or 460 pounds of liquid, making it the perfect workhorse for most home landscapers.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Made of strong steel and hardwood
  • Patented leg stabilizers help the wheelbarrow be up to 40 percent more tip-resistant

Cons

  • Handles not made of metal
  • Might be a bit heavy for some users

Best Small Wheelbarrow: Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow

Weight: 28.6 pounds Number of Wheels: 2 Tire Type: 13-inch pneumatic tires Handle Type: Handlebar Tub Material: Plastic Tub Size: 5 cubic feet Max Load: 330 pounds Special Features: Padded handlebar Warranty: 60 days

Another economical pick is the Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow — also a top pick on Amazon with 2,000 ratings and 4.3 out of 5 stars. This dual-wheel wheelbarrow only weighs 28.6 pounds, making it pretty easy to move around and store when empty. The two-wheel design also helps make the wheelbarrow more stable when loading and unloading. The wheelbarrow features a heavy-duty plastic tub resting on a powder-coated steel frame and a padded handlebar that offers ergonomic support when pulling and pushing the wheelbarrow around the yard. Although it's on the smaller side, the Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow is no slouch — it can hold up to five cubic feet of gardening materials with a max load of 330 pounds.

Pros

  • Around $100
  • Padded handlebar
  • Dual-wheels helps make the wheelbarrow more stable

Cons

  • Wheelbarrow tub is made of plastic

Best Wheelbarrow for Heavy-Duty Jobs: Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart

Weight: 54 pounds Number of Wheels: 4 Tire Type: 13-inch pneumatic tires Handle Type: Single convertible handle Tub Material: Plastic Tub Size: 6 cubic feet Max Load: 1,200 pounds Special Features: Convertible handle for hooking up to tractor or ATV; quick-release dumping Warranty: 1-year limited

If you need to pull lots of gravel, rocks, dirt, and other heavy materials around your yard, then you'll want to check out the Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart. This workhorse can handle up to 1,200 pounds of gardening materials without breaking a sweat. Weighing only 54 pounds when it's empty, this wheelbarrow and utility cart features four 13-inch pneumatic tires for amazing stability. The wheelbarrow's rust-proof polymer plastic tub can hold up to six cubic feet of material and is supported by a rigid steel frame. The single handle on the wheelbarrow is convertible, allowing it to be hooked up to a tractor or ATV, the cart features the company's patented quick-release dumping technology, so unloading the wheelbarrow is a breeze.

Pros

  • Max load of 1,200 pounds
  • Four-wheel design offers amazing stability
  • Patented quick-release dumping technology makes unloading a breeze

Cons

  • Wheelbarrow tub is made of plastic
  • Four wheels may decrease the wheelbarrow’s maneuverability

Best Wheelbarrow for Gardening: HEMBOR Collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon

Weight: 20.4 pounds Number of Wheels: 4 Tire Type: Flat-free rubber tires Handle Type: Single handle Tub Material: Cloth fabric Tub Size: 9 cubic feet Max Load: 160 pounds Special Features: Foldable; two cup holders Warranty: Follows Amazon's 30-day return policy

Fitting for the daily needs of the average gardener, the HEMBOR Collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon is a great option for easily moving around plants and other light gardening materials. The wheelbarrow/utility wagon can hold up to 160 pounds and about nine cubic feet of contents in its tub made of durable cloth fabric. A steel and iron frame adds durability to the wheelbarrow, and its four flat-free rubber tires allow it to move about on most terrains. Because the wheelbarrow has a fabric tub, it is collapsible down to just eight inches thick, making it easy to store and transport for different outdoor activities, including going camping and to the beach. And the HEMBOR Collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon even comes with two cup holders to keep you hydrated while working in the garden.

Pros

  • Under $100
  • Foldable for easy storage and transport
  • Two cup holders help keep you hydrated while working in the garden

Cons

  • Wheelbarrow tub is made of fabric

Best Two-Wheel Wheelbarrow: WORX Aerocart Multifunction 2-Wheeled Yard Cart

Weight: 41 pounds Number of Wheels: 2 Tire Type: Flat-free tires Handle Type: Dual steel handles Tub Material: Steel Tub Size: 4 cubic feet Max Load: 300 pounds Special Features: Converts to eight different transport tools Warranty: 3 years

With almost 5,000 ratings and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, there's no guessing why the WORX Aerocart Multifunction 2-Wheeled Yard Cart is our top pick for the best two-wheel wheelbarrow. What makes this wheelbarrow so different from others on the market is its versatility — it's designed to be used not only as a wheelbarrow but seven other types of transport tools, including a plant mover, dolly, trailer tote, and bag holder. When it functions as a wheelbarrow, it can handle up to 300 pounds and between three to four cubic feet of gardening supplies. The entire body of the WORX Aerocart Multifunction 2-Wheeled Yard Cart is made of powder-coated steel that helps keep rust at bay.

Pros

  • Easily converts to eight different transport tools
  • Made entirely of powder-coated steel
  • Three-year warranty

Cons

  • Tub size as a wheelbarrow is a bit small

Best Motorized Wheelbarrow: Makita XUC01X1 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless Power-Assisted Wheelbarrow

Weight: 87 pounds Number of Wheels: 3 Tire Type: Flat-free tires Handle Type: Dual metal handles Tub Material: Steel Tub Size: 3 cubic feet Max Load: 290 pounds Special Features: Battery-operated motor; LED lights; adjustable rear wheels; height-adjustable handles; rubberized handle grips Warranty: 3-year limited

If you love the idea of a wheelbarrow actually pushing itself up a hill, then you're going to love the Makita XUC01X1 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless Power-Assisted Wheelbarrow. This wheelbarrow is engine-powered with a battery-operated motor that provides assistance in moving the wheelbarrow where you need it to go. The motor has two speed settings with a maximum speed of 2.5 miles per hour on a 12-degree incline and runs for about 100 minutes on one battery charge. That's a great help in getting the wheelbarrow's 290-pound max load up hills with ease. The wheelbarrow also sports a unique three-wheel design for extra stability, and the rear wheels can be height adjusted or removed and replaced with L-shaped legs to make it a one-wheel tool. The Makita XUC01X1 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless Power-Assisted Wheelbarrow has LED lights on its sides for use in the dark, and its dual handles have soft rubberized grips and can be adjusted to three different height levels.

Pros

  • Battery-operated motor offers a max speed of up to 2.5 miles per hour
  • Motor lasts for up to 100 minutes one one battery charge
  • Height-adjustable handles with rubberized grips

Cons

  • Wheelbarrow tub is a bit small
  • Requires a charged battery for use

Best Kid-Friendly Wheelbarrow: Costzon Kids Metal Wheelbarrow

Weight: 5 pounds Number of Wheels: 1 Tire Type: Flat-free tire Handle Type: Dual metal handles Tub Material: Stainless steel Tub Size: N/A Max Load: 66 pounds Special Features: Non-slip handle grips Warranty: Follows Amazon's 30-day return policy

Got a mini gardener who needs a wheelbarrow of their own? The Costzon Kids Metal Wheelbarrow is a great option for kids who want to get outside and help out. Weighing only five pounds when empty, the traditional one-wheel wheelbarrow features a stainless steel tub with a 66-pound capacity, so kids can transport quite a lot around the yard. The dual handles have non-slip grips for extra safety, and the plastic flat-free tire is ruggedized for use on terrains from asphalt to gravel. The Costzon Kids Metal Wheelbarrow is painted with eco-friendly paint and is available in either red or green.

Pros

  • Weighs only five pounds when empty
  • Stainless steel tub
  • Dual handles have non-slip grips for extra safety

Cons

  • None that we can see!

Best Wheelbarrow Under $100: Garden Star 70019 Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow

Weight: 20.13 pounds Number of Wheels: 2 Tire Type: 8-inch pneumatic tires Handle Type: Single loop handle Tub Material: Polypropylene plastic Tub Size: 4 cubic feet Max Load: 300 pounds Warranty: Follows Amazon's 30-day return policy

The best wheelbarrow under $100 is Garden Star's 70019 Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow. This wheelbarrow is perfect for any small yard chores you may have to tackle, such as lugging nursery plants from the car trunk to the yard or moving a few bags of soil. The wheelbarrow's polypropylene plastic holding tray is rust- and impact-resistant and can hold up to 300 pounds of whatever material you decide to haul in it. The loop handle makes the wheelbarrow easy to push and its dual pneumatic tires help balance the wheelbarrow's distribution. The Garden Star 70019 Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow is returnable through Amazon's standard 30-day return policy.

Pros

  • Under $100
  • Made of rust- and impact-resistant polypropylene plastic
  • Loop handle and dual pneumatic tires make the wheelbarrow easy to handle and balance

Cons

  • Not meant for big or heavy loads

How to Store a Wheelbarrow

Wheelbarrows are tough to store. Traditional garden wheelbarrows are awkwardly-shaped, heavy, and take up space. Storing a wheelbarrow properly will also ensure that the wheelbarrow stays in prime condition and doesn't rust or collect spiderwebs or debris in its tray. If you're in the market for a wheelbarrow but aren't sure how to store it, here are some wheelbarrow storage tips that might help you out:


Mount It

Whether against an outdoor fence or inside of a garage or storage shed, hanging your wheelbarrow will keep it off the ground and out of the way. Opt for heavy-duty hanging brackets or build your own rail along a fence using deck screws and 2x4s.


Turn It Upside Down

If you don't have the tools needed to create a way to hang your wheelbarrow, flip it upside down with the tray facing the ground. This way, leaves, dust, and moisture won't collect inside the bin. If you are storing the wheelbarrow upside down inside a garage or shed, you can store things like small garden tools under it.


Hang It From the Ceiling

There are ceiling wheelbarrow storage pulley systems that come fully assembled to hang your wheelbarrow on the ceiling of your garage or shed, keeping it up high and out of the way. You can also DIY a ceiling-hanging system by setting up a pulley system with a heavy-duty rope to raise the wheelbarrow up.

Do you have a wheelbarrow you enjoy rolling around with? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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