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Gardening isn’t always a light activity. Some projects require moving large amounts of soil, mulch, fertilizer, or stone. A wheelbarrow is usually the best tool for the job in these situations. With an average tray capacity of 5 – 6 cubic feet, a good, heavy duty wheelbarrow makes these big jobs much easier and faster to handle.
Gone are the days of “one size fits all” wheelbarrow designs. Manufacturers understand individuals have a wide range of needs, so with patience and a little research, you can find the wheelbarrow that best fits your needs.
This departure from the traditional wheelbarrow design means the market has more options than ever. We have provided a list and a buyer’s guide below to make picking the best wheelbarrow for you easier.
View The Best Wheelbarrows Below
1. WORX Aerocart
If you have a bunch of big projects planned, the WORX Aerocart is one of the best wheelbarrow options for a multifunctional tool. In addition to being a wheelbarrow capable of handling loads up to 300 lbs, it can function as a dolly, yard cart, trailer tote, and much more due to an easily convertible design.
Two tough and broad wheels provide stability, and their position can be shifted based on work needs. This gives you the leverage needed for heavier jobs, as well.
The WORX Aerocart is easy to assemble in just a few minutes, with no tools required.
Pros:
+ Adaptable design to adjust to the job
+ Built for tough jobs, designed to make it easy
+ Accessories are available to add even more functionality
Why We Like It – This steel framed wheelbarrow is like a gardener’s Swiss army knife. Even just the base model does the job of eight separate tools!
2. Rubbermaid Commercial Products
Plastic wheelbarrows are light, so not all of them will stand up to the heavy loads sometimes needed by those with a large residential yard to maintain. That is not true of this wheelbarrow. The frame is made of high-density polyethylene and is capable of holding up to 7.5 cubic feet, weighing up to 300 lbs!
Pneumatic wheels and an ergonomic handle mean this heavy duty wheelbarrow is also easy to control, so there’s no worry about straining your back or an accidental tilt ruining your work. Plus, its solid construction means it’s easy to clean after messy jobs.
Pros:
+ Large 7.5 cubic foot capacity
+ Can handle loads up to 300 lbs.
+ Ergonomic handle makes it easy to use
+ Cleans easily after messy jobs
Why We Like It – This is the best wheelbarrow for those who want one that’s easy to control but can stand up to heavy loads.
3. Marathon 70015 Dual Wheel
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Maybe the best wheelbarrow for you doesn’t need high volume capacity. If all you want is a wheelbarrow to get the job done, this residential yard rover wheelbarrow may be the best choice for you. The single loop handle and two pneumatic wheels make it easy to lift and handle, and the poly tray makes it much lighter than other models.
While the residential yard rover wheelbarrow is lightweight, it can stand up to heavy loads like a champ. It has a capacity of 5 cubic feet and can haul up to 300 lbs. The frame is easy to assemble, and it’s rust-proof to last for years.
Pros:
+ 5 cubic foot capacity
+ Can handle loads up to 300 lbs.
+ Lightweight
+ Rust-proof
Why We Like It – This yard rover wheelbarrow is a good choice for those who just need a simple and easy to use tool for hauling things.
4. Garden Star 70019
If you have a very small garden or no need for hauling vast, heavy loads, a full-sized wheelbarrow may be far more than is required. This plastic wheelbarrow is petite, light weight, assembles easily, and is perfectly suited to light jobs and small gardens.
The polyurethane tray has a 4 cubic foot capacity with 8” high walls. It won’t rust, and it keeps the wheelbarrow light enough to store by hanging on a wall.
Its two-wheeled design and ergonomic loop handle make it easy to balance and control even across rough terrain. Additionally, pneumatic tires provide ample shock absorption that keeps material from bouncing out and makes it easy to maneuver.
Pros:
+ 4 cubic foot capacity
+ Easy assembly
+ Lightweight
Why We Like It – This is an option for gardeners for whom a full-sized wheelbarrow would be overkill. It is easy to use and best for small garden projects.
5. Gorilla Carts GOR4PS
When the heavy loads you need to haul exceed 400 lbs, the best tool for the job might be a wagon. What about how difficult they can be to unload? The Gorilla Carts GOR4PS solves that problem with its quick-release feature. The poly bed to tilts like the bed of a dump truck.
Gorilla Carts’ design uses four wheels to make moving loads up to 600 lbs not only possible but easy. 10” pneumatic tires give you excellent clearance over uneven ground, and the wagon design makes it easy to move huge loads with less strain by pulling instead of pushing.
Pros:
+ 600 lbs. capacity
+ Quick release dump system
+ 1 year limited warranty
Why We Like It – Gorilla Carts GOR4PS is a cross between a dump truck and a heavy duty wagon that makes it as safe and easy as possible to haul up to 600 lbs across your lawn.
6. Mac Sports WTC-124
What if you only need something to make hauling around a bunch of equipment for sports or other events and maybe the occasional project around the lawn? In this case, a wheelbarrow is unlikely to be the best option for overall utility. What you need is a wagon that can fold up to fit in the trunk of your car. That is exactly what this option does.
It comes pre-assembled, and the 32” x 20” x 17” bed can carry up to 150 lbs. Are you worried the fabric will be ruined in a single season? It won’t be. The fabric is both UV and mildew resistant and easy to clean.
Pros:
+ Folds up for compact storage
+ Lightweight and portable
+ Comes assembled
Why We Like It – This is the best option for those who need a portable means of carrying a lot of stuff. Its large capacity and foldaway design both make it perfect for festivals and sporting events.
7. The Ames Companies, INC M6T22
There is a reason the majority of wheelbarrow models today still hold to the traditional design. Nothing beats the one wheeled wheelbarrow design for maneuverability, so it’s often the best option for those with the size and hand strength to control this type of wheelbarrow.
Ames Companies took the traditional wheelbarrow design and made a couple of small improvements with a big impact. Wide set legs with a sturdy base make it tip resistant, and a pneumatic tire helps absorb shocks to keep you in control over rough terrain.
The hardwood handles as well as the steel frame and tray, with 6 cubic feet capacity, will hold up tough, heavy loads.
Pros:
+ 6 cubic foot capacity
+ Durable steel frame and tray
+ Easy to maneuver
Why We Like It – Ames Companies tweaked a couple of features of traditional wheelbarrow design to make their models handle even better. A steel tray with 6 cubic feet capacity makes it a work horse.
8. Landworks Super Duty Electric
Any job that needs a wheelbarrow can become tiring quickly, especially if you need to make multiple trips on an incline. This motorized wheelbarrow dump cart is power-assisted to make jobs like these much easier.
The tray has a 4 cubic foot capacity and can handle loads up to 330 pounds. It is constructed of powder coated steel to last you through years of intense work.
The electric motor is rechargeable and will hold a full charge through 2-5 hours of work, and it runs clean and quiet. Two wheels add stability to this power assisted wheelbarrow and make it easy to use no matter the landscape.
Pros:
+ 4 cubic foot capacity
+ Durable steel frame and tray
+ Powered by a rechargeable electric motor
Why We Like It – Here is a power assisted option for gardeners with hilly property, or who just need a little help moving large amounts.
9. Green Thumb 70008
If you need the utility of a large wheelbarrow but find traditionally designed wheelbarrows difficult to maneuver, this is one of the best options to consider for your garden. The poly tray is lightweight but durable. The powder coated steel frame will last throughout years of consistent projects. Two wheels prevent tip-over as you move, and the ergonomic loop handle means it’s easy to push or pull without straining your back.
The wheelbarrow has a 5 cubic foot capacity and can haul up to 300 pounds. The pneumatic wheels absorb shocks on rough terrain, and their large 14” diameter gives you improved ground clearance and leverage.
Pros:
+ 5 cubic foot capacity
+ Can handle up to 300 lbs.
+ 14” wheels give it excellent ground clearance
Why We Like It – A simple but easy to push design with a full-size capacity makes this an excellent option for almost any gardener.
10. Bosmere W302
Not every gardener needs a big wheelbarrow that can move big, heavy loads. Some of us just need something to make getting our latest batch of bulbs and the hand tools needed to plant them out to the garden without having to take several trips. The Bosmere folding wheelbarrow is one of the best light weight, fold away wheelbarrows available today.
The tray is composed of a PVC backed polyester bag. It wipes clean easily, and it even has three storage pouches included to make carrying your tools, and a load of bulbs or vegetables, a breeze.
Pros:
+ Folds away for secure storage in tight spaces
+ Solid tire will never go flat
+ Contains storage pouches to make carrying tools a snap
Why We Like It – This is an option for the gardener who just needs something to make moving their tools and light but cumbersome loads easy without taking up a lot of space.
Wheelbarrows Buyer’s Guide
How do I choose a wheelbarrow?
There are a multitude of different wheelbarrow models available on the market today. Each wheelbarrow type is better suited to one type of load than another, and a few different options are designed for the needs of those operating them. So when you’re researching wheelbarrows to add one to your set of tools, there are several different factors you will want to keep in mind.
Let’s start with the materials. While there may be a few antique, wooden wheelbarrows still around, most would be considered collector’s items rather than tools these days. Most modern models are made from steel or plastic. Both have their uses, pros, and cons.
A plastic wheelbarrow will be lighter and generally less expensive than a steel wheelbarrow. These models work best for general, light loads, like hauling several plants and your hand tools across the lawn or using it to collect leaves or clippings. Plastic will not rust like steel can, but it can split under a load that’s too heavy for it. Additionally, a plastic wheelbarrow is not recommended for use in cold climates without temperature-controlled storage, as cold temperatures can make plastic brittle.
A steel wheelbarrow is ideal for those who need it to carry a super heavy load like brick or stone, large amounts of top soil, or split wood. Overall, steel-bodied wheelbarrows hold up better than their plastic counterparts, and today’s powder coating technology makes steel wheelbarrows more durable than ever. However, even with a powder coated steel tray and frame, they are prone to rust if not kept away from moisture. They are also heavier and more expensive than plastic wheelbarrows.
Next, consider the handles. The straight handles we all know from images of a traditional wheelbarrow seen in comics and various television shows, if not personal experience, provide the easiest means of tilting or dumping a load from a wheelbarrow.
They also have superior maneuverability, but they can be difficult for those with narrow shoulders or smaller frames overall. They also take more hand strength to lift and maneuver your wheelbarrow than newer, ergonomic handles.
Additionally, most traditional wheelbarrow handles are made from unfinished hardwood. These wheelbarrow handles can stand up to years of frequent use, heavy loads, and rough handling, but they do need a bit of care to last as long as possible. No matter how well treated, unfinished wood will eventually begin to wear and rot. Exposure to moisture and extremes of heat and cold can speed up this process.
Wood wheelbarrow handles can dry out and crack even when protected from temperature extremes. So regular conditioning with nondrying oils or wood conditioners is a good idea to get more life and use from your hardwood wheelbarrow handles.
Ergonomic or single bar handles are not as maneuverable, but they make pulling or pushing a wheelbarrow far easier. This means those of us with a smaller build or with less overall strength can handle them without a problem. Additionally, these handles are usually made of metal, meaning they require no extra care.
Finally, take a look at the wheels. Quite a few models continue to use the traditional single wheeled, triangular frame. This set up tends to be easy to maneuver, so long as you have the wingspan and hand strength required to control it. More modern frames can offer two wheels or even four wheels in the case of a yard cart. These models sacrifice maneuverability for stability. A wheelbarrow with multiple wheels will help you with very heavy or unbalanced loads.
In addition to the number of wheels, you should consider the type as well. Most traditional wheelbarrow models have a tire composed of solid rubber. They are durable and never rupture or go flat, but they have absolutely no shock absorption. This means they may rattle and even bounce over rough terrain when empty or under heavy loads. Pneumatic tires, which have an air filled inner tube-like car and bicycle tires, are available today.
These provide ideal shock absorption, but they can puncture and go flat the same way a car or bicycle tire can. Less common semi-pneumatic tires attempt to capture the best traits of both of the other options. A tire composed of rubber with air pockets trapped inside offers some shock absorption without needing to be frequently pumped back up to avoid going flat.
Does Walmart sell wheelbarrows?
Yes, Walmart does sell wheelbarrows. They have a wide selection of different options online from a small fold away wheelbarrow for light loads and tight spaces to big, heavy duty steel framed models for heavy loads and frequent use. Shipping options will vary depending on the model.
The wheelbarrow selection is much smaller in store. The majority of stores will only carry one or two wheelbarrow models in their physical locations. Some stores may not carry wheelbarrows at all. As with anything else in retail, supply for any given location is based upon projected demand.
Stores in rural areas, particularly those where agriculture and gardening are popular, are more likely to have more wheelbarrow models from which one can choose. Stores in urban areas are less likely to have them in stock.
Does Tractor Supply sell wheelbarrows?
Tractor Supply focuses on the more heavy duty end for the selection of wheelbarrow options available in their stores, both on-site and online. Their supply is considerably smaller than Walmart and Home Depot, but they offer some of the best wheelbarrow and garden cart options for their customers. Plus, they are almost certain to have at least one wheelbarrow in stock at any given store on any given day, so if you need a wheelbarrow today, Tractor Supply is a safe bet.
How much does a wheelbarrow cost at Home Depot?
Home Depot is another retailer with a good selection of wheelbarrows and garden carts in stock. Wheelbarrow options range from a simple, old fashioned single wheeled, steel wheelbarrow with a 4 to 6 cubic foot tray capacity up to huge, motorized models. Most stores just carry manual wheelbarrow options on-site with the motorized wheelbarrow models requiring an online order. They offer a variety of materials, including plastic, rubber, and steel, as well as one, two, or four-wheeled options.
As with most other retail stores, in-store stock will vary by location based on general demand. Rural areas tend to offer more wheelbarrow options and are more likely to have a wheelbarrow in stock spring to fall than those in urban areas due to higher demand.
Prices vary widely and can shift from one week to the next; however, they fall within a fairly consistent range. On the low end, you can expect to spend $40 to $60, before tax, for a good wheelbarrow. The trays for these tend to be made of poly rather than steel, but they still offer capacities of 4 to 6 cubic feet.
A higher-end manual wheelbarrow for tackling large, heavy loads will run anywhere from $170 to $550 before taxes. The majority of these wheelbarrow models boast powder coated steel frames and a 5 to 6 cubic foot capacity trays. Motorized or power assisted wheelbarrows will run anywhere from $940 to well over $3000, dependent on the size and other features.
Put It All Together
Keep the projects you have planned in mind when considering which wheelbarrow will best meet your needs. Today’s market has a multitude of options, from single wheel designs to two and four wheel models, steel or poly tray wheelbarrows, and capacities of 4 to 6 cubic feet on average. There are even wheelbarrow models with motorized assistance or folding wheelbarrow models for those with storage space at a premium.
In addition to the jobs you plan to use your wheelbarrow to complete, keep your frame and strength in mind. Traditional straight handles are easier to maneuver, but a newer ergonomic handle works better for small framed individuals or those with less hand strength.
Then there is the terrain where you plan to work. Solid tires never go flat, but pneumatic tires handle bumps without jolting.
No matter your needs, there is sure to be a wheelbarrow out there to fit them. We hope the information above helps make your search easier.
