If you’re passionate about gardening, you know the right tools are essential. This includes wheelbarrows. While any wheelbarrow is better than none, there are many different kinds from which to choose, and the variety may seem overwhelming.
To help you choose one that makes sense for your needs and circumstances, we’ve researched the best options and put them into a list for you! Keep reading to learn about the best wheelbarrows to choose for your garden!
Why Do You Need a Wheelbarrow?
When gardening, you need to transport tools, equipment, materials, and waste to and from your work area. A wheelbarrow lets you do so without making multiple trips. You’re also less likely to drop anything or soil your clothing more than necessary, since all your items are contained in a walled tray. The convenience enhances your focus and productivity.
Consider the benefits to your body, too. If you must carry large loads in your arms or constantly bend down to pick things up, you’ll surely strain your knees and back. A wheelbarrow spares you that discomfort by holding your items for you, centering their weight in one spot; all you have to do is lift and push. With less pain, your body will stay healthier, and you can garden longer.
So now that we’ve shared why a wheelbarrow is a must-have for your garden, let’s get down to the business of telling you about the best ones we found.
The 7 Best Garden Wheelbarrows
Best Overall Gardening Wheelbarrow
Gorilla Carts Heavy Duty Poly Yard Dump
Further solidifying its stellar reputation that already spans 20 years, Gorilla Carts delivered a remarkable product in 2022. The Heavy Duty Poly Yard Dump model augments the inherent benefits of wheelbarrows with its four sturdy wheels and steerable handle, which makes the cart steady and easy to maneuver. You can even hook it up to a tractor, ATV, or other vehicle. When you need to dump its contents onto your garden, just tilt the cart.
Thanks to its plastic material, the cart is rust-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the effects of mulch or moist plants. It’s also capable of holding up to 1,200 pounds–an impressive feat for any gardening wheelbarrow, but especially one made of plastic.
Although you can pick up this model at a local Walmart or Home Depot, they’re also available from Amazon and other online retailers.
Pros:
- Four wheels keeps it steady
- Steerable handle boosts maneuverability
- Resists corrosion
- Can hold up to 1,200 pounds
Cons:
- Bulky build makes storage difficult
- Takes more effort to push due to heavier weight
Best Budget Wheelbarrow
Marathon Yard Rover
If all you need is a reliable set of wheels and a cart that can carry a decent amount of weight for a reasonable price, look no further than the Marathon Yard Rover. Though it lacks the special features that distinguish models like the Gorilla Heavy Duty, the Marathon is capable of smoothly navigating all kinds of obstacles and terrain while holding up to 300 pounds. It’s also light compared to many other models, making it effortless to push.
You’ll find this model locally at Walmart, Ace Hardware, or Home Depot, but Amazon is another option.
Pros:
- Weighs only 25 pounds
- Excellent wheels
- Can hold up to 300 pounds
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- More likely to break under heavier loads
- May be difficult to assemble
Best Powered Wheelbarrow
Landworks Wheelbarrow Utility Cart
Some carts use electricity to help you move them. While that alone is a convenience, the Landworks Wheelbarrow Utility Cart does it best. With the capacity to carry up to 330 pounds, it’s as quiet as it is efficient. Its vibration is hardly noticeable, and you can adjust the speed however you’d like. The battery works fine in chilly weather and is rechargeable, saving you the cost of buying a new one whenever it runs out of juice.
Only a few retailers carry this model, however. You’re most likely to find it at Walmart or Amazon.
Pros:
- Electrically powered
- Battery is rechargeable
- Easy to operate
- Carries up to 330 pounds
Cons:
- Highly expensive
Best Single-Wheel Cart
True Temper Never Flat Tire
If a wheelbarrow has only one wheel, sturdiness and steadiness are especially important. You’ll find that in True Temper’s Never Flat Tire model. The benefit of a single wheel is that it pivots easily around obstacles in the ground. This is particularly true of the Never Flat Tire, but even more remarkable is the way it lives up to its name; the rubber is strong enough to resist punctures and tears that would ruin other tires.
This model is available on Amazon in addition to several local stores, including Walmart, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.
Pros:
- Strong, reliable tire
- Steel tray and handles resist damage
Cons:
- Weighs 46 pounds
Best Wheelbarrow for Versatility
Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart
Sometimes, your gardening is best served by a dolly, or perhaps a tote. Built to transform into a variety of transport tools, the Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 is a wheelbarrow that promises to suit every goal you have for your garden. Since the tray is made from metal, it’s also unlikely to suffer damage like tears, cracks, or dents. Its turbo lift device helps you deposit the contents of the tray, regardless of how you’ve adjusted its form.
If you’re interested in such versatility, check for this model at Walmart or Amazon.
Pros:
- Can be used for many different purposes
- Metal material prevents damage
- Holds up to 300 pounds
Cons:
- Weighs 49 pounds
- Can be expensive
Best Wheelbarrow for Large Projects
Rubbermaid Commercial Big Wheel Cart
If your gardening project includes moving large and/or dense materials–such as tree branches, shrubs, gravel, stones, bricks, or concrete–you need a wheelbarrow that’s up to the task. Rubbermaid created just such a model with the Commercial Big Wheel Cart. The thick polyethylene tray can hold up to 700 pounds of wet material without breaking, caving, cracking, or corroding, while the large tires effortlessly keep it upright and stable. The lip is perfectly shaped for dumping or pouring your materials, too.
This cart is popular enough to be available at several retailers, such as Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, and Walmart. You can order it from Amazon as well.
Pros:
- Carries up to 700 pounds
- Highly resistant to damage and corrosion
Cons:
- Difficult to steer
- Doesn’t move backward very well
Best Wheelbarrow for Rough Terrain
Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Utility Cart
Many yards are smooth and green, but others are rocky and uneven. If that describes your yard, you’ll need a wheelbarrow that deals well with all kinds of grounds. The Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Utility Cart boasts heavy-duty tires fashioned from 13 inches of rubber with firm traction. It also helps that the cart weighs less than 30 pounds and features a padded handlebar, so you can steer it without trouble.
Amazon offers this cart, but you can also buy it at Walmart.
Pros:
- Thick rubber tires with strong traction
- Padded handlebar
- Can hold up to 330 pounds
- Weighs under 30 pounds
Cons:
- Tires may initially come with insufficient inflation
Different Types of Gardening Wheelbarrows
Wheelbarrows have been around for many centuries; the earliest recorded use may be from circa 200 C.E. in China. At the time, they were meant for moving food and supplies to soldiers in war.
Since then, the concept has been modified for many uses. Nowadays, there are four basic categories of carts. As you consider what type you need, it’s helpful to know what they are and what situations they’re designed to accommodate.
Traditional
The most common wheelbarrow consists of a single wheel at the front, flanked by a pair of steel bars for balance and stability. These models are ideal for light to moderate loads and even terrain. If you only have a few small gardens that are easy to access, this is probably the best type for you.
Two-Wheel
Models with two wheels are great for transporting large loads while reducing the likelihood of tipping due to the weight. Although this makes them naturally well-suited for heavy-duty jobs, it also makes them harder to navigate, as they can’t pivot around obstacles like a single-wheel cart can. Use them for big gardening projects.
Motorized
In recent years, motorized wheelbarrows have grown in popularity. Powered by either gas or electricity, they can move at various speeds with minimal pushing, which makes them particularly useful for taking materials up and down slopes. Anyone could enjoy them, but they are especially beneficial for gardeners with limited strength or mobility.
Collapsible
Although the collapsible variety isn’t featured in this article, they are nevertheless favored by some gardeners for their being easy to store and transport. They’re built with troughs made from nylon, canvas, or another fabric, so they are meant only for light loads. However, the fabric also allows them to be folded when not in use. If you are a hobby gardener with limited space, you might prefer this type.
How Can You Choose the Best Gardening Wheelbarrow?
No two gardens are the same, and your goals for your landscaping are unique for your tastes and situation. The wheelbarrow you choose must make sense for your purposes. Any of the aforementioned models would be excellent, depending on what you need or want to do. Regardless of your gardening plans, there are a few characteristics that every decent wheelbarrow should include.
Load Capacity and Weight
Most gardening projects need a load capacity of between 100 and 200 pounds. That’s enough to carry tools, mulch, soil, paint, and a few larger items like stones or bricks without risking breakage or tipping. Unless you’re regularly undertaking ambitious projects, you will seldom need a higher capacity than that.
However, don’t sacrifice capacity for ease of use. The stronger and larger the cart, the heavier it tends to be. Even if you’re a healthy, able-bodied person, you may occasionally experience injuries, tiredness, or bad days; your wheelbarrow should be easy to push and steer no matter how you feel. With that in mind, prioritize models that weigh no more than 60 pounds when empty, though 30 pounds or fewer is more ideal.
Tires
The tires need to be strong enough to hold up the wheelbarrow regardless of its weight and capacity. Both rubber and plastic are acceptable materials. Inflatable tires are great for ensuring steady movement across any type of terrain, but you may consider it a hassle to inflate, repair, or replace them when necessary. In that case, opt for models with solid rubber, which are less flexible but lower maintenance.
Handles
Now think about the handles. Straight wooden or metal handles will do for short stretches of time, but more ergonomic designs are better for your body long-term. That’s why you should look for models with bent handles. You can also minimize cuts, blisters, and burns with thick, cushioned grips.
Bonus Features
Consider extra features that could make your gardening time healthier, safer, and more pleasant, too. A fold-down dolly shelf or separate tray for tools could reduce your trips by helping you carry more items at once. For yards with rough or uneven ground, elevated tires or axles are useful.
Projects that involve frequent dumping or pouring need carts with lips and/or the ability to tilt. If you’re more likely to simply lift items in and out of the tray, make sure it’s shallow enough for you to reach the bottom without straining yourself.
Some models come with cup or bottle holders so that you can stay hydrated, as well as cell phone holders to let you listen to music or get in touch with someone if you need assistance. Unless you have a different method for carrying those items, get a cart that can help.
How to Maintain Your Wheelbarrow
A quality wheelbarrow can withstand wear and tear, but they are never indestructible. To ensure that your model has a long life, you must know the basics of maintenance.
Keep It Clean
One important task is wiping down the cart and handles with a soft, clean cloth at the end of a gardening session. That will prevent dirt, dust, and chemicals from wearing down the material. If your model has steel, remove rust with WD-40 as well, though you can prevent corrosion altogether by scraping out contaminants with a wire brush. Use sandpaper or linseed oil to keep wooden handles smooth.
Apply Grease
To make sure the cart is always as easy as possible to move, you must lubricate the wheel axles every two or three months. All you need for that is WD-40 and a grease gun. This cleans away dirt, reduces friction, and keeps corrosion at bay.
Inspect the Tires
Finally, take care of your tires. Even the toughest rubber is vulnerable to rips or punctures, so watch where you steer, and stay clear of sharp objects on the ground. If the cart seems lopsided when you’re pushing, a deflated tire could be the problem. Inflate and/or patch it before you must replace it entirely or the wheel sustains damage from pressure, strain, or friction.
A Wheelbarrow is a Must-Have for Any Garden!
Tool manufacturers know that there are diverse gardening styles, so they’ve created numerous types of wheelbarrows to suit a variety of purposes. We’ve narrowed down the options to the best available, depending on what you need. Although we maintain that Gorilla’s Heavy Duty Poly Yard Dump is the most remarkable cart overall, any of the models listed here would be a worthwhile investment.
Of course, there’s plenty more information to learn about wheelbarrows and other items you need for your gardening and landscaping.
Shopping for your garden can get overwhelming, fast. So if you’re looking for advice on tools and supplies, then you’re in the right place!
- About the Author
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With a bachelor’s degree in history and several years of professional writing experience, Ashley Morales believes there’s a story in everything. It’s her passion to tell each one that she can.
As Audrey Hepburn said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” There is nothing like gardening for developing self-sufficiency and a sense of accomplishment while enjoying the best nature can offer. She looks forward to sharing her appreciation of gardening with all readers!