The wheelbarrow is an essential gardening and construction tool. Whether you want to move dirt or compost to your garden bed, haul sand for a new pathway, or mix concrete for a patio, the wheelbarrow proves essential.
What is a wheelbarrow? Typically, it is a small cart with a single wheel at the front, two supporting legs in the rear, and two handles above the legs. However there are two wheel wheelbarrows, three wheel wheelbarrows, and even four wheel wheelbarrows, which are more like a garden cart or wagon.
Choosing a wheelbarrow is dependent on what you want to use it for. The best wheelbarrow ever is only the best if it meets your needs.
See the top rated wheelbarrow here.
Wheelbarrow Comparison Guide: Our Wheelbarrow Reviews Format
Trying to decide which wheelbarrow to buy? In this wheelbarrow buying guide we suggest you check out our comparison chart, understand the different types of wheelbarrows to choose which is best for you and your gardening or building needs. Then, check out our reviews of the wheelbarrows that best suit your requirements.
And keep reading to find wheelbarrow accessories and replacement parts to make your wheelbarrow even more functional and useful.
| Name | Image | Type | Barrow Material/ Capacity | Wheel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Carts GOR6PS |  | 4 wheel dump cart | Poly/1,200 pounds | Pneumatic |
| Marathon Dual-Wheel Residential Yard Rover Wheelbarrow and Yard Cart |  | 2 wheel | Poly/300 pounds, 5 cubic feet | Pneumatic |
| Jackson Steel Tray Contractor Wheelbarrow |  | 1 wheel, braced | Steel/6 cubic feet | Pneumatic |
| Rubbermaid Plastic Yard Cart |  | 2 wheel | Poly/300 pounds, 5 cubic feet | Pneumatic |
| Polar Trailer |  | 2 wheel | Poly/400 pounds, 7 cubic feet | Pneumatic |
| Gorilla Carts Steel Utility Cart with Removable Sides |  | 4 wheel cart | Steel mesh/800 pounds | Pneumatic |
| Overland Carts Heavy Duty Powered Dump Cart | 4 wheel/motorized | Poly/750 pounds, 8 cubic feet | Pneumatic | |
| Best Choice Products Dual Wheel Home Wheelbarrow |  | 2 wheel | Poly/330 pounds, 5 cubic feet | Pneumatic |
| True Temper Wheelbarrow |  | 2 wheel | Poly/6 cubic feet | Pneumatic |
| Smart Garden Cart |  | 2 wheel | Poly/300 pounds, 4.5 cubic feet | Plastic |
Bet you thought buying a wheelbarrow would be easy. We did. There are a surprising number of wheelbarrows and wheelbarrow features available. You can find out more information on all of these with our wheelbarrow reviews below.
What to Look for in a Wheelbarrow
Should You Get a Plastic or Metal Wheelbarrow Style?
Plastic
Pros: A plastic wheelbarrow bucket is lighter than metal and quieter when a shovel bangs against it. Plastic models are the more affordable wheelbarrow. A poly wheelbarrow is a specific type of plastic (polyurethane).
Cons: Plastic wheelbarrows can crack under heavy loads or breakdown when left in the elements. Unless reinforced, they can twist when carting a heavy load.
Metal
Pros: A metal wheelbarrow bucket is sturdier and may last longer.
Cons: Metal wheelbarrows are heavier. If the coating or paint scratches, you’ll have to be sure to take care of a metal bucket so it doesn’t rust.
There are also mini wheelbarrows made out of canvas. The fold up easily, but don’t hold much weight.
What Size Wheelbarrow Should You Get?
Next, think about load capacity. You want a wheelbarrow that’s large enough for your biggest loads of manure, but small enough to be easy to maneuver along garden paths. There are a variety of wheelbarrow sizes, and the standard garden wheelbarrow holds about three cubic feet. We’ve shown you the top rated wheelbarrows in larger and smaller sizes in our Comparison Guide above.
How Many Wheels Should A Wheelbarrow Have?
It’s right there in the name…wheelbarrow. Deciding how many wheels to get on your wheelbarrow is the next important step.
One Wheel Wheelbarrow
Pros: The typical wheelbarrow has one wheel at the front. These maneuver around the garden well, turning and navigating with ease. A single-wheeled model can be pushed up a narrow ramp and is easier to dump.
Cons: A one-wheeled wheelbarrow can have balance issues when they are full and tip over easily. You’ll need greater strength to manage the tripod wheelbarrows.
Two Wheel Wheelbarrow
Pros: A two-wheeled wheelbarrow is more stable than a single wheel wheelbarrow.
Cons: Two wheels in the front are harder to maneuver and may prove clumsy in a garden situation.
Four Wheel Wheelbarrow
Pros: These babies are sturdy! They are more of a garden cart than a wheelbarrow, but they serve the same purpose. And with four wheels there is no lifting so they are the easiest wheelbarrows to use.
Cons: Maneuverability goes way down with four on the floor.
More on Wheels—Pneumatic or Non-Pneumatic?
There’s even more to think about with wheelbarrow wheels. Pneumatic wheelbarrow tires are like car and bike tires – there is an inner tube filled with air. The cushioned tires act a shock absorber making the transport more comfortable for the user. Think less back discomfort as it floats over rocks and cracks in your pathway. Of course, that means it can pop like a regular pneumatic tire.
Non-pneumatic tires are solid rubber. They won’t pop or require as much maintenance, but they don’t offer as smooth a ride as their cushy counterparts.
Which Wheelbarrow is Most Ergonomic?
The best wheelbarrow allows you to stand comfortably straight while using it. Straight handles are best for listing, dumping, and tipping, but require more strength than closed handles or those with an ergonomic shape.
At first glimpse, a wheelbarrow is a wheelbarrow is a wheelbarrow, but a closer look shows that’s not true. Fortunately, you now know how to pick the right wheelbarrow features for your job.
What is the Best Wheelbarrow on the Market?
There are such a variety if wheelbarrows that we couldn’t narrow it down to just one. Below you’ll find our best 2 wheel wheelbarrow and best garden cart. If wheelbarrow price doesn’t matter and you simply want the best, we recommend these.
WORX Aerocart Multifunction 2-Wheeled Yard Cart, Dolly, and Wheelbarrow
The WORX Aerocart wheelbarrow is so much more than a wheelbarrow. It easily turns into an extended dolly, flower pot mover, trailer mover, bag holder or cylinder carrier. There is so much you can do with WORX Aerocart accessories that it feels like you are getting a bunch of tools. With the WORX wheelbarrow convertor kit, it can become a snowplow or garden wagon.
The two oversized, flat-free tires never need inflating. The way the best WORX Aerocart is balanced makes the load easier to manage. In fact, a 200-pound load feels like 17 pounds. The Aerocart wheelbarrow can hold up to 300 pounds and about three cubic feet. As a dolly conversion, the WORX cart can carry 80 pounds.
Includes these accessories: flower pot strap, cylinder holder, bag holder and mesh rock mover. WORX tools are well made and last a long time, that–and it’s functionality–make it my top choice for the best wheelbarrow.
Read my full WORX Aerocart review here or see other WORX Aerocart reviews.
You might also like the WORX Aerocart Universal Wheelbarrow Tool Holder reviewed in the wheelbarrow accessories section below.
Top 10 Wheelbarrows
You already saw my reviews of the overall best wheelbarrow—the WORX wheelbarrow, now let’s look at the next top wheelbarrows. These are not in any particular order because what might be the best wheelbarrow for gardeners is not necessarily the best wheelbarrow for contractors.
In this list, you’ll find one, two, and four wheel wheelbarrows and carts, motorized and non-motorized wheelbarrows, and even a pink wheelbarrow.
Gorilla Carts GOR6PS Heavy-Duty Poly Dump Cart
This beast is a sturdy poly wheelbarrow with a 40 X 25-inch rust resistant tub and a steel frame. The heavy-duty garden cart has a quick-release dumping feature that makes unloading fast and easy.
Thanks to the 13-inch rubber tires, the Gorilla Cart can tackle any terrain, while the new frame design makes it more maneuverable than other four wheel carts on the market.
The padded convertible handle can be pulled by hand or hooked-up behind a lawn tractor or ATV. With 1,200-pound hauling capacity, you can pull just about anything you want.
Gorilla Carts makes a variety of garden carts (http://amzn.to/2rclqx6 ) and wheelbarrows, but we feel this one is the best garden wagon.
Pros: Sturdy, heavy load capacity, easy to put together, easier to use than a traditional wheelbarrow.
Cons: Strong smell that may last up to a year, even if left outside.
Marathon Dual-Wheel Residential Yard Rover Wheelbarrow and Yard Cart
Between the cushion-grip loop handle and the two air-filled tires, the Marathon wheelbarrow is easy to maneuver, balance, and dump. The shape of the handle is designed for pushing, pulling, and dumping of the Yard Rover.
This lightweight wheelbarrow has a rust-proof five-cubic foot poly tray and 300-pound load capacity, perfect for residential use. And at 29 pounds it is about 25% lighter than the average wheelbarrow, making it easier on your back.
This is a great all-around, lightweight, garden wheelbarrow. If you are looking for a pink wheelbarrow or a ladybug-colored wheelbarrow, it comes in those colors in addition to the traditional green.
Pros: Lightweight, small wheelbarrow, easy to maneuver—even with one hand.
Cons: May want to replace the bolts it comes with for sturdier hardware.
Jackson Steel Tray Contractor Wheelbarrow
The thick steel and strong paint means the bucket won’t wear out quickly as it would on a cheap wheelbarrow. And because the bucket steel is thick it won’t flex and be prone to tipping. This contractor wheelbarrow will last a long time whether it is used on the job sight or at home.
The bucket holds 6 cubic feet of material. The 16-inch tubed tires may need to be refilled or replaced.
Pros: Tough wheelbarrow that will last, great maneuverability,
Cons: One wheel wheelbarrows are less steady and more prone to tipping than other styles of wheelbarrows, a little heavy for small users, may ship with scratches.
Rubbermaid Plastic Yard Cart
This easy to use, heavy duty wheelbarrow is worth the price tag. The smooth,
high-density polyethylene bucket is easy to dump and easy to hose out. The ergonomic handles reduce strain and increase maneuverability.
This awesome wheelbarrow can hold up to 300 pounds with its steel axle and large wheels with pneumatic tires.
The Rubbermaid heavy-duty structural foam cart also comes in 700-pound capacity.
Pros: Tough, sturdy, long lasting, easy to use.
Cons: Expensive.
Polar Trailer
If you are looking for a mid duty wheelbarrow- something between the cheap wheelbarrows you get at the local big box store and a construction grade wheelbarrow, the Polar Trailer will fit the bill. It can carry 400 pounds or about seven cubic feet of material. The high impact polyethylene tub will probably last forever.
In addition to the high impact polyethylene tub, it has an all steel frame with powder coat finish, rugged wide-track rubber tires, and shielded ball bearings.
Pros: Well balanced for easy hauling, good value, lightweight
Cons: Assembly instructions may be difficult.
Gorilla Carts Steel Utility Cart with Removable Sides
This versatile Gorilla Cart features a steel mesh bed and removable sides and easily converts into a large, durable flatbed without any tools. This yard cart also features 10-inch pneumatic tires that are perfect for rolling over rough terrain or steep inclines.
Padded handle makes it easy to pull 800 pounds, especially if you attach it to your tractor or ATV. Also comes in 400-pound and 1,000-pound hauling capacity.
Pros: Sturdy, versatile, a workhorse, good value for money.
Cons: Must use all sides or none (can’t have just two panels on).
Overland Carts Heavy Duty Powered Dump Cart
Don’t want to push a wheelbarrow or can’t? This battery powered dump cart will haul up to 750 pounds on level surfaces (500 pounds on 3:1 slopes) for you at up to 2.4 miles per hour. It holds about eight cubic feet.
The poly wheelbarrow bucket sits on a 27-inch steel chassis. This is a sturdy wheelbarrow.
The electric wheelbarrow will run for seven hours of continuous use or 11 hours of start-and-stop use. (takes 6-8 hours to charge the 24 volt battery). Since there are no fumes and very little noise, you can even use it in the house!
Pros: Sturdy, electric powered, heavy duty.
Cons: Expensive.
Best Choice Products Dual Wheel Home Wheelbarrow
This cheap wheelbarrow (inexpensive, but well made), is constructed from powder coated steel and has a poly tub. Loop handles make it easy to push and maneuver, as well as lift and dump. The barrow holds five cubic feet of material, so it is a small wheelbarrow, but sometimes that’s all you need.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, this is the wheelbarrow to choose.
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to assemble.
Cons: Poly tub may not last if left in the elements.
True Temper Wheelbarrow
Ergonomically designed to provide extra stability with dual wheels, this Tru Temper wheelbarrow is ideal for yard and garden use. The poly tray is corrosion and rust resistant The handles of this two wheel barrow are made of strong steel and feature comfort end grips for a secured grip while wheeling. The tub holds 6 cubic feet of material.
Pros: Well made, easy to use.
Cons: Poly tub can crack in freezing weather or if hauling snow/ice.
Smart Garden Cart
This is a lightweight garden cart with a 300-pound capacity (although, that might be pushing it a little). It should hold 4.5 cubic feet of material. The Smart Cart is easy to dump and rugged enough to last a long time. You wouldn’t want to drag this too far, but for general yard use it works well. It comes fully assembled and ready to use out of the box.
Pros: Durable, small, comes assembled.
Cons: Handle a little low for tall people.
Shop all the best wheelbarrows on Amazon.
Best Motorized or Powered Wheelbarrow on the Market
Once again, I couldn’t stick to just one! I’ve picked out the best gas powered wheelbarrow and the best electric wheelbarrow to make hauling almost effortless (you still have to load it yourself!).
YARDMAX YD4103 Power Wheel Barrow
If you are looking for the best motorized wheelbarrow to do the work so that you don’t have to, the YARDMAX YD4103 is the gas powered wheelbarrow for you. It’s small enough for the average homeowner, but powerful enough—with its Briggs & Stratton—engine to get commercial jobs done.
One of the best things about the Yardmax, besides not having to push it yourself, is the zero turn radius. A zero turn wheelbarrow means you can get in and out of tight spaces.
This heavy-duty powered wheelbarrow is simple to operate and very stable. It can hold up to 660 pounds and about 4.4 cubic feet of material.
This power wheelbarrow has a multi-speed, heavy-duty transmission with three forward speeds and reverse.
You’ll just need one hand to dump and since it is evenly balanced, it won’t dump or tip where you don’t want it to.
If you want to use it year round, get the plow conversion kit and use it as a snowplow.
The Yardmax Power Wheelbarrow comes with a 2-Year Residential or 90-Day Commercial Warranty.
PAW Power Assist Wheelbarrow
When you want a little extra help pushing your wheelbarrow, the PAW Power Assist Wheelbarrow comes in handy.
It holds 300 pounds and six cubic feet of material. The heavy duty wheelbarrow frame and 15-inch pneumatic tires makes handling a breeze. And dumping is easy too, thanks to the unique dump brace built as an extension of the wheels.
The powerful 24 volt battery operating system in this electric wheelbarrow lasts for a whole day of normal work.
One year limited warranty.
Best Commercial Wheelbarrows
Rubbermaid Commercial Heavy Duty Big Wheel Cart
With a 700-pound load capacity, the Rubbermaid wheelbarrow is top of the best heavy duty wheelbarrow list. It’s a large wheelbarrow made from high-density polyethylene with seamless design that resists cracking. This contractor wheelbarrow is easy to maneuver and dump. The sturdy wheels move easily over uneven terrain.
YARDMAX YD8203 Track Barrow
For a commercial wheelbarrow that’s gas powered, the Yardmax is a champ. It has a 660-pound capacity and 6.5 horsepower. Thanks to the tracks on this commercial powered wheelbarrow (is it still a wheelbarrow if it has tracks?), you can cover wet, muddy, or snowy ground. It has a zero turn radius and won’t mess up a nice lawn or work surface.
The Yardmax track barrow is highly engineered for optimal balance and control and the power barrow incorporates all-terrain maneuverability and stability. It has three forward gears and one reverse. 2-Year Residential, 90-Day Commercial warranty.
Jackson M6T22 Steel Tray Contractor Wheelbarrow
This contractor grade wheelbarrow was in our Top Ten, thanks to its thick steel bucket that makes it the best wheelbarrow for concrete. The bucket holds 6 cubic feet of material.
And because the bucket steel is thick it won’t flex and be prone to tipping. The front braces also increase stability.
This concrete wheelbarrow will last a long time whether it is used on the job sight or at home.
Best Garden Carts and Wheelbarrows for the Home Gardener
Marathon Dual-Wheel Residential Yard Rover Wheelbarrow and Yard Cart
This great garden barrow made our top ten list, but I want to mention it down here, too. For gardeners who want a big wheelbarrow, this one can hold up to 300-pounds while still being lightweight. The Marathon wheelbarrow is easy to maneuver, balance, and dump. The shape of the handle is designed for pushing, pulling, and dumping of the Yard Rover.
It comes as a pink wheelbarrow, a ladybug wheelbarrow, and as a traditional green wheelbarrow, so it looks good in your garden.
This is a great all-around, lightweight, garden wheelbarrow.
Allsop Home and Garden WheelEasy LE, Folding Yard Cart
This collapsible wheelbarrow is perfect for wheeling light loads around the garden. It has a 150-pound capacity, but it’s better for smaller loads. Lay the canvas on the ground and shovel dirt, gravel, or weeds into it for easy ground-level loading, then pick it up and go! The fabric canvas surface is made from vinyl-coated denier nylon and is UV resistant. The folding wheelbarrow fits easily into small places like a garden shed. We think this is the best (very) small wheelbarrow for the gardener. If you are looking for a foldable wheelbarrow this is the one.
There is also a 350-pound capacity version of this foldable wheelbarrow.
Just for Kids: Best Children’s Wheelbarrows
Why should adults have all the yard work and gardening fun? Your mini-me needs a mini wheelbarrow of their own. Some kids’ wheelbarrows are built for work and some are simply toys. Your child’s wheelbarrow will no doubt be a gateway into gardening.
Radio Flyer Kid’s Wheelbarrow
The quality and style that makes Radio Flyer wagons so popular transfers directly to their children’s wheelbarrow. The fire engine red wheelbarrow paint will grab your kids attention, but the sturdy quality will keep them using it year after year. The steel bucket has no-scratch edges to keep little fingers safe.
The wheelbarrow handles are made from wood and the steel undercarriage means strength and durability. This is the perfect starter wheelbarrow!
Children’s Green Metal Wheelbarrow + Tools & Kneepad
This cute green wheelbarrow for kids comes with kid-sized tools: a garden knee pad, metal spade, flat ended shove, and rake with wooden handles.
This kid’s metal wheelbarrow is lightweight with wide, durable hard plastic tire, and plastic handles.
Seymour 85720 Junior Wheelbarrow
Of the three kids’ wheelbarrows, this kids plastic wheelbarrow is the most like a “real” wheelbarrow made for work. The poly tray is rugged and the steel front tray braces add stability. The handles are made of sealed hardwood. This is a great childrens wheelbarrow.
Replacement Wheelbarrow Parts and Wheelbarrow Accessories
Burro Buddy Wheelbarrow Tray
The Burro Buddy is a wheelbarrow tray that sits atop most wheelbarrows: 4, 5, 6, and 7 cubic-foot wheelbarrows. It will stay securely attached on the wheelbarrow angled up to 90 degrees.
It’s a wheelbarrow drink holder, a tool caddy, a place to store your phone, wallet, keys, seed packets, or snacks. It holds two long-handled tools, such as rakes or shovels, and a couple short handled tools. A small compartment in the middle has a lid and is water resistant – perfect for storing a phone. You could put whatever you want in it.
The Burro Buddy is a great wheelbarrow replacement tray or a new accessory to make your wheelbarrow more functional and reduce trips across the yard. It doesn’t impede much, if at all, on the carry capacity of your wheelbarrow.
It’s made in the USA of UV-resistant HDPE plastic and is easy to clean. This organizational wheelbarrow tray weighs 3.5 lbs and is sturdy enough to carry 20 lbs digging bars on either side.
Original Little Burro Wheelbarrow Tray
Despite the name, the Little Burro is larger than the Burro Buddy, but made by the same company: Little Burros.
Like it’s little brother, this large wheelbarrow tray is meant to sit on top of most wheelbarrows and caddy your gardening supplies around the yard.
It fits most 4, 5, 6, and 7 cubic-foot wheelbarrows and will stay securely attached on the wheelbarrow angled up to 90 degrees.
The Little Burrow wheelbarrow caddy stores and carries 2 short-handled tools, 2 long-handled tools, 2 water bottles, personal items, and a tray of plants–all attached to your classic wheelbarrow.
It’s made in the USA of UV-resistant HDPE plastic and is easy to clean. It weighs 6 lbs and is sturdy enough to carry a tray of plants, 80 lbs of topsoil, or a 5-gallon bucket.
WORX Aerocart Universal Wheelbarrow Tool Holder
Another of the wheelbarrow accessories that we love are these clips to hold tools on a wheelbarrow. These easy to use tool clips fit almost all wheelbarrows, they are made by WORX Aerocart (our favorite wheelbarrow).
While not as robust as the wheelbarrow trays above, if you only need a couple long-handled tool holders, they do the job.
The wheelbarrow tool holders are sold in 2-packs (two clips hold one tool).
(wheel barrow replacement parts coming soon!)