In addition to consulting with Fowler, we researched dozens of options to find the best wheelbarrows, evaluating them on material, capacity, maneuverability, sturdiness, and assembly requirements. Our best overall pick is the True Temper Wheelbarrow with Steel Handles and Flat Free Tire, which stands out for its affordability, sturdy construction, and comfortable handles. Here are the best wheelbarrows. The tray has a capacity of 6 cubic feet, enough to transport all the gravel, dirt, leaves, twigs, and any other debris you need to haul. This compartment also has a curve in the design to make depositing and distributing materials much easier. Special grips on the handles increase comfort and make long-term usage less taxing. Another considerable strength of the True Temper Wheelbarrow is its made-to-last construction. The steel tray is tough against temperature extremes and impact, and its dark gray exterior also hides dirt and age over time. If punctured, the 15.5-inch solid rubber tire won’t flatten (and never needs refilling), and the rugged undercarriage can handle a lot of wear and tear over difficult terrain. While this model requires assembling, it will be well worth the time since this wheelbarrow will last for many seasons to come. Price at time of publish: $139 Its lightweight design combined with a loop handle makes it easy to lift and maneuver. Despite weighing only 20 pounds, this wheelbarrow can carry an impressive 300 pounds. Measuring roughly 27 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, the polyurethane tray is on the smaller side. However, it’s great for transporting a few bags of mulch, soil, and other landscaping materials. It’s also ideal for hauling, weeding, and smaller garden products. Although the dual tires are air-filled (rather than flat-free), they are sturdy and easy to turn (although you may need to fill them with air frequently). Assembling this wheelbarrow is fairly simple, requiring only six bolts, but we have noted that some bolts may be defective or ill-fitting. Price at time of publish: $92 While the rubber tires are inflatable (as opposed to flat-free), they’re notably sturdy and suitable for various terrains. The plush, padded handlebar makes for comfy maneuvering, and it doubles as a stand for stationary use. Although assembly is fairly simple, we noted that on some occasions, bolts and holes didn’t align properly. When not in use, this wheelbarrow sits upright for compact storage. Price at time of publish: $114 “It’s heavy-duty steel and lasts multiple years. It is also well-balanced for the loads you put in it,” Farber said. Weighing just over 55 pounds, this wheelbarrow is relatively heavy, but that’s part of what makes it so sturdy. In fact, we’ve noted that the product takes having 10-pound slabs of concrete thrown into it without flinching. Be aware that assembly can take more than just a screwdriver; some users have recommended a socket set and even a vice grip.Price at time of publish: $149 With an impressive weight capacity of 300 pounds and versatile configurations, this heavy-duty garden cart is a game changer. The Turbo Lift design provides enough leverage to transport massive loads with ease, making 200 pounds feel like 17 pounds. Another major selling point is its flat-free tires, which never need to be inflated. However, while the cart rolls smoothly on most surfaces, it may struggle on rough or uneven terrain. This unit needs to be assembled, but the process is simple, taking about 15 minutes and requiring no extra tools. To top it all off, the cart can be stored upright for compact and convenient storage. Price at time of publish: $230 Considering its high weight capacity, this cart isn’t all that heavy at 32 pounds. Plus, an array of convenient features make it easy to maneuver and unload. Assembly is simple and straightforward if you have the right tools on hand–a Phillips screwdriver, pliers, and an adjustable wrench. Two people make the job a lot easier. Price at time of publish: $120 The box is roughly 34 inches long, 17 inches wide, and 10 inches deep with a weight capacity of about 15 pounds. A built-in wheel makes it easy to move around your yard, garden, or patio. And a weather-resistant finish helps it hold up outside year-round. Price at time of publish: $151 The brand has been a household name for over a century, best known for its classic red wagons and tricycles. This children’s wheelbarrow is designed with the same trusted quality, featuring a shiny steel tray, a durable molded wheel, and solid wooden handles. The tray has no-scratch edges that can withstand any wear and tear and is perfect for gardening with kids. We appreciate that edges also are designed to be non-scratchable to protect against accidental owies.Price at time of publish: $60 Dual handles allow you to better balance the weight of a load but can be cumbersome if you don’t have broad shoulders. A single handle (or push bar) solves this dilemma, though it can make unloading the contents of your wheelbarrow trickier. Some models make this easier by offering a dump mechanism.
Tub Material
Most modern wheelbarrows are made from either steel or heavy-duty plastic. “Steel is great for heavy-duty needs, but it tends to be heavy and can rust over time, depending on use and exposure to the elements,” Fowler points out. Plastic wheelbarrows are often less expensive, but they may not be able to carry loads as heavy. Another benefit to plastic is it doesn’t rust, but “it can crack if you, say, toss flagstones into it too carelessly,” Fowler notes. The best? “A fiberglass tub is the best of both worlds—tough AND light,” she says.
Type
A traditional wheelbarrow has a single wheel in the front and two steel legs at the back. This type of wheelbarrow is ideal for hauling and dumping lightweight loads, but it may tip under heavy weight. Multi-wheeled wheelbarrows, also known as hybrid wheelbarrows, feature a two- or four-wheel design for better stability. “The more wheels, the easier it is to balance and haul larger loads,” Fowler says. A wheelbarrow with two wheels is easier to pivot if you’re going uphill or navigating rough terrain. Motorized wheelbarrows, running on batteries or gas to propel the wheels, greatly reduce the amount of manual effort required and are best suited for hauling heavy loads. These models are often equipped with multiple wheels and various speed functions.
Capacity
Purchasing a wheelbarrow with the right capacity—both in cubic feet and pounds—is just as important as finding a wheelbarrow with a heavy-duty tub and reliable wheels. If you have a larger yard, you’ll want to purchase a wheelbarrow with a higher cubic foot capacity to make fewer trips while working outside. If you purchase a wheelbarrow that has a high weight capacity, but only has 3 cubic feet of volume, for example, you may have to make more trips to complete your task, especially if you’re working on a larger area of landscaping.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. For expert insight, she interviewed Veronica Lorson Fowler, a master gardener in Iowa, one-time garden editor for Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications, and author of several books about gardening. To select the best wheelbarrows for this roundup, Sage considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their material, capacity, maneuverability, sturdiness, and assembly requirements.
