Every garden needs a wheelbarrow, whether it’s large or small. They’re handy for carting anything at all from A to B, and they’re ideal for landscaping projects, building projects, carrying firewood and compost, and much more.
In our buyer’s guide, we’ll take a look at the best wheelbarrows on the market in 2024 as well as buying tips and advice.
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Product | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. WORX WG050 Aerocart 8-in-1 All-Purpose Wheelbarrow |  |  | |
2. Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Garden Dump Cart |  | ||
3. Sunjoy Odell Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart |  | ||
4. TIMBER RIDGE Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart |  | ||
5. Daytek 120L Poly Tradesman Wheelbarrow |  | ||
6. Daytek 70L Home Builder Wheelbarrow |  | ||
7. Sherlock 72L Trade Wheelbarrow |  |
Wheelbarrow Buying Guide
Why Buy a Wheelbarrow?
If you’re tired of making countless trips back and forth to cart things around your garden, then you’ll get a lot of joy out of owning a wheelbarrow! Depending on the type of barrow you have, you can use your wheelbarrow for:
- Compost, Fertiliser, and Mulch
- Bricks, rocks and gravel
- Hard landscaping
- Trees and plants
- Garden waste
- Garden tools
- Concrete, sand and building materials
- Fire wood
- Shopping
- Beach and camping trips
Different Types of Wheelbarrows
Traditional Wheelbarrows
These two-wheeled workhorses are the version that we’re all familiar with, and are used extensively in gardens and on building sites. They’re simple and heavy-duty, with different capacity, weight limit and tyre styles to cope with different applications.
We have also reviewed the motorised wheelbarrows for heavier gardening task so be sure check out comprehensive guide on choosing the best motorised wheelbarrows for 2024.
Cart-Style Wheelbarrows
Cart-style wheelbarrows are a little different, as you can pull them behind you rather than pushing them out ahead of you as you work. They are easy on your back as you don’t need to lift the handles up to move, and many options are lightweight and collapsible for easy storage.
What to Consider When Buying a Wheelbarrow
Before you rush out and buy the first garden wheelbarrow you see, consider the following.
- Size – The larger your wheelbarrow, the more it will be able to carry in a single load. However, it’s a good idea to consider your personal strength before you buy, as you don’t want something that is too large or too heavy to push when full.
- Wheels – The more wheels your wheelbarrow has and the thicker those wheels are, the more stable the wheelbarrow will be while you’re using it. Single-wheel models are usually more manoeuvrable, while 2 and 4 wheel barrows are better for tough and bumpy terrain.
Pneumatic wheels will need to be kept pumped up, while solid wheels are puncture-proof but heavier than their air-filled counterparts. - Bowl material – Galvanised steel bowls are more durable, more suited to heavy landscaping or building projects, and tend to make the wheelbarrow heavier.
Poly bowls are durable, lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but may not be up to hauling bricks and rocks. Canvas bowls are the most lightweight and washable, but they aren’t recommended for very heavy or rough loads. - Handles – Look for an option with comfortable handles set at the right height for you. Ergonomic designs and non-slip handles are less likely to cause callouses and wrist strain, and make the barrow easier to move whether it’s a push or pull model.
Can You Pull a Wheelbarrow?
If you buy a cart wheelbarrow with 2-4 wheels you can pull rather than push the wheelbarrow, which may be easier for you ergonomically. Cart wheelbarrows often have a higher carrying capacity and are very stable on all terrains, especially the carts with 4 wheels.
Are 2-Wheel Wheelbarrows Better?
Two wheeled wheelbarrows offer more stability than single wheel wheelbarrows, which is great for more awkward or unbalanced loads, as you are less likely to tip over. However, they are not as manoeuvring as single wheel wheelbarrows, which are much more agile and easy to turn.
Wheelbarrows Reviews for 2024
1. WORX WG050 Aerocart 8-in-1 All-Purpose Wheelbarrow
Source. amazon
This is a highly versatile wheelbarrow and cart that also converts into a dolly. The oversized tyres add stability and don’t need inflating, and the ergonomic lift design means a 90kg load feels more like a 7kg load.
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It’s made of durable, high quality steel and has a weight capacity of 136kgs, and comes with a flower pot strap, cylinder holder, bag holder, and mesh rock cover.
The fold-out extension arms make it easy to transport flower pots, small trees, straw bales and bags of compost, and the patented design adjusts the centre of gravity so you never risk falling off-balance.
Pros
Cons
2. Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Garden Dump Cart
Source. amazon
This garden cart wheelbarrow is tough, durable and easy to use. The high-quality steel frame is built to last, and the tub is made from a high-grade poly bed that is fully rust-proof.
The 25cm pneumatic tyres are tough and stable on all terrain, and the padded pull handle makes it easy to pull a load of up to 270kgs even though the cart weighs just 14kgs.
The best feature is that the cart is designed for easy loading and dumping. It also comes with a 1-year limited guarantee.
Pros
Cons
3. Sunjoy Odell Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart
Source. amazon
This inexpensive folding wheeled cart is a great lightweight alternative to a traditional wheelbarrow. It weighs just 9kgs, requires no assembly, and has an adjustable handle and 360-degree rotating wheels for easy manoeuvrability.
The water-resistant polyester fabric is easily cleaned and the cart is ideal for light gardening work, camping, shopping and visiting the beach.
Pros
Cons
4. TIMBER RIDGE Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart
Source. amazon
The Timber Ridge cart wheelbarrow is ideal for use in the garden, as a camping carrier, or even for shopping. It collapses for easy storage, and the container is a tough, heavy-duty polyester canvas.
It also comes with side pockets for carrying secateurs or other tools, and cup holders to help you stay hydrated. It’s quick and easy to set up and the 360-degree rotating wheels make it easy to manoeuvre. It also comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
Cons
5. Daytek 120L Poly Tradesman Wheelbarrow
Source: bunnings
As a traditional wheelbarrow, this model is ideal for gardening as well as building projects. It has a practical 120 litre carrying capacity and a low centre of gravity for stability.
The high-quality poly bowl makes the wheelbarrow a lot lighter to use and reduces back strain, and the reinforced edging helps reduce damage caused from tipping the load out.
The structural frame is made from high-grade mild steel for durability, and carries a 5 year warranty.
Pros
Cons
6. Daytek 70L Home Builder Wheelbarrow
Source: bunnings
A smaller, more compact traditional option is this 70 litre home builder wheelbarrow from Daytek. Despite the steel bowl, it weighs just 12kgs, making it a pretty lightweight wheelbarrow.
The galvanised steel bowl is corrosion-resistant and easily handles rocks, concrete and other items that may damage a ploy bowl.
It also features a durable, powder-coated steel frame that’s built to last and carries a 5 year warranty. It’s ideal for landscaping, gardening and small building projects
Pros
Cons
7. Sherlock 72L Trade Wheelbarrow
Source: bunnings
If you are looking for an everyday wheelbarrow that’s built to last, then this is a great option for you. With a high quality poly bowl that’s been UV treated to handle the sunshine and fully-welded steel structure, it’s durable and stable to use.
This wheelbarrow has been designed to be more narrow than most, making it easily manoeuvrable and able to fit into tighter spaces, which is great for gardening. It has a useful pouring lip for liquids and finer solids, and has a practical carrying capacity of 72 litres.
It’s a little heavier at 17kgs, but still light enough for most people to find easy to use, and the 40cm pneumatic tyres keep it stable and easy to move on all surfaces.
Pros
Cons
Our Wheelbarrows Top Picks
Our Top Pick Wheelbarrow for 2024
Source: amazon
If you want a multi-purpose workhorse that’s up for any job, then the WORX WG050 Aerocart 8-in-1 All-Purpose Wheelbarrow is for you! Although it is expensive, it’s designed to take on a much wider range of tasks than a typical wheelbarrow.
It converts easily between a wheelbarrow and a dolly, and comes with a wide range of accessories for moving plant pots and small trees, as well as a bag holder, rock mesh holder and cylinder carrier.
The patent design makes the load feel much lighter than it is, making it easy to use the full 136kg load capacity with little strain.
Make Gardening a Pleasure with the Best Wheelbarrow of 2024!
We hope this article helped you find the best wheelbarrow for your needs. Before you buy, remember to consider what you want to use the wheelbarrow for, your garden terrain and type, and your overall physical strength.
With the best wheelbarrow, it’s easy to transport new plants, compost, mulch, rocks and garden debris, making sure your garden always looks its best!
Published on July 2, 2021 by Gary Clarke
Last Updated on September 27, 2024
Thanks for advice on buying wheelbarrows but I still haven't a clue. I'm 68yr old woman, live on hillside and have lots to carry around. From large heap of weeds, to firewood, to soil or compost. Hard going uphill, and have to get back down. Short trips. Any suggestions. Tha ks
Hi Irene,
Managing uphills can be difficult with a wheelbarrow. So, it is important to choose a wheelbarrow that will work with your terrain.
Plastic or poly wheelbarrows are a great option as they are naturally more lightweight and easier to maneuver with full loads as opposed to their steel counterparts. It is also important that your handles have sturdy grips on them so you have full control and comfort.
When it comes to two-wheel wheelbarrows, they are notoriously difficult on hills so that is unfortunately not the best option for you. However, a four-wheel wheelbarrow might be a better idea.
Four-wheeled versions seem to offer more stability and are easy enough to use when the terrain is moderately even. Moreso, four-wheelers are easier to pull rather than push which puts less strain on the body.
Of course, you could also invest in an electric wheelbarrow. They are great on sloped ground, especially when you have to do repeated heavy trips.
They will do all the hard work for you and can protect you from strain and injury. They do cost a little more than conventional wheelbarrows but it is worth it for your physical well-being.
Kind regards,
Gary Clarke