Wheelbarrow

Wheelbarrows for sale

A wheelbarrow is an absolutely indispensable garden tool .There will always be something heavy to move around the garden or allotment whether that’s compost, soil, gravel, tools, plants, weeds or heavy garden ornaments. Without the right wheelbarrow many garden jobs would be impossible.

You need to consider a few things when choosing a wheelbarrow to ensure you get one that is fit for purpose, hard wearing and doesn’t leave you with an aching back and an empty wallet. When thinking about which wheelbarrow you need to look at the construction, material, the tray, the handles and the wheels.

Look for a sturdy, robust construction as your wheelbarrow will probably have to stand up to some rough treatment and carry some heavy loads. The handles and wheels should be attached very securely to the body of the wheelbarrow and the handles should also be smooth with no sharp edges or splinters. If you choose wooden handles ensure they are made from hardwood as they will last longer.

Wheelbarrows tend to me made out of metal which is strong and durable, but will almost certainly rust over time. You will probably have to do some maintenance such as an annual treatment to give it some protection.

The other option is plastic which is extremely weather resistant and will not corrode. Ensure you buy thick, high density, polypropylene, preferably UV-resistant so it does not fade. It is rumoured that concrete is less likely to stick to plastic making it easier to clean. Also it will be lighter than the metal alternative which will help you move it when it is fully loaded. The downside is they are ten to be more expensive than metal wheelbarrow.

Whether you choose a metal or plastic wheelbarrow ensure it has a rounded nose to make pouring easier.

Your choice of wheelbarrow tyres is very important as this will affect how easy your wheelbarrow is to push and how manoeuvrable it is over tough terrain. You can either have pneumatic (air-filled) tyres which make the wheelbarrow easy to push, but which can go flat. However, they can be inflated and are easy to replace. Or choose solid or foam filled tyres. These tend to come in larger sizes and are really good over rough ground.

When choosing what size of wheelbarrow you want it tends to be a trade-off between one that is big enough to carry out the various gardening tasks you have in mind whilst still being the size that you can easily manage and control. A 6ft cubic capacity tends to be a good all-purpose tool.

Wheelbarrows now come with a choice of one or two wheels at the front. Single-wheel wheelbarrows turn easily and handle tight spots well, but can easily tip over when carrying a heavy load. The newer double-wheeled wheel barrows are extremely stable, highly manoeuvrable and great for going over rough ground.

Look out for wheelbarrows with folding or collapsing sides as these will be easier which offer benefits including being easier to store.

If your looking for a home deliver wheelbarrow please look at our wheelbarrow buying guide