With a wheelbarrow, you can transport heavy loads easily and safely from A to B. It functions as a basic utensil for every do-it-yourselfer and hobby gardener. For example, you can use the tool to compactly transport earth and sand, cement and stones, other bulk goods or even tiles. In our guide you will find out what to look out for when buying a wheelbarrow and which models Amazon reviewers particularly recommend.

A wheelbarrow is essential in a large garden

Our recommendations

our recommendation
BITUXX wheelbarrow 100L / 250Kg wheelbarrow wheelbarrow construction wheelbarrow galvanized with PU wheel 4.80/4.00-8 with needle bearing axle (green)
EUR 99.90 To the product
drive manually
material Galvanized steel, painted
capacity 100L
Max load capacity 250kg
tires 1, solid rubber

Amazon reviewers describe the BITUXX(R) wheelbarrow as being of good quality and easy to set up. It should be a perfect garden helper and absolutely fulfill its purpose. In view of the high material quality, the model deserves first place in our comparison.

our recommendation
Jusky's Wheelbarrow Garden | 100 liters volume | 210kg | Pneumatic tire with metal rim | tub galvanized | Garden cart wheelbarrow transport cart
74.95 EUR To the product
drive manually
material galvanized metal
capacity 100L
Max load capacity 210kg
tires 1, air-filled

The Juskys wheelbarrow is THE classic at Amazon. It acts as a top seller and convinces buyers above all with its excellent price-performance ratio. If you need a reasonable and relatively inexpensive wheelbarrow for transport work in the garden, this model is a good choice.

our recommendation
Jusky's Wheelbarrow Garden | 100 liters volume | 210kg | Pneumatic tire with metal rim | tub galvanized | Garden cart wheelbarrow transport cart
74.95 EUR To the product
drive manually
material galvanized metal
capacity 100L
Max load capacity 210kg
tires 1, air-filled

In contrast to the other two recommended versions, the Monzana wheelbarrow has a plastic tub. However, this does not detract from the quality - most reviewers on Amazon are satisfied with the model. It is described as pleasantly light, but still stable.

Purchase Criteria

drive

Most wheelbarrows are operated manually - i.e. moved solely by your own physical strength. There are also motorized wheelbarrows. These have a battery and make it easier for you to push because they are self-propelled. Your job is then “only” to guide the wheelbarrow. Due to the practical advantages, an electric wheelbarrow is of course much more expensive. On slopes and with extremely heavy goods to be transported, its advantages are clearly demonstrated.

our recommendation
ZIPPER ZI-EWB500LI electric wheelbarrow (Li-Ion battery) motor wheelbarrow ***NEW***
406.99 EUR To the product

material

Wheelbarrows were originally made of wood. Even today you will occasionally come across models made of the traditional material. However, the majority of modern wheelbarrows are made of steel, tubular steel, galvanized sheet steel and metal. All of the materials mentioned are robust, durable and stable, so you basically can't do much wrong here as long as the workmanship is right.

The tub/trough of the wheelbarrow is partly made of plastic. Although such designs are usually cheaper, they are often not as stable as steel or metal specimens.

shape of the trough

The loading area of the wheelbarrow is referred to as a trough or trough. It is available in various forms:

  • flatter pans allow filling without excessive bending
  • deeper tubs usually have a higher capacity

capacity (volume)

Speaking of capacity: It is given as a volume in litres. If you want to transport a lot of bulk goods at once, you need a wheelbarrow with a spacious tub. However, keep in mind that bulky versions are heavier, both unladen and laden, and therefore more difficult to push.

Guide values: While the volume for entry-level models is generally 60 to 90 liters, it usually reaches 100 liters and more for professional wheelbarrows.

maximum load

In addition to the capacity, which indicates how much bulk material fits into the trough, the maximum load capacity of the wheelbarrow also plays an important role. It states the maximum weight of the transported goods.

Guide values: entry-level models usually have a maximum load capacity of 100 to 150 kilograms. You can often load professional wheelbarrows with at least 200 to 250 kilograms.

tires

Quantity: Simple wheelbarrows are equipped with only one wheel. However, there are also a large number of models with two tires and some electric wheelbarrows even have three or four tires - for extra high tipping stability. On the other hand, unicycle wheelbarrows are lighter and more manoeuvrable.

Type: A further distinction is made between solid rubber tires and air-filled tires. Both types have their specific advantages:

are solid rubber tires

  • more sustainable,
  • more durable and
  • usually more durable (they cannot burst).

Have air-filled tires

  • a better damping behavior,
  • lower rolling resistance and
  • better grip on unpaved terrain.

warehouse: In this regard, roller/ball bearings and plain bearings must be differentiated:

The roller/ball bearing

  • has less friction
  • is low maintenance and easy care as well
  • basically higher quality.

The plain bearing

  • ensures low-noise rolling,
  • is shock resistant as well
  • low-wear and
  • cheaper.

ergonomics

If possible, make sure before you buy that the wheelbarrow you have chosen can be pushed comfortably. To do this, the handles should be slightly curved. Ideally, they are also covered with non-slip plastic or rubber. A qualitatively convincing coating prevents painful calluses on the hands.

tips

Otherwise, or in addition, wear gardening gloves to avoid injuries to your hands.

The wheelbarrow should have a tipping handle for easy and relatively easy loading and unloading of the bulk goods.

frequently asked Questions

What is a wheelbarrow?

A wheelbarrow is a very useful tool for moving bulky and/or heavy objects and materials easily and quickly. The utensil is extremely practical for the garden and yard. Each wheelbarrow consists of a tub/trough, a frame with handles and feet and one, two, three or four wheels.

Who Benefits from a Wheelbarrow?

Anyone who frequently engages in one or more of the following activities:

  • Home/DIY: Transporting wood or tiles
  • Garden: transport of topsoil, potting soil, lawn and hedge clippings or compost

tips

Many a hobby gardener also uses the wheelbarrow as a creative planter, which he fills with flowers and thus provides a decorative eye-catcher in his green oasis.

How do I use my wheelbarrow correctly?

We give you the most important points that you should stick to in order to use your wheelbarrow safely and comfortably:

  • Push your wheelbarrow in a smooth, controlled manner. This is particularly important on uneven terrain, on curbs and stairs, and on curves.
  • If the ground is wet or extremely uneven, we recommend laying out planks to ensure smooth and controlled pushing.
  • If you have a wheelbarrow with air-filled tires, you should reduce the air pressure slightly on loose ground. In this way you reduce the rolling resistance.
  • When loading the wheelbarrow, make sure the center of gravity is low and the load is distributed as evenly as possible to achieve the best balance.
  • Place the main load over the wheel (for unicycle wheelbarrows). This ensures comfortable handling.

tips

Air-filled tires can burst under heavy use. If you notice when checking your helper that the tire is flat, it is best to buy a suitable spare wheel. To change the tyre, you only need a ring spanner, an open-end spanner and a tire lever.

Which brands offer good wheelbarrows?

The best-known and most popular brands for high-quality wheelbarrows include:

  • Makita
  • Deuba
  • Greenworks
  • Thomas Phillips
  • Baywa
  • BITUXX
  • WORX
  • pro-bau-tec
  • Gardebruk
  • Fuxtec
  • Juskis
  • LIMEX

Where is the best place to buy a wheelbarrow?

Wheelbarrows are available in hardware stores (e.g. OBI, toom, Bauhaus, Hornbach, Hellweg, Globus or hagebaumarkt). You can also enjoy a large selection at Amazon.

tips

With the right materials and tools, some manual skills and our instructions, you can also build your own wheelbarrow.

Are there wheelbarrows for children?

Yes, children's wheelbarrows are typically made of plastic and lightweight metal (aluminum). So the little ones can help with gardening without being overwhelmed when pushing. Most kids enjoy it very much.

our recommendation
Rolly Toys metal wheelbarrow children's wheelbarrow (for children from 2.5 years, metal bowl, load capacity up to 25 kg, plastic handles) 271757
30.39 EUR To the product

Has Stiftung Warentest carried out a wheelbarrow comparison?

No, so far there has not been a wheelbarrow test from the well-known consumer magazine.

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