It’s the workhouse of the garden and a bit of an unsung hero. But where would we be without our trusty wheelbarrow? If you already have a wheelbarrow propped up against the garden shed or stored away in the polytunnel I’m preaching to the converted. But if you don’t have one yet once you do, you’ll wonder how on earth you managed without it.

When you’re working in the garden it’s likely that you’ll need to move things around like soil, tools, sand, plants and much more. A wheelbarrow is indispensable and every gardener needs one or if yours is old and worn you need an upgrade.

But which wheelbarrow do you choose? There are a surprising number of options. So, before splashing the cash it’s important to look around and choose the best garden wheelbarrow for you. But first of all, let’s get back to basics.

Why do I need a wheelbarrow?

Let’s begin by stating the obvious. A wheelbarrow is used to move billy or heavy items around the garden. For large objects, this simple device reduces the strain on you and will evenly distribute the weight between the wheelbarrow and its user. It’s also a great time saver. Instead of making several trips load up the barrow and off you go.

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Moreover, when shifting things like sand, soil, mulch and gravel, it would be almost impossible to do this by hand. A wheelbarrow allows you to move hefty loads like this with ease.

What are the different types of wheelbarrows?

There are a surprising number of different types of wheelbarrows and this usually relates to one of two things; the material of the tub and the number of wheels. While you might think that these things would have no bearing on how the wheelbarrow can be used, this is a common misconception.

Plastic tub wheelbarrows

Wheelbarrows that feature a plastic tub are generally much more lightweight and are ideal for day-to-day garden chores. They can be used to move wet materials such as cement which may react when transported in a steel tub so they are often seen in a commercial environment.

While many people believe that plastic isn’t the strongest material in the world, modern wheelbarrow manufacturers use polymers that are incredibly durable and resistant. That said, it is important to keep in mind that this material won’t ever be as robust as metal and it is susceptible to heat damage.

When left out in direct sunlight, the UV rays can weaken the plastic causing it to crack once the tub is loaded. For this reason, we would always suggest storing your wheelbarrow in a shed or polytunnel.

Steel tub wheelbarrows

If you are looking for the ultimate in durability then a steel tub wheelbarrow might be right for you. These are typically a little heavier than their plastic counterparts but offer long term use for heavy duty projects.

You’ll usually find that the tub is made from galvanised steel which has been treated to resist corrosion and rust. According to galvanising experts, this type of steel can last anywhere between 34 and 170 years! Of course, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t look after your wheelbarrow; storing it outdoors in consistently wet weather will lessen its longevity.

One-wheel wheelbarrows

The one wheeled wheelbarrow is the most common and the one most of us will picture in our minds when asked to describe a garden barrow. It’s versatile and provides you with excellent manoeuvrability. If you’re working in an area where you need to navigate tight corners, this is one of the best choices.

That said, these wheelbarrows are not easily balanced and so rely on the user to keep them stable. If you have a heavy load and don’t have the physical strength to control the barrow, it may tip over. When it comes to unloading or storing, they are much easier to upend.

Wheelbarrows with two wheels

Some wheelbarrows sit on two wheels and this offers a very clear advantage; they are incredibly stable and can handle much heavier loads. When moving across rugged terrain, two wheeled wheelbarrows are far less likely to tip over.

However, owing to the position of the wheels, these wheelbarrows can be more difficult to steer around corners.

Three-wheel barrows

The three wheeled wheelbarrow is often favoured thanks to having the best of everything. You can tilt the barrow onto its front wheel for ease of movement while the two rear wheels offer greater stability.

Four wheels

Four wheeled wheelbarrows are often called garden carts and these are excellent when moving over uneven ground. They offer the best stability and can often take some of the heaviest loads. However, you should look for one with an unloading mechanism as tipping the wheelbarrow manually is incredibly challenging.

The only real downside of these wheelbarrows is that they are very difficult to move around corners and through tight spaces. They have a very wide turning angle and so are not suitable for some projects.

How to choose the best garden wheelbarrow

Once you have decided on the best type of wheelbarrow for your needs, there are a few other key points to consider before settling on a model.

●One of the first things to think about is the load capacity of the wheelbarrow. Domestic wheelbarrows can usually carry between 100kg and 200kg which is more than enough to meet the needs of most homeowners. However, there are many heavy-duty wheelbarrows that can handle up to 600kg and are great for commercial situations.

●While load capacity tells you how much weight the wheelbarrow can hold, the size of the wheelbarrow needs to be compared against the items you need to move. Generally speaking, your wheelbarrow will be between 90 and 120 litres but as before, there are some that are much larger and ideal for transporting more cumbersome items.

●You’ll also need to consider the type of wheels your wheelbarrow has. Some come with pneumatic tyres that have excellent shock absorbency but there is a risk of puncture. Plastic wheels are great for smooth, even terrain but tend to come with a lower load capacity.

●User comfort is important so you should look at features like handle grips; are they soft and comfortable to hold? This is especially important if you’ll be getting a lot of use out of the wheelbarrow.

Let’s sum it all up

A wheelbarrow can make moving items around your outdoor space effortless. There are many different types of wheelbarrows that are suited to different needs and environments. It’s important to think about how and where you will use the wheelbarrow and this will help to determine the right product for you.

For most of us a small one-wheeled barrow will be more than adequate. Especially if you’re going to be moving plants and shrubs around.

To find the perfect load for your new wheelbarrow check out our fantastic range of garden plants.