Gardening Caring for Your Yard Tools The 11 Best Wheelbarrows of 2023 Rely on our top wheelbarrow picks for gardening, landscaping, heavy-duty jobs and more. By Nor'Adila Hepburn Nor'Adila Hepburn Nor'Adila Hepburn is a commerce writer who specializes in writing content for 6+ and 7+ figure commerce brands. She's been writing in-depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens since 2023. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on March 15, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know About Them Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. BHG / Alli Waataja When you need to move heavy items and debris around your yard or garden, owning a wheelbarrow is important if you want to make your loads easier and faster to carry. There are many different styles to choose from, too, depending on your needs, including four-wheel, motorized, and even collapsible wheelbarrows. “A well-stocked tool shed should hold everything needed for routine landscape maintenance, and that includes a wheelbarrow,” says Katie Phillips and Krystol O’Rourke, the co-founders of Spade & Sparrow Designs. “A wheelbarrow can make many yard chores, like taking leaves to the curb or moving around heavy items like landscaping pavers a lot less tedious.” The design and weight capacity are important factors to consider when choosing the best wheelbarrow. Whether you need a large, industrial style wheelbarrow for heavy-duty jobs or something more basic for simple lawn chores, we found options for every budget and need. Read more to learn about the best wheelbarrows for yard and garden maintenance. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Jackson 6-Cubic Steel Wheelbarrow at Lowe's Jump to Review Best Budget: Smart Garden Heaped Plastic Garden Cart at Walmart Jump to Review Best Splurge: Landworks Self-Propelled Wheelbarrow at Amazon Jump to Review Best Two-Wheel: Rubbermaid Big Wheel Plastic Yard Cart at Walmart Jump to Review Best Four-Wheel: Gorilla Carts Heavy Duty Dump Cart at Amazon Jump to Review Best Electric: SuperHandy Electric Wheelbarrow at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Marathon Yard Rover at Amazon Jump to Review Best Plastic: True Temper 6 Cubic Foot Wheelbarrow With Total Control Handles at Ace Hardware Jump to Review Best Steel: Kobalt 7 cu. ft. Steel Wheelbarrow at Lowe's Jump to Review Best Multipurpose: WORX Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Jackson 6-Cubic Steel Wheelbarrow The Home Depot View On Lowe's View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It: This industrial-grade steel wheelbarrow is designed to carry heavy loads and can last a long time.Keep in Mind: It’s priced higher than other wheelbarrow options. Despite the fact that it is a bit pricier than other wheelbarrows with similar specs, the Jackson 6-Cubic Steel Wheelbarrow was our top overall pick for the best wheelbarrow due to its ergonomic design and solid steel exterior which makes it a durable choice, especially if you are transporting heavy loads. The Jackson is a professional-grade wheelbarrow, so it’s strong enough to be used on construction sites as well as in residential yards and gardens. Thick hardwood handles provide a comfortable grip and enable you to easily steer the wheelbarrow while you work. Plus, it features leg stabilizers on its frame to make it more tip-resistant. With its steel tray, this wheelbarrow can carry just about anything you need including bricks, rocks, plants, and dirt. Steel trays also have the advantage of being more resilient to extreme temperatures, so it's less prone to cracking in cold weather. It has one 16-inch air-filled tire at the bottom which is a great option for gardens as you can maneuver it between rows without damaging plants. However, it is less stable than a two-wheeler so you’ll have to get used to balancing loads if this is your first time using one. Price at time of publish: $149 Product Details: Weight Capacity: Not listed | Volume Capacity: 6 cubic feet | Wheelbarrow Weight: 55.2 pounds | Material: Steel | Wheel Type: Single wheel, air-filled tire Best Budget Smart Garden Heaped Plastic Garden Cart Walmart View On Walmart View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It: This wheelbarrow is easy to maneuver and priced affordably.Keep in Mind: This is not the wheelbarrow for you if you have a large property or if you have lots of large items to haul. If you need a wheelbarrow for tending to your garden or yard maintenance, but don't want to pay too much, the Smart Garden 5.5 cubic foot garden cart is an affordable option that won't strain your wallet. Priced right at less than $100, this wheelbarrow has a smaller weight capacity of 4.5 cubic liters but can hold up to 5.5 liters of material when full. A convenient built-in tool caddy holds up to six accessories. It has a plastic cart and a galvanized steel axle too, so you don’t have to worry about rust. The wheels have locked wheel hubcaps that prevent them from loosening and are designed to not roll away from where it's parked. In addition, when you’ve finished with your work, you can hang it up to store it. The best part is that it already comes fully assembled, so it’s (literally) ready to roll right out of the box. The total weight capacity is only 250 pounds, so it’s best to use it for light yard work only. Price at the of publish: $55 Product Details: Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Volume Capacity: 5.5 cubic feet | Wheelbarrow Weight: 14 pounds | Material: Plastic | Wheel Type: Two wheels, plastic tire Best Splurge Landworks Electric Self-Propelled Wheelbarrow Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Lowe's Why You Should Get It: You can move large loads without hurting your back.Keep in Mind: You have to remember to fully recharge the batteries if you want more use out of this wheelbarrow. When budget isn't an issue, a motorized wheelbarrow like the Landworks Super Duty Electric Powered Wheelbarrow can be a great alternative. With a forward speed of 3.1 miles per hour and up to 2.2. miles per hour in reverse, it does all the pushing for you, so you can move large and heavy items without straining your back. At 4 cubic feet, it is slightly smaller than other wheelbarrows on this list. But, we think that this only makes it more maneuverable and easier to handle. Additionally, it's designed to work on slopes with up to a 12-degree incline, making it the best wheelbarrow to push if the ground isn’t level. Battery life is around two to five hours typically but can vary depending on the load weight and the type of surfaces it's rolling on. That being said, if you want to extend battery lifespan for as long as possible, it is recommended you fully recharge them after each use. A brushless motor allows it to run quietly without producing noxious fumes as a gas-powered motor would. You can control the speed and movement via the throttle lever and reverse switches located on the handle. Just keep in mind that this wheelbarrow does not have brakes, so you should be cautious when moving dirt and other debris downhill. Price at time of publish: $650 Product Details: Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Volume Capacity: 4 cubic feet | Wheelbarrow Weight: 83 pounds | Material: Plastic | Wheel Type: Two wheels, air-filled tire Best Two-Wheel Rubbermaid Big Wheel Plastic Yard Cart The Home Depot View On Walmart View On Home Depot View On Acmetools.com Why You Should Get It: The tires are extra-large so it’s good for rocky paths.Keep in Mind: Plastic is prone to cracking if the load is too heavy. If you need stability, the best wheelbarrows for the job have two wheels. This is why this giant two-wheeled Rubbermaid wheelbarrow might pique your interest. “Many gardeners find that wheelbarrows with two wheels provide the stability that just cannot be obtained with single-wheeled versions,” says Katie Phillips, co-founder of Spade & Sparrow Designs. “When making tight turns, a traditional wheelbarrow often wants to tip to the side whereas when you are on two wheels that risk is all but eliminated.” Let’s talk about the wheels: They are air-filled and measure 20 inches in diameter which makes them able to handle all terrains including soggy ground and gravelly, uneven paths. Another useful feature is that the handle is fused together with the wheelbarrow’s body which means that you don’t have to worry about it breaking off or loosening over time. Finally, this wheelbarrow has an 8.75 cubic liter weight capacity and is able to carry up to 300 pounds of dry or wet materials, so it’s highly suitable for home landscaping, farms, and job sites. Since it's constructed out of plastic, it might crack if loads are too heavy or in extremely cold weather. Also, be careful not to overload it, as you may have a hard time dumping things out of it. Price at time of publish: $199 Product Details: Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Volume Capacity: 8.75 cubic feet | Wheelbarrow Weight: 45 pounds | Material: Plastic | Wheel Type: Two wheels, air-filled tire Best Four-Wheel Gorilla Carts Heavy Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Farmandfleet.com Why You Should Get It: A four-wheeled wheelbarrow provides greater stability and balance. Keep in Mind: Pulling loads on four wheels might be problematic for some as it makes the cart less maneuverable. For those times when you need to move heavy weight loads such as firewood, rocks, or trees, the best wheelbarrows for the job should have not just one or even two wheels alone. That’s where four-wheel carts like the Gorilla Cart GOR6PS come in. The tires on the cart measure around 13 inches and were designed to be large enough to keep the cart centered while transporting items, as well as smoothly handle rocky or wet terrains. What's also great about this 40-inch long by 26-inch wide cart is that it is constructed out of rust-proof plastic, which makes it a great option for transporting wet loads. It also features a fast-release dumping mechanism that makes dumping materials easier, especially since it’s a four-wheeler. This cart can handle up to 1,200 pounds of material and features a two-in-one handle that allows you the flexibility to manually pull it or attach it behind a lawn tractor or ATV to tow it along. Overall, this wheelbarrow is a convenient option that’s easy to move around. However, the tires are pneumatic so you’ll have to spend extra time pumping them with air up from time to time. Price at time of publish: $218 Product Details: Weight Capacity: 1,200 pounds | Volume Capacity: 6 cubic feet | Wheelbarrow Weight: 54 pounds | Material: Plastic | Wheel Type: Four wheels, air-filled tire Best Electric SuperHandy Electric Wheelbarrow Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why You Should Get It: An electric motor makes hauling loads uphill and downhill easier.Keep in Mind: You can only work for as long as the battery lasts. With its powerful electric motor and durable steel frame, the SuperHandy Electric Wheelbarrow is designed to make hauling heavy items feel effortless. This wheelbarrow is 4 cubic feet and has a load capacity of 330 pounds so it's able to take on both medium and large loads. It’s also an excellent option if you have to move items up and down hilly areas. In terms of power, it features a standard speed of up to 3.1 mph going forward and 2.2 mph in reverse. You'll need to have two fully charged 12-volt batteries before you use it and should be able to run continuously for two to five hours. Because it features a brushless motor, you won’t have to worry about it making loud noise or polluting the environment while it’s on. The SuperHandy’s double 13-inch wheels are not the largest we’ve seen, but they’re big enough if you’re looking for more stability. Overall, this pick is one of the best wheelbarrows on our list if you don’t want to strain your back as much. However, if you plan on working for more than five hours at a time, you may want to invest in a second battery as one battery may not be enough. Price at the time of publish: $665 Product Details: Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Volume Capacity: 4 cubic feet | Wheelbarrow Weight: 83 pounds | Material: Alloy Steel | Wheel Type: Two wheels, air-filled tire Best Lightweight Marathon Yard Rover View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Acmetools.com Why You Should Get It: It’s a light, compact wheelbarrow.Keep in Mind: You might need to buy a second wheelbarrow if you have lots of stuff to move around. Weighing just 25 pounds and measuring 5 cubic feet, the Marathon Yard Rover made it on our best wheelbarrows list due to its small, compact size. According to the manufacturers, it weighs 25 percent less than other standard-sized wheelbarrows and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds so obviously, this is not the wheelbarrow you’ll be using for construction or to carry large, heavy loads. What’s nice about it is that it comes with two air-filled wheels which provide more balance and maneuverability. Plus, a metal loop handle makes it simple to dump dirt, gravel, and other debris or pull it around wherever you need to go. You have to assemble the wheelbarrow yourself, which could be a pain if you are not the DIY type. That being said, it is fairly easy to put together and should take only a few minutes. This is also a good wheelbarrow to have if you’re short on space. You can conveniently hang it up, out of the way on a nail, or hook it on a shed wall when you’re finished using it. Price at time of publish: $128 Product Details: Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Volume Capacity: 5 cubic feet | Wheelbarrow Weight: 25 pounds | Material: Plastic | Wheel Type: Two wheels, air-filled tire The 9 Best Cordless Drills of 2023, According To Testing Best Plastic True Temper 6 Cubic Foot Wheelbarrow With Total Control Handles Ace Hardware View On Ace Hardware Why You Should Get It: This wheelbarrow is rust-resistant and good for home gardening.Keep in Mind: It might crack if you overload it with too many heavy items. The True Temper Poly Wheelbarrow, is a great option for light garden work such as transporting mulch, manure, leaves, soil, or other debris around your yard. This wheelbarrow features a 6 cubic feet capacity and is crafted from rust-resistant plastic, which is great for the times you need to carry fertilizer and other moist materials. While plastic makes this the best wheelbarrow option if you’re looking for something sturdy and light, you shouldn’t leave it outside when you’re not using it because it can become brittle from sun exposure. Also, you might want to refrain from using the True Temper for heavy-duty loads like concrete mixes or transporting logs, or it might end up cracking. The wheelbarrow features unique curved Total Control steel handles with rubber grips. These handles are superior because they offer added comfort, and allow you to deftly maneuver it through narrow garden rows and tight corners if necessary. Keep in mind that its single tire is foam-filled which means that it offers less traction than pneumatic tires. But, on the flip side, the tire will be less likely to be punctured by rocks or other debris. Price at the time of publish: $110 Product Details: Weight Capacity: Not listed | Volume Capacity: 6 cubic feet | Wheelbarrow Weight: 29.5 pounds | Material: Plastic | Wheel Type: One wheel, air-filled tire The 7 Best Rain Gauges of 2023 to Keep Your Garden Thriving Best Steel Kobalt 7 cu. ft. Steel Wheelbarrow with Flat-Free Tire Lowe's View On Lowe's Why You Should Get It: A steel wheelbarrow like this one can carry heavy wet and dry loads like cement mixes, sand, and bricks.Keep in Mind: It might be too heavy for light gardening tasks. For anyone who needs a heavy-duty wheelbarrow for stress-free gardening, yard work, or on the construction site, the Kobalt wheelbarrow is the one you want to be parked in your garden. This wheelbarrow is from Lowe’s very own in-house wheelbarrow brand and is a popular pick among shoppers because it features steel everywhere from the cart to the handles to the frames. The metal ensures that it can withstand tough conditions and is especially beneficial during colder months because it’s less prone to cracking (unlike plastic). Also, the handles come with strong rubber grips which make them comfortable for you to hold. We really like that its double 16-inch diameter rubber wheels are foam-filled which makes them stronger against punctures and generally last longer than air-filled ones. And at 7 cubic feet, the tub is enormous and can handle super-large loads of bricks, gravel, or dirt. The only downside with a strong wheelbarrow like this is that it is quite heavy even if there is nothing inside it. So, before you load it up with heavy materials, you probably need to check if you can carry it first. Price at time of publish: $179 Product Details: Weight Capacity: Not listed | Volume Capacity: 7 cubic feet | Wheelbarrow Weight: 52.8 pounds | Material: Steel | Wheel Type: Two wheels, foam-filled tires Best Multipurpose WORX Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Lowe's Why You Should Get It: This wheelbarrow is the jack of all trades of wheelbarrows and can be used as a wheelbarrow, a dolly, and a snow plow (if you have the right accessories).Keep in Mind: It has a small volume capacity. The Worx WG050 Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart is our best wheelbarrow recommendation for a multi-functional wheelbarrow that can be used for lots of different maintenance tasks around your yard and home. So, why do we like it so much? Firstly, it’s an all-in-one tool that has eight different functions including a dolly, bag holder, plant mover, yard cart, water carrier, and trailer tote to move heavy items. Secondly, it stores easily in small spaces. Finally, there are special accessories available (which you have to buy separately) that turn the yard cart into a snow plow or a wagon. Despite its tiny 3 cubic feet volume capacity, it has a strong 300-pound weight capacity, which allows it to carry much larger objects. Plus, we like that it has a cool Turbo Lift lever which makes heavier weights feel much lighter to lift. On top of that, it comes with solid rubber wheels so you don’t have to worry about suddenly rupturing them if you end up on uneven paths. However, if you are carrying extra-heavy items, like a refrigerator or other large appliances, you might want to take precautions when making sharp turns to prevent it from tipping over. Price at time of publish: $199 Product Details: Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Volume Capacity: 3 cubic feet | Wheelbarrow Weight: 49 pounds | Material: Metal | Wheel Type: Two wheels, foam-filled tires The 9 Best Ladders for Painting, Home Improvement, and Outdoor Use, According to Our Tests Best Collapsible Allsop WheelEasy Foldable Garden Cart Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It: This wheelbarrow is a good option for anyone who doesn’t plan on transporting heavy items and needs a wheelbarrow that won’t take up a lot of storage space.Keep in Mind: It’s not designed to carry super-heavy loads. Nowadays, it is common to own foldable grills and tables that can be easily put away when not in use. Why not expand your collection to include a collapsible wheelbarrow as well? The Allsop WheelEasy LE Foldable Garden Cart is a good place to start if you need a wheelbarrow to carry items but don’t have much storage space. Because it’s made of a heavy-duty nylon canvas material, we think it’s the best wheelbarrow alternative for anyone who finds steel or plastic wheelbarrows too unwieldy to move around. In addition to that, it’s ergonomically designed to fold up in a jiffy as well as to keep loads you are hauling centered and easy to lift. At only a 3 cubic feet capacity and a maximum load weight of 150 pounds, this is obviously not a good wheelbarrow for tackling large loads. That being said, it has the advantage of weighing just 15 pounds, so you can freely roll it with ease. We also appreciate the fact that the wheelbarrow can be placed flat on the ground so you can push debris directly onto it if it’s too heavy to lift. And if you need a larger size, there is a larger-sized model available that can hold up to 350 pounds. Price at time of publish: $153 Product Details: Weight Capacity: 150 pounds | Volume Capacity: 3 cubic feet | Wheelbarrow Weight: 15 pounds | Material: Nylon | Wheel Type: Single wheel, air-filled tire The Bottom Line Overall, we recommend the Jackson 6-Cubic Steel Wheelbarrow, because it's a classic heavy-duty steel wheelbarrow that’s large enough to be used for home landscaping projects as well as professional job sites. For a budget-friendly option, the Garden Star Dual Wheel Poly-Tray Yard Rover Wheelbarrow is an excellent choice for anyone on a limited budget that wants a wheelbarrow for light garden work. What to Know About Wheelbarrows Before Shopping Weight Capacity "The amount of weight a wheelbarrow can haul is directly related to its cubic footage,” says Phillips and O’Rourke. According to them, most wheelbarrows that are able to handle everyday tasks like moving gravel, fertilizer, or heavy items are between 3 to 5 cubic feet and hold anywhere from 300 to 500 pounds while heavy-duty wheelbarrows are typically larger at around 8 to 10 cubic feet and can haul up to 1,200 pounds. It's also important to consider the materials that a wheelbarrow is made from and its size when factoring in a wheelbarrow’s maximum weight capacity. For instance, a small wheelbarrow with a plastic tray may not be able to carry the same amount of weight as a bigger steel wheelbarrow. Volume Capacity When it comes to volume capacity or the total amount of space that wheelbarrows can hold, sizes can vary depending on the wheelbarrow. However, many experts say that on average the size needed for most residential gardening and yard maintenance is anywhere from 4 to 8 cubic feet. If you have a larger property or need a wheelbarrow for construction purposes, then you may want to look into getting a wheelbarrow with a larger capacity, such as 8 to 10 cubic feet. That’s why Joe Raboine, the director of residential hardscapes at Belgard advises homeowners to “stay on the lower end of the size range to ensure you can push it. Larger wheelbarrows do require more strength to move when full.” Wheelbarrow Weight The weight of the wheelbarrow itself can vary depending on the size and material it is made from. The weight of a steel wheelbarrow is typically about 50 pounds, whereas plastic ones are much lighter, at only about 20 pounds. Material Common wheelbarrow materials include metal, wood, and plastic. Metal wheelbarrows are crafted from steel or aluminum, are often very strong and durable, and are able to carry heavy loads without issue. However, they are not rust-resistant and can corrode over time if they are not properly protected from the elements or if you use them to move wet materials like fertilizers or cement mix. Compared to other types, these wheelbarrows tend to be more expensive. On the other hand, plastic or polypropylene wheelbarrows are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them a good choice for light yard tasks and if you lack storage space. “Polypropylene is preferred by most homeowners, as it is lightweight and flexible,” says Phillips and O’Rourke. Unfortunately, these wheelbarrows tend to not be as durable as their metal counterparts and may be more susceptible to cracking under heavy loads. Wooden wheelbarrows are not as widely used but still can be a useful tool for working around your yard or garden. However, they require proper maintenance to keep them in good working condition. If not, they are at risk of warping or rotting. Wheel Type Wheelbarrows either come with air-filled wheels or solid rubber foam-filled wheels, which require no air but cannot be punctured. While both are popular choices, most experts agree that the best one boils down to personal preference and use. Air-filled tires are good because they offer shock absorption and are able to roll smoothly through uneven terrain. Unlike air-filled tires, rubber tires are virtually impossible to puncture so they are a practical choice for those who push wheelbarrows through bumpy and rugged areas. Though the classic one-wheel design is often the most recognizable, wheelbarrows actually come in two-wheel and four-wheel carts which add more balance and stability and can move around large loads easily without tipping over. They are also beneficial if you have to move items over rugged, uneven paths. “Those that struggle with upper body strength will definitely find that a two-wheeled wheelbarrow is easier to maneuver,” says Phillips and O’Rourke. Your Questions, Answered Is one or two wheels better for a wheelbarrow? Most expert gardeners will agree that when it comes to wheelbarrow stability—two wheels are better than one. Not only are they easier to maneuver, but they also tend not to tip over when carrying heavy loads like a wheelbarrow with only one wheel would. “Most home gardeners are better served by a more stable wheelbarrow, on two wheels, like many garden cart options,” says Phillips and O’Rourke. “In addition to added stability during travel, they are a bit more versatile for a wider range of yard chores.” What size wheelbarrow should I buy? If you're unsure which size is the best wheelbarrow to purchase, it's a good idea to try out several options to see which one feels most comfortable to you. “Remember, you won't be using an empty wheelbarrow so you want to make sure that you aren't buying a wheelbarrow that you can't maneuver once full,” says Phillips and O’Rourke. “Most homeowners and hobby gardeners find that a mid-sized wheelbarrow will meet their needs. These wheelbarrows typically hold between 4-6 cubic feet of material or two to three large bags of garden soil.” Which material is best for a wheelbarrow? Phillips and O’Rourke advise homeowners and landscapers to consider the weight and durability of the wheelbarrow’s material. “You don't want your wheelbarrow to be heavy before you have even put the first bag of garden soil in it because you will be limited in what you can move at one time.” According to them, many homeowners choose to use wheelbarrows that possess buckets made of plastic or polypropylene for this reason. “Plastic is lightweight and flexible and can stand up to quite a bit of abuse,” they say. Unfortunately, plastic can be susceptible to cracking if it’s not handled properly or in extremely cold weather. You should also think about the material your wheelbarrow handles are made from. If you need a lightweight handle, wooden handles are an excellent option. On the other hand, metal handles can be a better choice if you are looking for something stronger. Who We Are Nor'Adila Hepburn is a freelance writer who specializes in writing in-depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens. To find the best wheelbarrows, she consulted with Katie Phillips and Krystol O’Rourke, the co-founders of Spade & Sparrow Designs, and Joe Raboine, the director of residential hardscapes at Belgard. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit