About 18 months ago, roughly last winter I caved in…and…bought a powered wheelbarrow! One of the best decisions I ever made, seriously.

Ok, at first I didn’t buy a brand new one I just jumped onto ebay and bought one used but my back was instantly less strained which was a huge tick in the box, plus I could get more done around the yard as I didnt fatigue at all.

The first electric barrow I would recommend would be the SuperHandy Electric 500W 48V Barrow. It’s a good starter barrow, that will cart up to 330lbs and really useful to have around the place for regular heavy lifting BUT also for light-lifting over long journeys.

So here i’m talking about maybe just a bag of compost from the shed/barn/garage to a flower bed. Or some hay for animals that isn’t heavy but awkward to carry, it’s these types of scenarios that powered wheelbarrows really come into their own.

So the SuperHandy electric wheelbarrows are easy to find, they sell well on Amazon and have pretty decent reviews. For the money it’s actually fairly well made too, but full disclaimer it’s made of the finest ‘Chinese-ium’.

This is my joke word for anything made and sold cheaply in the US from China. But SuperHandy also makes chicken and turkey pluckers which again, have decent reviews on Amazon and they have been around for a few years too which is also a good sign. So you can buy with confidence in all fairness.

Other benefits include:

  • Super comfy grips, these are really nice to handle and work with all day
  • Really easy to operate and fairly good battery life
  • Good center of gravity making it really easy to ‘tip’
  • Tires to climb Mount Everest

What I didn’t like:

Well it’s not so much ‘what I don’t like’ but I did a little DIY improvement, all for like 3 bucks. SuperHandy if you are listening, you should add this as standard.

All I’ve done is add 2 more bolts where the red arrows are in the pic below BUT its added huge strength, extra stability and longevity to the barrow.

Just for the record, there was not an issue here on the barrow but having had barrows before I can tell you this is always a weak point, especially under strain with alot of use (which everything gets on our farm!)

superhandy wheelbarrow

 

The Best Electric Powered Wheelbarrow

The SuperHandy barrow is pretty decent and hits that sweet-spot for price versus longevity. But hands down, without a doubt, the best electric powered wheel barrow is the Makita. And the prices are coming down too (I guess as they manufacture more now with increased demand…?) for example I paid $2,000 for mine but now they are under $1500 WITH the battery packs and charger on Amazon.

Yes, lets face facts, you aren’t going to buy it if you are just looking to barrow stuff around every now and again and are looking for a bit of help. However anyone seriously looking for a heavy use barrow OR that wants rear wheels meaning you dont have to it a barrow; look no further as the Makita electric wheel barrow LITERALLY ticks every single box:

  • x2 rear wheels, meaning, you dont have to lift it as it, you can literally just ‘drive’ it.
  • much, much better design than the SuperHandy, especially for tipping. Remember those bolts I added to the Superhandy barrow above? No need here as there are no ‘weak spots’ meaning this will outlast all other barrows.
  • I like the fact the barrow is actually wing nut bolted to the frame. This means you can tightened or loosen, by hand, on demand. But it also means you can remove the barrow and add a flat bed with just 4 bolts:

  • It’s rated 4.8 stars on Amazon for ‘sturdiness’ – which is VERY high.
  • Makita Lithium-Ion batteries are fantastic, Makita have always made exceptional batteries for all their products.

Powered Dual Wheelbarrow

Slight curve ball as for the electric powered dual wheelbarrow my pick isn’t the SuperHandy, its the one shown in the picture below.

Why?

Simple – price. They are actually a complete copy of each other and if you do some digging (which I did) you realise that they really are the same barrow. Just with different colors, seriously, same spec, same everything. All that happens is ‘brands’ source these on places like Alibaba to ‘whitelabel’. The term given to taking something stock or standard and rebranding it with your logo in effect.

Benefits of Dual Wheelbarrows (vs single wheels)

  • Increased stability and weight distribution: Dual wheelbarrows offer superior stability compared to single wheel wheelbarrows. With two wheels evenly spaced apart, the weight of the load is distributed more evenly, reducing the chances of tipping over. This is particularly advantageous when carrying heavy or bulky items, as the load is less likely to shift and cause imbalance.
  • Easier maneuverability: Dual wheelbarrows provide enhanced maneuverability, especially in tight spaces or uneven terrain. The two wheels allow for improved control and balance, enabling you to navigate around obstacles with greater ease. This is particularly beneficial when working in confined areas, such as gardens or construction sites, where precision and agility are essential.
  • Reduced strain and fatigue: The dual wheel design of wheelbarrows helps to minimize the strain on your body while moving heavy loads. With two wheels sharing the weight, you can distribute the force more evenly, reducing the burden on your arms, shoulders, and back. This ergonomic advantage can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and fatigue, allowing you to work more efficiently and comfortably for longer periods.
  • Enhanced load capacity: Dual wheelbarrows generally have a higher load capacity compared to single wheel models. The presence of two wheels helps to distribute the weight more effectively, enabling you to transport larger and heavier loads without exceeding the wheelbarrow’s limitations. This makes dual wheelbarrows ideal for demanding tasks that require moving substantial amounts of material, such as landscaping projects or construction work.
  • Versatility and adaptability: Dual wheelbarrows are versatile tools that can be used in various settings and for different purposes. They are suitable for both professional contractors and homeowners engaged in DIY projects. Whether you’re hauling soil, rocks, tools, or other materials, the dual wheelbarrow’s design offers greater stability and control, making it a reliable and adaptable option for a wide range of tasks.

Best Dolly Style Dual Wheelbarrow

Gas Powered Wheelbarrows

2,000 bucks is the entry price for a gas powered wheelbarrow, that’s worth buying. I’m not really a fan of the ‘wheeled’ gas barrows, tracks are best, as they

  • Leave less marks on the ground, which is good during fall, winter and spring, or when wet.
  • Better traction, they are literally go anywhere and not get stuck, it’s why military tanks are built on tracks.
  • Much better turning, for tight areas or just to save time.

Best Low budget Gas Wheelbarrow

  • 7hp engine can move max 850lbs.
  • Product Dimensions: 63″D x 27.5″W x 33″H

Best Top-Spec Gas Wheelbarrow

Why, buy this tracked gas wheelbarrow….simple…for the Briggs and Stratton engine!!

Yes it has 6.5HP and the barrow above has 7hp BUT you’re only ‘losing’ 3cc, which is nothing. But the Yardmax can move 1100lbs, so it’s much better for bigger heavier jobs.

Details from the product spec below:

Capacity: 1,100 lbs
Hopper Capacity 7.9 cu ft
Speeds 3 Forward / 1 Reverse
Track Width 7″
Box Dimensions
(L x W x H) 37.5″ x 27″ x 18.5″
Hydraulic: Yes
Zero Turn Radius: Yes
Pump Flow 2.3 gal/min
Warranty 2-Year Residential; 90-Day Commercial

Benefits of powered wheelbarrows

Powered wheelbarrows offer a range of practical benefits that can significantly lighten the workload and enhance efficiency for both homeowners and professional users. These motorized machines are designed to handle heavy loads with ease, making tasks like gardening, landscaping, and construction much more manageable. By eliminating the need for manual labor and maximizing productivity, powered wheelbarrows have revolutionized the way we transport materials and carry out various projects.

One of the key advantages of powered wheelbarrows is their ability to effortlessly move heavy loads. Instead of straining and risking injury by manually pushing or lifting heavy objects, the motorized assistance of these wheelbarrows allows users to transport materials with minimal effort. This not only reduces physical strain but also increases productivity by enabling users to complete tasks more quickly. With a powered wheelbarrow, hauling heavy soil, rocks, or construction debris becomes a breeze, saving valuable time and energy.

Another benefit of powered wheelbarrows is their versatility. These machines are designed to navigate various terrains, including rough or uneven surfaces, thanks to their sturdy wheels and powerful motors. Whether you’re working on a hilly landscape or a construction site with rugged terrain, a powered wheelbarrow can effortlessly maneuver through these challenges, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of projects. This versatility allows users to transport materials more efficiently and tackle different tasks without any hassle.

Powered wheelbarrows also offer increased control and maneuverability compared to traditional wheelbarrows. Many models feature intuitive controls, such as throttle levers or joysticks, that allow users to easily steer and control the speed of the machine. This level of control enables precise movements and precise placement of materials, making it easier to unload or distribute loads in specific areas. Whether you’re filling garden beds with soil or spreading mulch evenly across a large area, the enhanced maneuverability of a powered wheelbarrow ensures greater accuracy and saves time.

Additionally, powered wheelbarrows are often equipped with helpful features like dump mechanisms or tilting beds, allowing for effortless unloading of materials. These convenient functionalities eliminate the need for manual tipping and lifting, further reducing the risk of strain or injury. With a simple press of a button or pull of a lever, users can quickly and safely unload their materials, streamlining the entire process.

In summary, powered wheelbarrows offer a range of practical benefits that make them an invaluable tool for homeowners and professionals alike. By reducing physical strain, increasing productivity, and providing versatility and control, these motorized machines revolutionize the way we tackle various projects. Whether you’re a gardener, landscaper, or construction worker, a powered wheelbarrow can make your tasks more efficient, allowing you to focus on the job at hand and achieve better results.