8 Best Wheelbarrows of 2024 [Reviews]

A wheelbarrow is a must-have on every gardener’s list. Why throw out your back carrying heavy mulch bags or rocks when you can transport them with a handy wheelbarrow?

But before you swipe the credit card on a new set of wheels, you’ll want to find a cart that’s going to meet your needs. A great place to start is our list of the eight best wheelbarrows. 

We did the heavy lifting for you so you can shop for your wheelbarrow with ease. We searched the market and found our top eight wheelbarrow picks that will help with your gardening chores. 

So how did we compare our selection of wheelbarrows? We ranked each one in five categories, taking a weighted average of each rank:  

• Load Capacity: 35%
• Cubic Foot Capacity: 30%
• Item Weight: 15%
• Wheel Type: 15%
• Cost: 5%

Below you’ll find the top eight wheelbarrows with the best-weighted averages. We’ve also included a buyers guide so you can discover your preferences in a wheelbarrow. Why? Because what might be the best wheelbarrow for your in-laws might not be the best wheelbarrow for you.

8 Top Wheelbarrows [Reviews]

1. Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart GOR6PS

With the GOR6PS Gorilla Cart, hauling heavy loads across the garden or farm is so easy. This four-wheeled cart can bear up to 1,200 pounds and boasts a 6 cubic foot capacity. It’s also equipped with a steel frame and maintenance-free poly tray. 

Worried about handling such a heavy load? GOR6PS Gorilla Cart’s towable handle can be attached to a lawn tractor or ATV, so you don’t have to worry about strenuous pulling or pushing. The durable cart also has a patented quick-release dumping system for easy unloading. 

Specifications

• Load Capacity: 1,200 lbs
• Cubic Foot Capacity: 6 cubic feet
• Item Weight: 60.35 lbs
• Wheel Type: Pneumatic

Pros: 

• Over 5,500 five-star Amazon ratings
• High load-bearing capacity
• The towable handle can attach to a lawn tractor or ATV
• Pneumatic wheels
• Patented quick-release dumping system 
• Steel frame

Cons: 

• Heavy
• Expensive
• Some users report issues with assembly and poor tires

2. Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart GOR5-COM (-AU)

Need a durable garden cart, but maybe not one quite as heavy as the GOR6PS Gorilla Cart? 

The GOR5-COM (-AU) Gorilla Cart is more than 20 pounds lighter than the GOR6PS while still showing off an incredible amount of strength. The 38-inch x 20-inch rust-proof poly bed and 10-inch pneumatic tires can haul up to 800 pounds and hold 5 cubic feet, all weighing in at only 37.5 pounds. 

Like the GOR6PS, the GOR5-COM (-AU) can be hooked up to a lawn tractor or ATV and features a patented quick-release dump system. Users report the cart is reliable and durable, perfect for carrying bricks, gravel, and bags of mulch. 

Specifications

• Load Capacity: 800 lbs
• Cubic Foot Capacity: 5 cubic feet
• Item Weight: 37.5 lbs
• Wheel Type: Pneumatic

Pros: 

• More than 20 pounds lighter than the GOR6PS
• High load-bearing capacity
• Patented quick-release dumping system 
• Steel frame
• Pneumatic wheels
• The towable handle can attach to a lawn tractor or ATV

Cons: 

• It may be heavy for some users
• Expensive
• Some users report their GOR5-COM (-AU) arrived with damaged or missing parts

3. Polar Trailer #8449 Cub Cart

The Polar Trailer Cub Cart is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a two-wheeled wheelbarrow and a high cubic foot capacity.

Why two wheels? Two-wheeled wheelbarrows are typically easier to maneuver around small spaces than a traditional four-wheeled yard cart. So if you’re gardening in a tight area, this two-wheeler might make it easier to haul mulch, plants, dirt, and more. 

Have a large mulch project coming up? The Polar Trailer’s 7 cubic foot capacity will help you get the job done quickly. The large wheelbarrow bed is also convenient for hauling large amounts of wood, dirt, and grass clippings in fewer trips. 

Specifications

• Load Capacity: 400 lbs
• Cubic Foot Capacity: 7 cubic feet
• Item Weight: 36 lbs
• Wheel Type: Pneumatic

Pros: 

• 7 cubic foot capacity –– the largest capacity on our list
• Pneumatic wheels
• Steel frame

Cons: 

• It may be heavy for some users
• Expensive
• Not ideal for heavier loads
• Some users report the wheelbarrow is challenging to assemble

4. VIVOHOME Heavy Duty Mesh Steel Garden Cart

The VIVOHOME Heavy Duty Mesh Steel Garden Cart is both tough and light. What do we mean by this? This rugged garden cart has an 1,100-pound load-bearing capacity and it weighs only 38.58 pounds. 

The VIVOHOME garden cart also features an all-iron mesh bed, rust resistance, and shock-absorbing and noise-reducing pneumatic tires. The cart handle rotates 180 degrees so you can transport your items with ease. 

Do you have large gardening tools or materials that can’t fit inside the bed? The VIVOHOME garden cart also features easy-to-remove sides. Just remove the mesh sides and use the garden cart as a small flatbed trailer.

Specifications

• Load Capacity: 1,100 lbs
• Cubic Foot Capacity: 4.54 cubic feet
• Item Weight: 38.58 lbs
• Wheel Type: Pneumatic

Pros: 

• High load-bearing capacity
• Pneumatic tires are shock-absorbing and noise reducing
• Cart handle rotates 180 degrees
• All-iron mesh bed
• Rust resistance
• Removable sides allow you to transport large objects
• Shock-absorbing and noise-reducing pneumatic tires

Cons: 

• It may be too heavy for some users
• Expensive
• The mesh design doesn’t make this garden cart ideal for unbagged loose materials like dirt, mulch, or gravel. 
• It has a lower cubic foot capacity than the GOR6PS Gorilla Cart and GOR5-COM (-AU) Gorilla Cart. 
• Some users report the garden cart is of poor quality and has a defective front bolt. 

5. Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Home Utility Yard Wheelbarrow Garden Cart

This wheelbarrow by Best Choice Products is a great choice if you’re shopping on a budget and need a wheelbarrow for light-duty work around the garden. It features two 13-inch rubber wheels built to withstand various terrains and an ergonomic rubber grip for enhanced user comfort. 

The wheelbarrow’s plastic bin and steel frame can haul 330 pounds of material, and it resists rust and is built for durability. 

Specifications

• Load Capacity: 330 lbs
• Cubic Foot Capacity: 5 cubic feet
• Item Weight: 28.6 lbs
• Wheel Type: Pneumatic

Pros: 

• Rust resistant
• Two 13-inch rubber wheels to handle various terrains
• Ergonomic gripped loop handle
• Powder-coated steel frame
• Affordable
• Lightweight

Cons: 

• Not ideal for heavier loads
• Not the quality some users were expecting
• Some buyers report poor customer service

6. Marathon Yard Rover – 2 Tire Wheelbarrow Garden Cart 

The Marathon dual-wheel residential Yard Rover is a terrific wheelbarrow for the garden. Its two 14.5-inch pneumatic tires ensure lift, bounce, and a smoother ride. The poly wheelbarrow also offers a 5 cubic foot tray and 300 pounds of load capacity, making it a great tool for transporting wood, mulch, and topsoil. 

This handy wheelbarrow weighs in at only 25 pounds and is easy to store, even in the smallest of tool sheds. The Marathon Yard Rover wheelbarrow can stand upright or hang on a wall conveniently out of the way. 

Specifications

• Load Capacity: 300 lbs
• Cubic Foot Capacity: 5 cubic feet
• Item Weight: 25 lbs
• Wheel Type: Pneumatic

Pros: 

• Two 14.5-inch air-filled tires enhance maneuverability 
• Only 25 lbs
• Affordable
• Advertises easy assembly
• Construction ensures easy balance 
• Designed to stand upright or hang on a wall for convenient storage
• Lightweight

Cons: 

• Not suitable for heavy-duty use
• Some users report defective parts, such as misaligned assembly holes

7. Landworks 2103Q044A Heavy Duty Lawn / Garden Utility Cart / Wagon

The Landworks heavy-duty garden cart is made of heat-treated, powder-coated, rust-resistant steel. And similar to the VIVOHOME garden cart, the Landworks garden cart has removable sides to carry larger objects. It also has a 500-pounds weight capacity and 5 cubic foot capacity.

And if blue is your favorite color, this wheelbarrow will catch your eye. 

Specifications

• Load Capacity: 500 lbs
• Cubic Foot Capacity: 5 cubic feet
• Item Weight: 39.6 lbs
• Wheel Type: Pneumatic

Pros: 

• Removable mesh sides
• It’s made of heat-treated, powder-coated, rust-resistant steel
• Pneumatic wheels

Cons: 

• It may be heavy for some users
• Users report challenging assembly and difficult maneuverability 
• The mesh design doesn’t make this garden cart ideal for unbagged loose materials like dirt, mulch, or gravel. 

8. Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart GOR4PS

The GOR4PS Gorilla Cart is perfect for homeowners who need a durable garden cart while saving a bit of cash — and it is a gardener favorite with over 6,000 five-star Amazon ratings.

This cart is designed to reduce assembly time and enhance maneuverability so you can get to work without the wait. The GOR4PS Gorilla Cart has a 600-pounds load capacity, 4 cubic foot capacity, and four 10-inch pneumatic tires. 

Specifications

• Load Capacity: 600 lbs
• Cubic Foot Capacity: 4 cubic feet
• Item Weight: 31.5 lbs
• Wheel Type: Pneumatic

Pros: 

• Affordable
• Over 6,000 five-star Amazon ratings
• Patented quick-release dumping system 
• Pneumatic wheels
• Improved assembly and enhanced maneuverability
• Lightweight

Cons: 

• A 4 cubic foot capacity might not be large enough for some users
• Despite improved assembly features, some users still report difficulty putting their garden carts together

Honorable Mention: WORX WG050 Aerocart Wheelbarrow / Garden Cart / Dolly

Although the WORX Aerocart didn’t make it to our top eight picks, we still wanted to showcase this wheelbarrow’s impressive features. Not only can you use it as a light-duty wheelbarrow around the yard, but it can also transform into a: 

• Cart
• Bag holder
• Dolly
• Extended dolly
• Rock/plant mover
• Cylinder carrier
• Trailer tote

This versatile, 8-in-1 wheelbarrow also features two rugged wheels that need no inflating, perfect for gardeners who don’t want a headache over flat tires. 

Specifications

• Load Capacity: 300 lbs
• Cubic Foot Capacity: 3 cubic feet
• Item Weight: 49 lbs
• Wheel Type: No-air

Pros: 

• Metal tray bed
• Versatile 8-in-1 design
• No-air wheels mean flat-free tires

Cons: 

• Best for light-duty work
• Heavy
• Expensive
• While no-air wheels are easy to maintain, they don’t offer as smooth a ride as air-filled, pneumatic wheels
• Some users report the shallow bed does not hold materials well when operating as a wheelbarrow

Buyers Guide

Many factors determine a wheelbarrow’s durability and performance. Let’s take a look at these factors in detail so you can find a wheelbarrow that suits your needs best. 

Load capacity and cubic foot capacity

A wheelbarrow’s load capacity, also known as weight capacity, is the total weight it’s built to carry. For example, a wheelbarrow with a 300-pounds load capacity can carry up to 300 pounds of materials. 

If you’re planning to work with heavy loads, a wheelbarrow with a high load capacity may be what you need. (Some wheelbarrows, like the GOR6PS Gorilla Cart, can hold a whopping 1,200 pounds.)

Cubic foot capacity is different from a wheelbarrow’s load capacity. The cubic foot capacity measures the volume of materials the wheelbarrow’s tray can hold. A wheelbarrow with a 5 cubic foot capacity can hold a capacity of 5 cubic feet. 

Keep in mind that cubic foot capacity is just as important as load capacity.

Here’s why: You won’t get much work done with a wheelbarrow with high load capacity and low cubic foot capacity. A heavy-duty wheelbarrow like that might be strong, but you’ll have to take multiple trips if you have a high volume of materials. 

Weight

Despite a wheelbarrow’s wheels making it feel lighter, navigating a heavyweight wheelbarrow can still prove challenging.

If you plan to use your wheelbarrow only for light work in the garden, you might prefer a lightweight wheelbarrow. Otherwise, you’ll be working harder than you need to when pushing and pulling your wheelbarrow. 

Number of wheels

A traditional wheelbarrow is equipped with a single wheel, but some are designed with two or four. What really is the difference?

A one-wheel wheelbarrow is often the easiest type to turn corners and navigate across the terrain. The drawback to one-wheelers is stability, as these wheelbarrows are prone to tipping over. 

Two-wheelers are easier to balance, so you don’t have to worry as much about tipping. However, these wheelbarrows don’t maneuver as well over rough terrain as one-wheelers. 

Four-wheel wheelbarrows are more commonly known as garden carts. Garden carts can sometimes be difficult to maneuver, but the benefit to four wheels is the sturdy, balanced platform they create. 

What is the optimal number of wheelbarrow tires? It comes down to your personal preference.

• If you want excellent maneuverability, a single-wheel wheelbarrow is likely the best fit for you.
• If you want a wheelbarrow you know won’t lose its balance, go with a four-wheel garden cart.
• A two-tire wheelbarrow is a good compromise between the two. 

Wheel type

The two most common tire types you’ll find on a wheelbarrow are air-filled pneumatic tires and solid rubber tires with no air. Pneumatic tires are similar to bicycle tires and will need regular inflating, whereas solid rubber tires have no air tubes. 

When gathering our findings for the top 8 wheelbarrows, we ranked air-filled pneumatic tires above solid rubber tires. Solid wheel designs are convenient for homeowners who don’t want to inflate their tires, but pneumatic tires typically offer a smoother, cushioned ride and are more durable. 

Tray materials

Most wheelbarrow trays are either made of steel or heavy-duty plastic. Both materials have their advantages. The best tray material for you will largely depend on how much weight you’ll need your wheelbarrow to hold. 

Heavy-duty plastic trays shouldn’t be mistaken for low-quality wheelbarrows. These high-quality wheelbarrows can carry immense loads, like the plastic GOR6PS Gorilla Cart. Plastic wheelbarrows typically weigh less than steel, making them a popular alternative. They are also less expensive than steel. 

Although plastic wheelbarrows are tough, steel trays will often hold more weight. Despite this advantage, steel wheelbarrows are typically more expensive and heavier than plastic wheelbarrows. Steel wheelbarrows also can rust if left exposed to certain elements. 

A visual guide can be a handy tool. Discover which kind of wheelbarrow is best for you in Garden Answer’s helpful video on Gorilla Carts. 

When to Call a Professional

The right wheelbarrow brings ease to a tough job in the garden. If you want even less heavy lifting, consider hiring a local lawn care professional near you to do the job for you. A lawn care professional can take the weight off your shoulders, from mulching the flower beds to landscaping to filling the wheelbarrow with weeds. 

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