As a gardener or industrial worker, there is always something that needs to get done and having equipment that can adjust to a task as easily as you can increases efficiency. A wheelbarrow should fulfill its designed purpose of hauling materials but it’s an added bonus when it can be adjusted to suit individual tasks you need accomplished or altered environmental conditions. Some wheelbarrows, for instance, come with a two-wheel conversion kit. A single wheel design offers a high level of maneuverability which is essential to navigating tight spaces. A dual wheel design adds stability and reduces the load bearing strain of its operator. Being able to make an adjustment based on the conditions you encounter is a plus.

Other wheelbarrows have adjustable parts and or accessories that can convert the wheelbarrow into a completely different piece of equipment. This reduces the need for multiple devices and the hunt to find just the right tool. Selected wheelbarrows can be converted into items such as dollies which offer you increased surface area to stack items and it also reduces the strain of moving heavier items. Other conversions include hand trucks and cylinder holders. Each variation has its own unique benefit. A wheelbarrow with a high level of adjustability saves its operator time, energy and resources. Most importantly it increases efficiency.

Most wheelbarrows feature rubber wheels and for good reason. Rubber is a great shock absorber. It is also highly effective when traversing rough terrain, especially when carrying liquids or fragile materials. The most common version of this is a pneumatic tire. These are air filled and lightweight. They are inexpensive and fairly easy to replace if damaged. Some wheelbarrows, however, have taken their wheel design up a notch resulting in a much more ergonomic result. Many manufacturers now offer flat-free tires. These tires are made of polyurethane foam. They offer the same cushion and shock absorption as a pneumatic tire, however, they do not need air compression. They are also chemical resistant and can’t be punctured and damaged as easily as rubber.

Many features are added to wheelbarrows to ease the strain on the operator and none more so than the inception of electrically powered wheelbarrows. While added wheels increase stability and some wheelbarrows can even auto adjust for weight distribution, you are still limited by the strength and ability of the person operating the device. With an electrically powered wheelbarrow speed of trips can be increased as physical fatigue is no longer a factor. Load per trip can be increased as physical strength is no longer a factor. Risk of injury is reduced, maneuverability is increased, there is a higher level of efficiency in all areas.

These are meant to make something more attractive and add to its usefulness. That is exactly what some wheelbarrow manufacturers have done. Some items can be attached to the frame of your wheelbarrow to add to its versatility. One of these items is a haul strap. This is a long strip of material that connects to the frame of the barrow and acts as a pouch. The barrow can then be turned down to it’s front and bulky items such as firewood can be packed into the pouch for easy hauling.

Other accessories can be found on the wheelbarrow itself. Some models carry replacement items such as tires, wheels, tubing, and handles. Although a wheelbarrow is built for heavy wear and tear, parts do at times become damaged and worn. In order for your device to function properly, the parts need to be compatible with the model you are using it on. If for instance, you don’t have the right tubing the tire will not be installed properly and will not operate efficiently. Alternatively, handles must also work with the model wheelbarrow you have as a mismatched handle can make hauls difficult and uncomfortable which puts added strain on the operator

Wheelbarrow trays are generally made from polyethylene or Steel. Polyethylene is a type of plastic. Polyethylene can be either high or low density. High-density polyethylene is strong, stiff and very durable. They are designed to endure extreme conditions. It does not absorb moisture and therefore is rustproof and water resistant. The material is also lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver and reduces the physical strain and load placed on the operator. Steel is a very durable metal. It is an excellent load-bearer and is long lasting. It also adds stability to the structure. It is a heavy metal however it has high wear. This also makes it a good candidate for wheelbarrow frames as it adds tremendous support to the entire structure.

Hardwood is a very strong and durable material. Its sturdy composition can easily support heavy loads however it can be quite susceptible to rot and water damage. As wheelbarrows endure extreme conditions and are exposed to a high level of wear and tear many handles are coated with a powder to increase longevity. White oak, Hickory and White Ash are common woods used to construct these high performing wheelbarrow handles. Elm is another excellent choice. Steel handles offer durability and tend to be rust resistant.

The first checkbox for any wheelbarrow is it’s hauling capacity. This can range from 4 feet to about 8 feet. The size of the tray will limit what you can haul and how much of an item can be hauled at once. This can drastically affect the time and energy needed to accomplish a task. Gardeners tend to get smaller sizes, however, large sizes are needed for industrial and other related work.

The second factor to be considered it the load capacity of your wheelbarrow. This factor can affect the time and energy needed to complete a task. Load bearing can be as low as 170 lbs and can go as high as 500lbs. Your choice will greatly depend on the purpose for your selection. Gardening, for instance, can utilize wheelbarrows with smaller load limits. For industrial workers, their tasks are based on speed and volume and therefore require the bigger sized trays.

Thirdly is maneuverability. Your selection should depend on the environment under which you will be working. Gardeners, for instance, tend to use lightweight trays with 2 or more wheels for added stability. These handle very well on soft surfaces such as soil and have added stability for carrying materials that are delicate or fragile such as plants. Industrial workers haul materials such as bricks, stones, and cement mix. The require high maneuverability which is offered by wheelbarrows with only one or two wheels. They will also require trays that can withstand extreme conditions. High-density plastic can be used at times, however, steel is the most ideal for their work conditions.