A manual wheelbarrow is great, and many people find them exceptionally useful. Still, there are times when a powered version is required, and these handy pieces of equipment can be indispensable for some.
Looking for powered wheelbarrows will yield many results, and this can make the process somewhat confusing. That being said, having a choice is never a bad thing!
We have put together a list of some of the best powered wheelbarrows on the market, and in this article, we will be sharing them with you as well as looking at some essential considerations when buying a powered wheelbarrow.
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The Best Powered Wheelbarrows
Some of the biggest names in the garden and power tool world have crafted an excellent array of powered wheelbarrows that boast some incredible features. It’s difficult to choose the best of the best, but we have narrowed it down to five products that we consider to be head and shoulders above the rest.
Smartweil Battery Powered Wheelbarrow
The Smartweil features a generous 180-litre tub which is perfect for shifting larger items. However, it is worth noting that the overall load capacity of this one is a lot less than some of the other models currently available. At just 50kg, this wheelbarrow would make the ideal companion for anyone looking for an efficient piece of kit for lighter loads.
Furthermore, this wheelbarrow has been designed with sloped and hilly terrain in mind and whilst it does have a lower capacity, it is excellent at moving up hills.
The frame is constructed from durable stainless steel which is well known for its weatherproof nature and longevity, and the hard plastic tub is suitable for carrying a variety of loads.
But perhaps one of the most impressive things about this wheelbarrow is the superbly long operating time. The wheelbarrow can run for up to three weeks on moderate use, but even if you need it for more heavy-duty tasks, you will still get around eight hours of juice per charge.
Makita DCU180Z Brushless Wheelbarrow
The Makita DCU180z is an electric wheelbarrow powered by two 18v Li-ion batteries (not included!). The powerful brushless motor allows for soft and smooth stats and the 2 speed selector enable great speed control, to a maximum of 3.5 km/h.
This wheelbarrow doesn’t come with a bucket, so be sure to order one to accompany your DCU180x. The DUC180z is ideal for building sites and farms with demanding payloads and terrain.
To prevent punctures it comes with tubeless front tyres and self-sealing rear tyres. Front and rear brakes make it easy to stop the unit and prevent accidental movement.
This wheelbarrow is highly recommended but be aware that you do need to purchase batteries and buckets separately.
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Batteries
Wheelbarrow Main Unit
Sherpa Power Barrow
The Sherpa power barrow is at the top of its game, and with a weight capacity of 150kgs and a huge 116-litre tub, this product will make light work os super-heavy loads. The robust construction of the wheelbarrow means that it will stand up against even the harshest conditions.
Thanks to the stainless steel tubular frame, the product is stable and weatherproof. You also have the option to purchase a flatbed, giving you more diversity in how you use the wheelbarrow – this makes it perfect for carrying heavy bales or boxes.
One of the most exciting things about the Sherpa is that it features an impressive one-touch control that makes operating the equipment more straightforward than ever. It also boasts variable speeds further adding to the versatile nature of the wheelbarrow.
This one sits on three wheels; the rear two are castor wheels designed with durability and stability in mind. The large front tyre offers support to the load and protects the motor.
On a single charge, you can expect to get around eight hours of power, making this perfect for use in a commercial setting.
Greenworks Tools 7400007 Cordless Garden Cart
One of the more aesthetically pleasing products on our list, the Greenworks garden cart is a sight for sore eyes. But in addition to this, it is a superb piece of equipment that doesn’t fail to deliver on quality and performance.
The average speed of this wheelbarrow has been designed to fit in with the average walking speed; however, there is a variable speed control which gives you greater diversity.
With a load capacity of 100kg, the Greenworks powered wheelbarrow is the perfect companion for the hobby gardener but would also work well for moderate commercial jobs.
There are a wealth of features that make using this product a delight, including the easy to use control panel and smooth tipping mechanism that makes unloading quick and straightforward.
The powerful 40v battery can be used across the entire Greenworks range, but it is important to remember that this must be purchased separately. However, thanks to the extremely affordable cost of this one, investing in a battery certainly won’t break the bank.
The garden cart is narrow, which makes it ideal for working in smaller spaces or taking through narrow gaps.
Model 2020 - The Original
If you are looking for a powered wheelbarrow that is truly a cut above the rest, then look no further than The Original. The German engineering oozes from the design, and this is a wheelbarrow not to be trifled with.
In terms of power, performance and strength, this is an unrivalled product. However, this is reflected in the cost. More of an investment than an everyday purchase, the Model 2020 packs a punch.
The 100-litre tray can manage loads of up to 400kgs, which far exceeds anything else on our radar. Plus, the lengthy run time of up to ten hours gives you more than enough time to get all of those heavy-duty jobs done and dusted.
With rough terrain in mind, the manufacturer has developed a model that is stable and able to navigate over uneven ground with ease. What’s more, operating the device is quick and easy with a single touch button and variable speeds, you are getting user-friendliness as well as exceptional performance.
Why Do I Need A Powered Wheelbarrow?
Powered wheelbarrows are great for people who struggle to lift and transport the often heavyweights of a manual wheelbarrow. These pieces of equipment are fantastic for older people or those with limited mobility and less strength.
They can also work very well for anyone who needs to shift multiple loads – doing this manually can become tiresome and demands a lot of physical exertion – builders, farmworkers, and other commercial applications may find a powered wheelbarrow invaluable.
If you are moving particularly heavy loads, these nifty machines will make light work of the job. It isn’t difficult to see that motorised wheelbarrows have the potential to be beneficial to everyone.
Advantages Of A Powered Wheelbarrow
If you invest in a powered wheelbarrow, you will quickly come to learn that these tools have a lot to offer their owners and the advantages are many.
- The loading capacity of powered wheelbarrows is usually far more generous than their manual counterparts.
- There is the option to purchase accessories for this type of wheelbarrow including snow shovels, flatbeds, and feeding trays, making them far more versatile.
- Using a powered wheelbarrow will help to prevent injury or strain, which is common when operating a manual product.
- Taking heavy loads uphill and across long distances is far easier when using a powered piece of equipment.
- Some products can be tethered to a larger vehicle such as a car or a quad bike; this makes transporting the load even more efficient.
- Powered wheelbarrows are robust and durable - unlike many of the manual wheelbarrows that are constructed from more lightweight materials, these electric models will stand the test of time.
- Usually, these products will sit on four wheels which gives them incredible stability.
Are There Any Disadvantages To Powered Wheelbarrows?
In the main, these efficient electric products are excellent for both the workplace and the garden, but as with anything, there are a couple of drawbacks which should be considered.
- Owing to the motorised design, powered wheelbarrows are a lot more costly than manual wheelbarrows. However, thanks to their robustness and longevity, purchasing one should be seen as an investment.
- Many motorised wheelbarrows are not as lightweight as their manual cousins. While you won’t be lifting or tipping these models, it is worth bearing in mind that when taking them in and out of storage, this could be challenging.
Things To Consider When Buying A Powered Wheelbarrow
Since powered wheelbarrows are much more costly than manual ones, it is worth taking your time to consider the various features before committing to a purchase.
How you intend to use the wheelbarrow and your own capabilities will play a part in the best powered wheelbarrow for you.
Load Capacity
Some powered wheelbarrows are able to shift extremely impressive weights, but the kind of materials that you will be transporting will have a bearing on the load capacity you need.
In the main, powered wheelbarrows can usually transport up to around 200kgs, but this can vary significantly.
If you are using your powered wheelbarrow to help around the garden moving weeds and transporting your hand tools, then a smaller capacity should suffice. In contrast, if you are looking for something robust to shift bricks, rubble and large amounts of soil, there are models out there that will meet your needs.
Battery Life
For the most part, a motorised wheelbarrow will have a decent battery life that will see you through the working day – on average, around eight hours. But there are some products that last far longer than this, and if you are going to be putting it through its paces, then one of these models may be more beneficial.
Alternatively, if you won’t be needing such heavy-duty use, this won’t be as much of a consideration. Charge time is also something important to think about since you don’t want to be hanging around waiting for the wheelbarrow to be ready to go.
Most modern batteries charge pretty quickly, but it is worth checking. You may also look at whether the wheelbarrow battery can be power shared, if you already own a piece of equipment from the same manufacturer, chances are you’ll already have a battery.
Size And Storage
If you are going to be using the tool in an enclosed space, the wheelbarrow must be able to navigate around obstacles and through narrow openings. Fortunately, many of these products are very well thought out in terms of size, and whilst they are larger than manuals, they are often quite slim.
Since powered wheelbarrows are much larger than manual ones, they can be a lot more challenging to store. For this reason, it is vital to think about the dimensions of the product and whether it can be taken apart for storage.
Conclusion
A powered wheelbarrow is a great addition to either the garden shed or your work tools. They provide you with an extra boost when transporting heavy loads and can prevent physical strain on the user.
When it comes to buying one of the modern and efficient pieces of garden equipment, it is important to first consider your needs and how you plan to use the wheelbarrow. This will ensure you find the right product for you.
When you are sure that you know what you need, this selection of the best powered wheelbarrows will provide you with many excellent options.
