Wheelbarrows come in all shapes and sizes – when we say that there is a wheelbarrow to suit any need, we aren’t exaggerating. But for this reason, people looking to invest in a new set of garden wheels can often find it confusing – do you need one wheel or four wheels? Or are the two and three-wheeled options better?
In truth, there are a variety of things to consider when choosing the right number of wheels and your needs, your strength and the ground you will be using the wheelbarrow on all play a part in your decision.
Two-wheeled wheelbarrows are fairly common and there are a lot of benefits in using a wheelbarrow of this type.
In this article, we are going to be showing you some of the best wheelbarrows with 2 wheels as well as learning about how and why these pieces of garden equipment are essential for any type of outdoor work.
- Best Overall - Marko Tools Colorado
- Best For Bigger Jobs - Wheelbarrows Direct, Haemmerlin Pro Select Colossus
Table of Contents
Benefits Of A Two-Wheeled Wheelbarrow
For the most part, wheelbarrows with two wheels are designed to help make your gardening tasks easier and take out some of the strain of hauling around heavy loads.
Usually, when we think about a wheelbarrow, the first thing that comes to mind is the traditional one-wheeled design for which the wheelbarrow is famed. However, wheelbarrows that sit on two wheels are becoming much more common and it’s little surprise when we look at how well they function.
Depending on the brand and design, you will notice varying benefits but let’s take a look at some of the general advantages you can expect from a tool of this type.
Improved Balance
If you have ever used a one-wheeler, you’ll know that balance is an issue. These pieces of equipment are seriously advantageous in some areas but they certainly require you to keep them stable at all times.
This is never an issue with the two-wheeled wheelbarrow since, with more points of contact with the ground, the wheelbarrow is able to balance itself. This added stability plays an important role in a variety of situations.
For example, if you’re using the wheelbarrow on ground that is not very smooth or even, keeping a one-wheeler stable and upright can be a trying task. Two wheels provide you with the additional balance that is required to eliminate this problem.
What’s more, trying to manually balance your wheelbarrow can require a lot of extra strength and stamina on your part – this isn’t feasible for everyone, especially those who struggle with mobility or lifting heavier loads.
Opting for a two-wheeled wheelbarrow means that you won’t need to overexert yourself just to get your garden in order. Even more importantly, you can feel confident that you won’t run the risk of causing an injury, which is a definite possibility where one-wheeled options are concerned.
The Load Won’t Tip
Tying in with the improved balance of the two-wheeled wheelbarrow is another advantage that is always an issue where their one-wheeled counterparts are concerned.
Accidentally tipping a load because of instability is a common problem with the traditional wheelbarrow design but thanks to the superior balance of some of the best wheelbarrows with two-wheels, you can get on with the job without the worry of the wheelbarrow tilting to one side and potentially spilling the load.
One-Handed Control
Unlike traditional wheelbarrows which require you to have two hands on the handles at all times, a two-wheeler gives you the freedom to operate the tool with just one hand. This is great if you are having to carry something as well as the wheelbarrow.
This improves productivity but you should be aware that doing it this way may require a little more strength.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Two-Wheeled Wheelbarrows?
A wheelbarrow with two wheels is a wise addition to your gardening kit and we would always advise keeping one in the shed for your day to day gardening chores.
However, there is one thing to keep in mind when choosing this type of equipment – two-wheelers are a lot more difficult to navigate around sharp turns and corners.
For this reason, the two-wheeled wheelbarrow is the ideal companion for jobs where simply going backwards and forwards is inevitable. If you do need to get around a corner, just make sure that there is plenty of room to turn.
What To Consider When Buying A Wheelbarrow With Two Wheels
Size
When buying any wheelbarrow, it is important to think about the size, and this is no different when looking at two-wheelers. So of course, finding something that is big or small enough for your needs should be the first thing you consider.
Pneumatic or solid tyres
It is also important to decide whether you will need pneumatic or solid tyres. The latter is a better option if you are going to be using the wheelbarrow on the ground that may pose a puncture risk. However, if you’re looking for a smoother ride, pneumatic tyres are the way to go.
Lightweight
If you are opting for a two-wheeler as a way to keep your independence in the garden despite strength issues, it is worth looking for a lightweight option that won’t be impossible to move when filled.
This may also be beneficial if you are planning to use the wheelbarrow on hilly ground - there’s nothing worse than having to move unnecessary extra weight uphill.
The Best Wheelbarrows With Two Wheels
It’s obvious that two-wheeled wheelbarrows certainly have an important place in the garden or for more professional work. But which is the best wheelbarrow with two wheels?
We’ll admit, there is an extraordinary number of two-wheelers so we have narrowed it down to bring you a list of what we believe to be the best wheelbarrows on two wheels.
Marko Tools Colorado
It’s made from extra-strong galvanised steel which is essential for outdoor tools that will be exposed to heat, rain and oxygen since the galvanisation process creates a rust-proof piece of metal that will endure for as long as a century!
That being said, it’s highly unlikely that the other components of the wheelbarrow would last this long, but getting a few years use out of your tool should be expected. The Colorado won’t let you down here, since the strong frame has been designed to withstand load after load.
Those two sturdy pneumatic tyres mean that you have an impressive amount of stability when manoeuvering the wheelbarrow and you never need to worry that it will tip or topple even when navigating your way over uneven ground.
What’s more, this is a super-lightweight wheelbarrow so in addition to the stable design, you’re also getting something that is ideal for anyone who cannot manage heavier weights.
Oypla Heavy-Duty Two-Wheeled Wheelbarrow
Not only are you getting a decent 70-litre tub but you will also be getting the ability to move loads weighing up to 150kg – if you’re moving sand, gravel, turf or bricks, this is a great option.
Furthermore, the Oypla, which is made by a very reputable company, features a soft-grip handle that makes pushing the wheelbarrow around a cinch. This is in addition to those two wheels that, as we have discovered, make moving a wheelbarrow that much easier.
The Oypla is made with a durable plastic tub that is supported by a solid and reliable steel frame. These materials, and the colours, complement each other perfectly and bring you a wheelbarrow that not only functions well but looks sleek and modern.
But what we think is most impressive about this handy little tool is that it has a maximum width of just 65cm so even if you do need to get around a corner, you’re not going to need a ridiculous amount of space to get the swing.
VonHaus Wheelbarrow
The tub can handle up to 78 litres so you’re not short on space and your loads will be supported by the strong tubular steel frame that offers nothing but the highest durability money can buy.
Of course, having two reliable wheels is of the utmost importance and the VonHaus delivers on all fronts, offering two sturdy pneumatic tyres that will help you to stay stable no matter what the terrain underfoot. The addition of the foam grip on the handle means that you get that all-important comfort when using the wheelbarrow.
This is a versatile wheelbarrow that is suited to a range of jobs both in the garden and for DIY within the home but it is also a great addition to the tool kit of the commercial gardener or labourer.
Green Puncture Proof Wheelbarrow
Bigger may not always be better but in this case, it really is and not only are you getting a spacious tub but also one that will make light work of loads up to 265kg – perfect for rubble, bricks, rocks and other heavy objects.
For loads of this size, you’re going to want the guarantee of an even more reliable frame and with this, you’ll be getting a steel frame that is second to none with super-strong nylon nuts to hold everything together.
Whilst this is a relatively lengthy wheelbarrow, due to the tub size, it isn’t overly wide and so when it comes to navigating corners, it may not be as much of a challenge as some other two-wheeled wheelbarrows.
Furthermore, this one weighs in at just 20kg when unloaded so, for its generous capacity, you’re still getting something quite lightweight in comparison.
Using some of the best wheelbarrows with two wheels can pose a problem where the tyres are concerned.
Since these tools are preferable for use on uneven ground, this can often mean that pointed objects get in the way and cause damage to the tyre, meaning you have to fork out for a replacement. However, thanks to the puncture-proof design of these thick rubber tyres, you can feel confident that no matter how much rough terrain you traverse, your wheels will always remain intact.
Even better and an additional little bonus is that this one comes fully assembled so, unlike some other wheelbarrows, you don’t have the headache of having to put it together before you can get on with the more important jobs on your to-do list.
Wheelbarrows Direct, Haemmerlin Pro Select Colossus
If you were concerned that all that weight would cause the structure to buckle, you needn’t be – they have thought of everything where strength is concerned. The plastic tub is fully supported by the solid steel frame which has been reinforced with an additional layer of steel to ensure that the wheelbarrow performs even when filled to capacity.
What’s more, even when filled to the max, the Colossus’ innovative design means that the majority of the weight will be transferred to the wheels on which it stands, making this one of the very best wheelbarrows on two wheels thanks to its incredible strength.
The two pneumatic wheels are larger than those that you may find on other wheelbarrows meaning that navigating your way over any terrain is simple and effortless.
Summary
A two-wheeled wheelbarrow is a great option for many reasons – they’re much easier to manoeuver especially if you are going in a straight line and they offer far better stability than a more traditional design.
For those who may struggle to manage the weight of a fully-loaded single-wheeled wheelbarrow, a two-wheeled option can relieve the strain and lessen the amount of strength required to lift it.
Choosing the right wheelbarrow on two wheels doesn’t need to be a challenge, whilst there are many on the market some of the best, like the ones we have discussed in this article, offer a strong frame, wider wheels and a generous tub size.
The one-wheeler may be the traditional design, but the two-wheeled wheelbarrow could be the gardening tool of the future.
