Key Takeaways
- Plastic wheelbarrows are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and better suited for light garden work. They don't rust but can become brittle.
- Steel wheelbarrows are heavy-duty and better suited for lifting and moving heavy objects. They require regular upkeep to prevent rusting.
- Consider your specific needs and projects when choosing between plastic and steel wheelbarrows to ensure you make the right investment.
One of the most useful outdoor tools you can buy for your gardening and landscaping needs is a quality wheelbarrow. Wheelbarrows are a type of garden cart or wagon that make it easier to haul and move items like plants, rocks, and mulch around your landscape. They are typically built with durable or heavy-duty materials like plastic or steel. Discover the difference between plastic and steel wheelbarrows, so you can choose the right type that will meet all of your gardening needs!
The Difference Between Plastic and Steel Wheelbarrows
Choose the material that makes moving objects easier for you
When it comes to choosing between plastic and steel wheelbarrows, both offer distinct advantages. Deciding between the two materials ultimately comes down to picking the one that will make your unique outdoor projects and goals easier to get done!
| Characteristic | Plastic | Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Resin-based, lightweight, and easy to maneuver | Heavy-duty metal, won’t buckle or fold underneath weight, but can be harder to move around |
| Durability | Better suited for light garden work | Better capacity for lifting and moving heavy objects |
| Maintenance | Resists rust | May require regular upkeep to prevent rusting |
The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Plastic Wheelbarrow
A convenient and cost-effective choice for moving lightweight materials
Plastic wheelbarrows are typically used around the garden for carrying lighter materials such as:
- Empty pots or containers
- Small gardening tools such as gloves, seeds, and hand shovels
- Bags of gardening soil, fertilizer, or mulch
- Lawn or garden decorations
If you’ve got fairly simple gardening projects to take care of and don’t have any heavyweight materials to move, a plastic wheelbarrow is a valuable investment. The plastic bucket makes this tool much lighter and easier to maneuver, less prone to rusting, and generally more affordable. Plus, plastic wheelbarrows come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and colors to suit your personal preference!
Be mindful that plastic does have a limit to the amount of weight it can hold. It will bend or break much easier than metal if it’s under a lot of pressure. In addition, plastic wheelbarrows won’t rust, but they can become brittle from sun or cold exposure. This generally leads to cracking under load and essentially a shorter lifespan, something you can avoid with a metal wheelbarrow.
The best way to ensure your plastic wheelbarrow lasts for many years is to properly care for it by storing it indoors or under a protective cover, keeping it clean, and not overloading it beyond its recommended capacity!
If you're looking for some recommendations for plastic wheelbarrows, the Marathon Yard Rover or True Temper Poly wheelbarrows are popular and well-rated options.
- Marathon Yard Rover: Has a connected loop handle for easier trucking, as well as a 300-pound carry capacity in its bucket with 5 cubic feet of carry space.
- True Temper's Poly wheelbarrow (6CF): Has 6 cubic feet of carry space and improved handles for easier trucking.
- True Temper Poly wheelbarrow (4CF): Comes with 4 cubic feet of carry space, making it great for those with small gardening jobs ahead of them. It's also fairly lightweight and more affordable.
Marathon Yard Rover Wheelbarrow
This plastic wheelbarrow features a comfortable loop handle, five cubic feet of hauling space, and a weight limit up to 300 pounds. It's a great mid-range option that will suit most yards.
True Temper Poly Wheelbarrow (6CF)
True Temper's larger poly wheelbarrow has a bucket with six cubic feet of capacity, as well as additional handles that are more comfortable on the hands and easier to control. If you plan on carrying a lot of (lighter) materials at once, this should be a solid choice.
True Temper Poly Wheelbarrow (4CF)
This affordable plastic wheelbarrow from True Temper is a great solution for smaller yards. It can truck up to four cubic feet or product in its bucket, and it will take up less room than the other options listed here.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Steel Wheelbarrow
A sturdy and durable choice for moving heavy or large materials
Steel wheelbarrows are built to haul heavy-duty materials such as:
- Cement, sand, or gravel
- Bricks, rocks, or stones
- Wooden beams or logs
- Large plants, young trees, or rolls of grass
If you’ve got large objects to move around your property or heavy materials to lift, a steel wheelbarrow is the best choice to go with. They are built to be extremely durable and won’t buckle, fold, or crack under heavy weight. Just be mindful that they will be tougher to lift and move around than their plastic alternatives. Steel wheelbarrows may come at a higher cost, but they are designed to last for years to come.
Steel wheelbarrows are more susceptible to rust, especially if left outside in the rain or snow. To help it maintain its longevity, you’ll need to routinely clean and dry your wheelbarrow after each use. It’s also crucial to store it in a dry and sheltered location to protect it from harsh weather.
If you find any rusty spots on your steel wheelbarrow, use sandpaper to smooth out the surface, and apply a coat of rust-proof paint to help restore the metal and protect it from further damage!
If you're looking to invest in a steel wheelbarrow, True Temper and Kobalt steel wheelbarrows are valuable options!
- True Temper steel wheelbarrow (6CF): Balances cost and function, with a flat-free tire, 6 cubic feet of hauling space, and steel handles. It has excellent durability and easy assembly as well.
- Kobalt steel wheelbarrow (7CF): A single-wheel wheelbarrow can be a bit ungainly if you're hauling heavy material, but Kobalt's option with two flat-free tires and 7 cubic feet of hauling space can change that. It costs more than True Temper's steel wheelbarrow, but it's the right choice for heavier jobs.
True Temper Steel Wheelbarrow (6CF)
True Temper's steel wheelbarrow features a flat-free tire, steel frame and handles, and a bucket that can hold up to six cubic feet of material. This wheelbarrow should be considered if you're handling a heavy job.
Kobalt Steel Wheelbarrow (7CF)
Kobalt's steel wheelbarrow features two flat-free tires for better stability and overall easier carrying, as well as a steel bucket that can handle up to seven cubic feet of material. Those looking at a particularly heavy job ahead of them should take this option into account.
Picking the Right Wheelbarrow for Your Gardening Goals
Depending on the type of gardening projects you’ve got planned, selecting the right type of wheelbarrow for your needs will help make the job easier to get done. Both plastic and steel wheelbarrows are valuable investments to add to your gardening tool collection. However, it’s important to remember the different advantages each offers in terms of weight, capacity, durability, maintenance, and cost.
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