It’s that time of year again when adding to your summer chore list starts to become a daily occurrence. After all, you have to get in all your yard and garden maintenance while the weather lasts. Personally I like sitting back on the deck with a cold drink after completing some task I dreamt about all winter and appreciating the accomplishment.

This is also the time of year when you begin to take assessment of what tools you need, but either don’t have, or can’t find. Like my shovel I loaned to somebody and never got back.

It happens to us all, especially if you have some major projects in mind and need some specific products to help you out. If you are planning on putting in anything that requires concrete, such as stepping stones,walkways, posts, or even DIY planters- then you need something to mix your concrete in. And trust me, the recommended 5 gallon bucket just doesn’t cut it. I’d show you pictures but I’m too embarrassed of the mess I made.

This is where your wheelbarrow can come into play. It’s made for much more than just hauling around materials, and is the perfect solution to mixing and accessing wet concrete for any project you have in mind. So which is the best wheelbarrow for concrete jobs? Follow along below to find out our top recommendations.

*Read More About: The Best Wheelbarrow Reviews

Best Wheelbarrow for Concrete Comparisons Chart

IMAGE

MODEL

FEATURES

True Temper Never Flat Tire Steel

True Temper Never Flat Tire Steel

  • Tray Size  6 cubic feet
  • Tray Construction  Steel
  • Handle Material  Steel
  • Tire  Single Never-fla
  • Warranty  90 Days

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Jackson M6T22 Steel

Jackson M6T22 Steel

  • Tray Size  6 cubic feet
  • Tray Construction  Steel
  • Handle Material  Wood
  • Tire  Single Tubed
  • Warranty  90 day workmanship

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Ames CP6PS Poly

Ames CP6PS Poly

  • Tray Size  6 cubic feet
  • Tray Construction  Poly
  • Handle Material  Wood
  • Tire  Single pneumatic (aired)
  • Warranty  90 Days

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Ames True Temper 8 Cubic Foot

Ames True Temper 8 Cubic Foot

  • Tray Size  8 cubic tray
  • Tray Construction  Poly
  • Handle Material  Wood
  • Tire  Dual pneumatic
  • Warranty  90 Days

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Polar Trailer 8449 7 Cubic Feet

Polar Trailer 8449 7 Cubic Feet

  • Tray Size  7 cubic feet
  • Tray Construction  Poly
  • Handle Material  Steel
  • Tire  Dual pneumatic
  • Warranty  1 year

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WHY A WHEELBARROW?

If you haunt your local garden and building center like I do, then you’ve definitely seen the products ‘oh so subtly’ placed near the concrete to help you out with your concrete mixing tasks. This includes the standard 5 gallon buckets that you can buy by the (excuse the pun) bucketload and toss out when you are done with them. What you don’t realize when you are loading them up is how difficult it is to get a shovel into their narrow openings to mix the darn stuff, and how you have to mix each bag separately due to the small capacity. It makes a mess.

If you have a wheelbarrow of any size sitting at home, then you already have the best mixing tray right there waiting for you. If not, then this is the perfect excuse to invest in a good wheelbarrow that you’ll get a lot more use out of over time.

Not only does a wheelbarrow have a nice accessible tray for mixing, you can also access the wet concrete multiple ways to get it where you need it. Plus it is portable and tips up. And if you were worried about washing it out, as long as you hose it down before it sets you’ll be fine (just be sure to pour the water in an inconspicuous place as it will kill the grass). If you are still worried about damaging the tray forevermore with dried concrete, then simply place a liner in the tray before mixing it all up to dispose of later.

FEATURES

Not all wheelbarrows are made equally, and for this task we are reviewing those that can handle the density of wet concrete and heavy duty work they may be subjected to.

HANDLES

The great thing about wheelbarrow handles is they can often be changed out if you really, really don’t like them. Handles will be made from either wood, metal, or fiberglass and may or may not have additional grips for your comfort.

What you need to keep in mind for this use is the overall durability of the handles in question. Honestly any of the mentioned materials are more than up to the task to help balance and move a heavy load (even though you probably won’t be moving around too much once you begin mixing). The difference is how well these handles will hold up in the long run. If your wheelbarrow is exposed to changes in weather often, then wood and fiberglass will begin to dry out and eventually probably need replacing.

TRAY SIZE

Most people go big or go home, but for mixing concrete you really only need the tray to hold the amount of material you will be using. Most wheelbarrow trays come as either a 4, 6, or 8 cubic foot capacity. The more space you have the more you can put in it, but more isn’t always better- especially when you have a heavy load on.

Another thing to consider is your tray depth. For mixing you definitely want something deep enough to keep everything where it belongs and not slopping out the sides. A sloped front can also be helpful to pour, and when cleaning out.

TRAY MATERIAL

Your handles aren’t the only material options you have to choose from. Trays are generally of a durable poly material or steel construction with a powder coat finish. Obviously over time the steel trays are going to last longer and are not subject to as much weathering through the seasons. Plastic can fill with water, freeze and crack, and become brittle over time- especially when stored out of doors.

For the purpose of mixing concrete however, neither is considered better than the other according to reviews. Both seem to be able to handle the weights just fine, and it seems poly trays actually wash out more easily. What it comes down to is that your tray material really is a personal preference.

TIRES

Tires are a pretty big deal concerning heavy loads, either when moving or at rest. Your tires are either going to be air filled, and subject to flats and replacement, or of the never flat variety- which, contrary to belief, can wear out and need replacing as well.

Most companies offer both options, if you are willing to pay extra. The never flats truly do seem to stand up to much more wear and tear over time, and also provide you with a bit more warning to when it might be time to replace them since the wear upon the tires is easily seen, unlike the nail sticking out of your air filled version.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WHEELBARROW FOR YOUR JOB

Before committing to a purchase, make sure you consider a few aspects of your wheelbarrow investment since you’ll most likely be using it for multiple projects throughout it’s life.

What specific jobs do you need your wheelbarrow for?

Think about the other purposes this wheelbarrow needs to function as. Will you be using it to haul heavy loads regularly, or are most jobs fairly simple in nature? Also consider how often you think you’ll use it. If used on a daily basis then more durable, longer lasting materials may be a better choice.

How much concrete do you need to mix at a time?

Big jobs require big trays so you aren’t constantly mixing. But if the need to move your wheelbarrow while it is full of concrete occurs, consider what your volume expectations may be in order for your choices to handle it with ease.

Where do you plan on storing your wheelbarrow?

Wheelbarrow storage directly reflects upon the life of your wheelbarrow. As mentioned earlier different materials weather differently, and how you store your wheelbarrow while not in use can impact how often you have to replace parts.

5 TOP RATED WHEELBARROWS TO CONSIDER

JACKSON M6T22 STEEL WHEELBARROW

  • Tray Size: 6 cubic feet
  • Tray Construction: Steel
  • Handle Material: Wood
  • Tire: Single Tubed
  • Warranty: 90 day workmanship

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This is a contractor’s wheelbarrow created to take on heavy loads and provide ease of movement. Durable wooden handles come complete with front braces to help support the attached 6 cubic foot steel tray. Furthermore, the legs are also part of an H-brace design with additional leg shoes to provide stability when loading and at rest.

Although the tire is a tubed version that you may need to air up through the years, it seems to be durable enough to hold up to heavy loads and the associated use that weight puts upon it. The deep sides are a favorite amongst customers as it helps keep everything in place and holds large loads with ease. The low center of gravity is also mentioned multiple times as the reason it is easy to maneuver even when loaded up.

Most complaints surround the poor shipping method that has resulted in scratched trays and missing parts. It also may be a bit too heavy for anyone of short stature, at least when weighted down, to move with ease.

PROS

  • Heavy duty tire you never have to air up
  • Easy assembly
  • Well balanced while moving

CONS

  • Tray may rust if not stored correctly
  • May be difficult to lift with full load
  • Top heavy loads may tip

 

TRUE TEMPER NEVER FLAT TIRE STEEL WHEELBARROW

  • Tray Size: 6 cubic feet
  • Tray Construction: Steel
  • Handle Material: Steel
  • Tire: Single Never-flat
  • Warranty: 90 Days

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This heavy duty, durable, all weather wheelbarrow may very well be the last you ever buy. The all steel construction boasts front steel braces to a steel tray and steel handles. The legs also have an H-brace to better stabilize a heavy load.

The tire is also a never-flat, meaning you’ll never have to air it up or worry about catching an elusive nail. Although they can wear through over time, you should be able to notice long in advance, and you won’t need to be spending any extra time or money to get your wheelbarrow moving again to complete a last minute task. The company also offers a dual-wheel kit in case you need the extra stability to make it into a two-wheeled wheelbarrow.

A few complaints surround that it can become top heavy depending on the material load and become somewhat unstable and tip. Heavy loads also can be a bit off balance when turning, which may be why the dual-tire kit is a pretty budget friendly option.

PROS

  • Heavy duty tire you never have to air up
  • Easy assembly
  • Well balanced while moving

CONS

  • Tray may rust if not stored correctly
  • May be difficult to lift with full load
  • Top heavy loads may tip

 

AMES CP6PS POLY WHEELBARROW

  • Tray Size: 6 cubic feet
  • Tray Construction: Poly
  • Handle Material: Wood
  • Tire: Single pneumatic (aired)
  • Warranty: 90 days

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Made for tray accessibility, this durable 6 cubic foot wheelbarrow has a fluted front to make pouring from the tray easy. A steel body has braces for the tray, as well as an H brace to provide additional support for heavy loads and stability.

The tire is a pneumatic aired tired, and provides stability over rough terrain due to it’s ability to absorb what you need to get over. Thick rubber walls help prevent puncture and a resulting flat, although over time it may wear through. Upon which time it is replaceable.

Created specifically for accurate and efficient pouring, this is a deep tray that allows you to mix and pour with ease. Complaints pertain to the durability of the overall design which seems to somehow leave out the handles, which could use a little beefing up. Plus, the lower wheel bracket, created to help aide in pouring heavy loads, makes it a bit difficult for shorter people to get the lift they need.

PROS

  • Easy to assemble
  • Fluted tray
  • Lightweight but sturdy

CONS

  • Handles could be more heavy duty
  • Wheel bracket a little low

 

AMES TRUE TEMPER POLY DUAL WHEEL WHEELBARROW

  • Tray Size: 8 cubic tray
  • Tray Construction: Poly
  • Handle Material: Wood
  • Tire: Dual pneumatic
  • Warranty: 90 day

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This 8 cubic foot poly tray can handle just about anything you can through on it. Heavy duty steel and wood construction are supported by additional tray braces, an H brace design, and a dual tire system to help provide stability when loading and moving. Specifically created for heavy load use, including concrete and rock when on the job, reviews claim it can handle almost everything you can throw at it, although it may be difficult to move when fully loaded.

The pneumatic tire system is designed wide on purpose to provide stability and ease of moving when loaded. Although they do absorb terrain changes well, they may wear more quickly with consistent heavy loads and rough surfaces. They are interchangeable with the company’s never flat tires as well.

The biggest complaints seem to surround not being able to fully take advantage of such a large tray as the weight may seem to be a bit much for it. The poly tray has also known to become brittle in cold weather, and may not be able to handle heavy loads through the winter months.

PROS

  • Easy assembly
  • Wide wheelbase for stability
  • Cleans easily

CONS

  • Poly tray may not hold up well in cold weather
  • May not be able to fill completely for heavy loads

 

POLAR TRAILER 8449 CUB CART

  • Tray Size: 7 cubic feet
  • Tray Construction: Poly
  • Handle Material: Steel
  • Tire: Dual pneumatic
  • Warranty: 1 year

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This wheelbarrow design uses a more cart like construction to provide stability and maneuverability with heavy loads. A high impact poly tray is supported by steel tubular support and handles, as well as a wide based dual tire design. Backed by a 1 year warranty, this cart is praised by consumers for it’s ease of use, and low center of gravity that makes it easy to load up and get to where you are going.

Although the tires are pneumatic, they are replaceable with a never-flat tire if you can find a compatible design. This is worth noting because the tires seem to be the biggest complaint of the entire design. Overall it is very durable, but the tires occasionally can’t hold up to the work it is subjected to.

PROS

  • Very well balanced
  • Easy to maneuver when loaded
  • Tray is heavy duty poly

CONS

  • Difficult assembly
  • Tires may wear quickly

CONCLUSION

By this point you should be making a list of all the tasks you can complete with ease now that you know just how much more versatile a wheelbarrow truly is. Concrete mixing and pouring has never been easier, and getting it where you need it isn’t as much of a chore either. Just be sure to purchase a durable, long lasting model in order to get the best bang for your buck.

Out of all the wheelbarrows I’ve reviewed, the True Temper Never Flat Tire Steel Wheelbarrow stands out to me above all the rest. Even though it has some pretty stiff competition, I really like the all steel design for heavy duty work, and the never flat tire is by far my favorite feature since I’ve had to deal with changing out air filled tires on wheelbarrows more than once. And don’t relish the experience. I also very rarely store my wheelbarrow indoors, and tip them up against the garage instead. With this design I don’t have to worry about brittle or dried out materials over time and can use it for other things around here, like mucking out horse pens.

Do you have a favorite, or want to know more about a particular design? Please comment below and we’ll get back to you. And as always, please share!