The wheelbarrow is one of the most efficient inventions worth appreciating in the farming and gardening sector. It is meant to accelerate your ability to carry items from one place to the other. Earlier, only manual versions were available, and you had to push them using your muscle power. Now, powered wheelbarrows are available, offering much more power and efficiency.
Whether you are involved in the farming, gardening, or construction industry, or any other sector that involves the management of land areas, you know how difficult it can be to complete your project without this piece of equipment.
While manual wheelbarrows may be suitable for personal lawns and small scale projects, large scale agricultural and industrial purposes need motorised versions. Here are a few factors that matter when buying a powered wheelbarrow.
Size
When it comes to size, you have to look at the hopper. Also known as the load bin or cargo tub, a hopper is the empty space in the barrow where you keep things that need to be hauled. The bigger the hopper is, the more items it will be able to carry around. Another thing to check is the barrow’s size to fit inside even the most constricted spaces. A slim version packed with ample power will do.
Usage
One of the most important factors that may influence your decision is where and how you plan to use your barrow. Are you going to use it in a limited land area, or will you use it for a big scale project? Is your land area flat and regular, or are you going to use it on unconventional terrain, such as a mountain, slope, or desert?
Usually, battery-powered 3-wheel versions are appropriate for small scale flat land jobs, but you would require 4-wheel gas-powered wheelbarrows for big scale projects. So, keep your operational needs in mind while choosing one.
Weight Capacity
Every wheelbarrow comes with a maximum limit of weight it can carry. If the load exceeds this limit, it may damage the machine immediately or harm it in the long run. Instead of overloading the wheelbarrow beyond its capacity, it will be better to move the machine twice to avoid any tension on its motor.
Construction Material
The construction material is a significant determinant to get an idea of the equipment’s durability and strength. Steel or metallic wheelbarrows are the most durable and strongest, but they may come with a hefty price tag. If you are low on budget and your barrowing needs are not heavy-duty, you may go for wooden or plastic barrows.
Source of Power
A powered wheelbarrow can be battery-powered or gas-powered. Whichever version you select, make sure that your machine is able to maintain its power for a long time. If you need to use your wheelbarrow to haul items excessively, a gas-powered model will be better than a battery-operated model since the latter may run out of charge frequently. However, remember that gas-powered models create a good amount of noise during operation, and you may have to bear with that.
Ease of Use
Make sure that the wheelbarrow you choose is easy to use and manoeuvre. Also, it should be compact and light so that you can quickly move it from one place to another, even in constrained spaces. Apart from that, the handle’s length should be right, as too short handles can lead to back pain due to poor posture. The stems must be designed ergonomically to offer cushioning and comfort during usage.
Motor Quality
The motor in your powered wheelbarrow must be robust enough to sustain the load it is filled with. Apart from that, it must give a continuous supply of power for at least 2-3 hours so that you can finish your work on a single charge. If you are using a fuel-powered model, you have to keep the tank full. However, if you use a battery-powered barrow, keep this factor in mind.
Battery Life
If you buy a battery-powered wheelbarrow, take note of its battery life. If it is less than 2 hours, it’s better to go for another alternative or buy multiple batteries. A powered wheelbarrow with a decent battery life will save you from stress while working on the field.
Apart from all these factors, powered wheelbarrows can also support a number of accessories for different purposes other than carrying around items. These accessories may include mini excavators or trailers that serve more purposes than barrowing. Just check the quality and durability of the equipment and make an informed decision.