A wheelbarrow is one of the essential and incredibly versatile tools that a gardener needs daily. Wheelbarrows are invaluable for moving materials and supplies — manure, leaves, dirt, compost, bags of fertilizers, firewood, etc. — from one place to another.
If you are a beginner gardener purchasing your very first wheelbarrow, you will be faced with many options to choose from. One of the challenges you have to deal with is deciding between two-wheeled and one-wheeled wheelbarrows. So, why would you prefer one over the other?
Generally, two-wheeled wheelbarrows are more stable and can take heavier loads than one-wheeled wheelbarrows that require you to constantly keep the center of gravity in control. Read on to know how the two compare so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing.
One wheeled wheelbarrow
This is the traditional wheelbarrow type and comes with just one wheel positioned front and center. Its tripod design makes it easy to maneuver, which makes it a great choice for smaller yards. Precisely, one-wheeled models are pleasingly agile and easy to move.
One-wheeled wheelbarrows are lighter, so you will have an easy time pushing them on most terrains and hilly grounds. The only catch is that it requires greater strength to push, control, and maintain stability. This is especially true when transporting irregular loads whose weight is unevenly distributed.
Of importance, while some one-wheeled wheelbarrows come with decent load capacity, they are best reserved for lighter loads.
Two-wheeled wheelbarrows
As the name suggests, these are wheelbarrows designed with two wheels. The two wheels provide more stability, which makes the difference when hauling heavier and awkwardly balanced loads. The wheels work to keep the wheelbarrow balanced, allowing you to focus on pushing it forward.
Because of the balance afforded by the extra wheel, you can move a two-wheeled wheelbarrow with one hand without it falling. However, this might only make sense if the handle is positioned at the center.
The biggest downside of these seemingly superior wheelbarrows is that you sacrifice a degree of maneuverability with the extra wheel. They are more expensive compared to the one-wheeled models.
Two wheeled wheelbarrow vs one wheeled wheelbarrow
Wheelbarrows are invaluable, but choosing the right one is not easy. So, why would you choose one design over the other?
Well, the extra wheel is all that makes the difference, and what’s better for you depends on your needs.
Two-wheeled wheelbarrows are well-balanced, which makes them a better choice if you intend to use your wheelbarrow to move relatively heavier loads. The extra wheel provides more stability, so you don’t have to worry about the wheelbarrow tipping over. Instead, you can concentrate your energy on lifting the back end and providing the pushing power.
The added stability creates a sense of safety when carrying heavy loads. However, this doesn’t make one-wheeled options any inferior. In fact, if you have the energy to control the traditional wheelbarrow, you could find it more enjoyable to use than their two-wheeled counterparts. This is especially true considering that two-wheeled wheelbarrows lack maneuverability and are notoriously tricky to push up hills or on uneven ground.
One-wheeled wheelbarrows are versatile and incredibly easy to maneuver. With the single wheel, you can make sharp turns as opposed to when using a wheelbarrow with two wheels, which definitely requires more room to negotiate a turn.
Because one-wheeled wheelbarrows are easy to tip, they win where the ease of dumping load matters most.
Overall, the better option depends on your preference and how you intend to use your wheelbarrows. If you will be transporting relatively heavy loads along a straight line on level ground, you will be better with a two-wheeled wheelbarrow.
On the other hand, if you have a small garden or prefer a higher degree of maneuverability, a one-wheeled wheelbarrow is the way to go. One-wheeled models are also great for working in hilly areas.
Two wheeled wheelbarrow vs one wheeled wheelbarrow: Conclusion
Wheelbarrows are not created equal. When shopping around, think about the kinds of loads you will be hauling using the wheelbarrow and your terrain.
You also want to consider the available storage space. Unless you crave the decent load capacity and stability of a two-wheeled model, a one-wheeled wheelbarrow will suffice most garden tasks. One-wheeled wheelbarrows are agile and easy to move as long as they are not overloaded.
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