Put simply, a wheelbarrow consists of a bucket, wheel and lever. The bucket holds materials, the wheel helps to transport the load and the lever allows you to lift the load. So what to look for? Here’s how to choose the barrow that’s best for you.

The tray

Deep trays hold more and give the wheelbarrow better balance. Plastic trays are popular with home gardeners because they are light and won’t corrode, leak or rust. Landscapers and builders prefer metal trays because of their strength and durability. They can be seamless or folded, galvanised or powder-coated.

The wheel

Narrow tyres are easy to manoeuvre in small spaces but can be prone to tipping. Wide tyres carry heavy loads and suit soft surfaces like lawns, but can be difficult to wheel around narrow paths. Inflatable tyres are easy to use, soft on the garden and more versatile than solid wheels.

The handle

Wooden handles are generally wider and more comfortable than their metal cousins. Storage Wash the barrow after use. Stand it on its lip and keep it away from the elements. Sunlight can weather plastic trays, while rain and moisture can rust metal parts and weather wooden handles.

Gardener’s tip 

Save your back: lighten your load by placing the bulk of the weight over the wheel of the barrow, not the handles. And if you feel the barrow tipping over, don’t try to save it – you’ll only end up hurting yourself.

Handy wheelbarrow accessories

1. The Barra Tippa is a clever invention that lets you empty your wheelbarrow into a skip bin or ute without having to rely on two pairs of hands – or a shaky wooden plank – to do the job, $350.

2. The Barrow Buddy, available from Bunnings stores, is a great way to store your garden products. It fits between the handles of a standard wheelbarrow, $20.