How many people ever think to themselves; should I buy a 2 wheel wheelbarrow?
Probably very few!
You know how progress works, wheelbarrows with two wheels? Really?
Suddenly—single-wheeled wheelbarrows turned into two-wheeled.
Ever since the invention of the wheelbarrow by Zhuge Liang in 231 CE, it has always been associated with just one wheel.
A two-wheel wheelbarrow does have some significant advantages over its single-wheeled friends. However, don’t assume all two-wheel wheelbarrows share the same benefits.
Dual wheeled wheelbarrows are designed to make your life easier.
And this article is the same. We will bring you what we consider the best 2 wheel wheelbarrows on the market, and give you the lowdown on their vital elements.
The Best 2 Wheel Wheelbarrows
After extensive research, here’s our choice of the best 2 wheeled wheelbarrow available today.
Marathon Dual Wheel Wheelbarrow
Easy to use
Lightweight and strong
300 pound capacity
Available in 4 colors
Marathon was founded back in the 1990s, with the idea of creating puncture-free polyurethane tires for bicycles.
From there, the company moved into the manufacturing of hand trucks, wheelbarrows, and lawnmower tires. This finally resulted in the firm creating its own garden carts and wheelbarrows.
Today, Marathon is considered one of the largest distributors and manufacturers of sturdy rubber tires in the United States.
Marathon Yard Rover Review
Available in green or gray, the Marathon is a sturdy piece of equipment that has a traditional garden aesthetic.
Weighing 29 pounds, it is lighter than steel container wheelbarrows, but one of the heaviest plastic wheelbarrows around. Hence, if you are challenged in the strength department, you may prefer a lighter barrow.
The wheels are pneumatic, which does make pushing it over uneven terrain easier than solid rubber versions.
As my own garden is a mixture of lawn, concrete, and gravel, I find that air-filled wheels are more forgiving than plastic wheels, and reduce the effort. Naturally, the only downside is that they can puncture.
If you are someone who likes taking their fully loaded wheelbarrow to the max, this could be a good choice. The five cubic feet capacity has the largest plastic tub capacity in my selection.
Unless you go for an industrial barrow, you are unlikely to find anything bigger.
This wheelbarrow comes with a single-loop handle. It’s covered with “easy-grip” padding, which will increase the adhesion between hand and barrow.
This could be a nice feature if you are lacking good hand strength, or are wearing gloves. Chances of slippage and, therefore, shed loads, are reduced.
It consists of a powder coated steel frame with a reinforced plastic container. Hence, loads which could scratch the container, such as rubble, paving slabs or bricks, will not cause the “rust-spots” seen on many steel barrows.
Marathon Specifications
| Materials | steel frame/plastic container |
| Weight | 29 pounds |
| Load capacity | 300 pounds |
| Container volume | 5 cubic feet |
| Colors | green/gray |
| Dimensions | 35 inches by 27.5 inches by 14 inches |
| Tires | air filled tires |
What’s Good About the Marathon?
- Easy to assemble.
- Large container capacity.
- Pneumatic tires—ease of use over multiple terrains.
- Traditional wheelbarrow appearance.
- Cushion grip loop handle.
- Powder coat finish.
- Long handles increase leverage and therefore reduce the effort required to lift.
What’s Not so Good About the Marathon?
- Some people have found the pneumatic tires leak air easily.
- Relatively heavy for a plastic model.
Final Thoughts on the Marathon Barrow
A traditional looking wheelbarrow with a large capacity. Despite being one of the heavier barrows, it is still light enough for everyday use.
A good choice for the serious gardener/yard enthusiast.
Easy to use
Lightweight and strong
300 pound capacity
Available in 4 colours
Simplay3 Easy Haul Plastic Wheelbarrow
While you may not be immediately aware of Simplay3, there is a good chance you know at least one of its two sister companies.
Back in 1971, Tom Murdough founded Little Tikes, making toys for younger children such as ride-on cars. Then in 1991, he founded Step2, looking to bridge the gap between toys and outdoor gardening equipment.
Simplay3 is the latest venture, started in 2016, to bring adults and children’s outdoor products together under one banner.
Their products are all made in the U.S., with their head office based in Ohio.
Moves easily
Easy to tilt
Handy storage for tools and beer!
Simplay3 Easy Haul Review
The first thing you notice about the Simplay3 Easy Haul is its appearance. If you know of the Little Tikes brand, this looks reassuringly familiar.
Large thick molded plastic, rounded edges and substantial handles shout out toy toddlers’ cars. Unlike the Marathon, this does not look like your traditional barrow—but then it doesn’t aim to.
If you are someone who likes a little “quirkiness” in their equipment, this could appeal, with its cheeky looking design.
Furthermore, if you have kids, it could be a good choice. The lack of sharp corners or angled metal means that even the most inquisitive of children are not going to have an accident.
Also, the familiarity and toy-like appearance may encourage your children to help you in the garden or yard. With so much concern these days about “screen-time”, it could be a good way to get them into the outdoors.
However, don’t let the “toy” appearance lead you to believe that’s what it is. This is still an extremely strong wheelbarrow.
With four cubic feet of volume and a 300-pound carrying capacity, this can take a serious load.
Measuring 31.25 inches by 23 inches by 23 inches, the emphasis is on depth. This means that its footprint is smaller than most barrows, which can be useful if space-saving is a requirement.
The 13.5-inch wheels are plastic—there are no chances of punctures or inflating required.
Again, a good feature if this barrow is to be pushed to the limit by your kids.
An extra feature that appeals to me is the included tray near the handles. If you are someone who likes their tools within easy reach, it’s a handy addition. What’s more, it provides a place for you to keep your refreshments when you allow yourself that well-deserved break.
Simplay3 Easy Haul Specifications
| Materials | double-walled heavy-duty molded resin |
| Weight | 23.9 pound |
| Load capacity | 300 pounds |
| Container volume | 4 cubic feet |
| Colors | green |
| Dimensions | 31.25 inches by 23 inches by 23 inche |
| Tires | solid plastic |
What’s Good About the Simplay3 Easy Haul?
- Quirky design—appeals to the young and young at heart.
- Child-friendly—no sharp objects or angled corners.
- Space-saving—depth as opposed to length means a smaller footprint.
- Included accessory tray.
- Easy maneuverability.
- Will not rust.
- Made in the United States.
What’s Not so Good About the Simplay3 Easy Haul?
- The fun design may not appeal to all.
- Solid tires may make it difficult to push over rough terrain.
Final Thoughts on the Simplay3 Easy Haul
A great dual wheelbarrow for those who want a little fun in their yard work. Solid, lightweight and deep—it may prove to be a favorite for both kids and adults.
Moves easily
Easy to tilt
Handy storage for tools and beer!
Smart Garden Cart
In 2003, UK based, Smart Solar entered the arena creating solar products for the home user.
Seeing a gap in the market for quality, yet reasonably priced, garden products, the team behind Smart Solar started Smart Garden in 2014, with over 350 different products.
In both 2015 and 2017, Smart Garden won the Garden Centre Association (GCA) Supplier of the Year award.
Order any color, so long as it's black!
No assembly required
Smart Garden Cart Review
Just like Henry Ford said, someone can have a Smart Garden Cart, “…in any color that he wants, so long as it is black.” OK, so the quote is a little sexist and, to be honest, he was talking about a Model T Ford—but the principle is the same.
The Smart cart is distinguishable by its blackness—no highlights, trim or flashing for added “jazz.” If you are someone who likes things toned down a little, and you prefer the quiet, reserved equipment look, this could appeal.
If you are one of those people who want to unpack their new equipment and get straight down to business, the Smart garden cart could be for you.
With a unique design (there are no separate parts), this barrow comes fully assembled. No screwdrivers or instruction manuals to struggle with.
This wheelbarrow could also appeal if you are not comfortable with tools, or maybe lack the hand dexterity to use them.
It does lack a little behind the Simplay3 and the Marathon, in that it only has a decent load capacity of 250 pounds.
But this should still prove sufficient for most yard projects. This wheelbarrow has a volume of 4.5 cubic feet.
Ten-inch poly wheels mean that punctures are impossible. They are supported on a galvanized steel axel. A nice feature, as this is the only part of the entire cart that is liable to oxidize.
Thick horizontal handles make it easy to maneuver. However, the short lateral length may mean they are too low for taller people.
Although it does not have a tool tray like the Simplay3, it does have rounded holes to locate up to six tools. This will keep your garden tools within arm’s reach and reduce the need to carry them in a separate tool belt.
This could be the lightest double wheeled wheelbarrow I have seen, weighing just 13.5 pounds (mainly due to the lack of metal in construction). It could be the ideal choice for the less able, seniors or those with back issues.
Specifications
Weight 13.5 pounds
Load capacity 250 pounds
Container volume 4.5 cubic feet
Colors black
Dimensions 39 inches by 23 inches by 27 inches
Tires solid plastic
Materials cold temperature plastic unibody
What’s Good About the Smart Garden Cart?
- Very lightweight.
- Simple, plain and reserved.
- Little metal to oxidize, steel on the axle is galvanized.
- Tool holders located near handles.
- No assembly required.
- Made in the USA.
What’s Not so Good About the Smart Garden Cart?
- Short handle length could make use awkward for taller people.
- Thin wheels may become stuck on wet terrain.
Final Thoughts on the Smart Garden Cart
A perfect wheelbarrow for seniors. No tools required, supplied ready assembled and extremely lightweight. The only downside is the short handles.
Order any color, so long as it's black!
No assembly required
What If I Want a More Traditional Wheelbarrow?
Although the Marathon is quite close to a traditional looking barrow, it might not be traditional enough for some.
One of the main characteristics of these modern two-wheeled wheelbarrows is that they are mostly plastic, especially the container and handles—this includes the Marathon.
However, for those who want the customary aesthetic and build of a regular single wheel barrow, but also desire the stability of a two-wheel barrow, there is an option.
There are a few on the market that have a steel container and wooden handles—harking back to the “vintage” wheelbarrows of years gone by. If this is more your style, I have included my favorite below.
Westward Steel Dual Wheel Wheelbarrow
In the early 1960s, Westward Distributors was formed. It was originally an import company supplying quality hand tools into Canada.
Since that time, its product range and manufacturing base has increased, expanding outside Canada, into the U.S. and European marketplaces.
Westward Steel Wheelbarrow Review
Remember how I mentioned tradition? Visually, you could not get any closer to the common image of a single wheeled wheelbarrow (well, unless you remove one of the wheels).
The Westward steel wheelbarrow has all aspects of a vintage barrow, but with the added advantage of stability with its twin wheels.
Firstly, it has a steel container. The sturdy construction of this results in a good hauling capacity of up to 450 pounds in weight, with a huge eight cubic feet capacity, and steel front tray braces, is great for bulky loads.
If you have the strength for heavier loads, and are doing some really serious outdoor work, this might be the ideal wheelbarrow model for you.
The large pneumatic 3.5-inch by 15-inch rubber wheels, which act as a kind of shock absorber, mean that this wheelbarrow can handle the toughest of ground topography and loads—something that is essential if the full 450-pound capacity is used.
Tradition is carried through to the steel handles. In two separate pieces, they extend from the front axle to the rear of the barrow. They have been turned for an ergonomic design. Constructed from treated hardwood, they scream class and heritage.
However, these features do mean that the weight of this dual wheeled wheelbarrow is increased, weighing around 49 pounds. It is, therefore, not ideal if you are looking for a lightweight wheelbarrow.
Designed in a classic blue color, both on the container and the wheel rims, it looks both classic and reserved at the same time.
Although this wheelbarrow does require some self-assembly, it can be completed within a matter of minutes with clear instructions included.
The low front “foot” means that tipping of loads, no matter how large, can be accomplished with the minimum of effort.
Westward Wheelbarrow Specifications
Weight 49 pounds
Load capacity 450 pounds
Container volume 8 cubic feet
Colors classic blue
Dimensions 49 inches by 31 inches by 34 inches
Tires rubber pneumatic
Materials coated steel and hardwood
What’s Good About the Westward Wheelbarrow?
- A vintage looking dual wheelbarrow—the best of both worlds.
- Large volume steel bucket, and weight capacity.
- Oversized rubber wheels for harsh ground.
- Easy assembly.
- Hardwood has been treated to prevent degradation.
- Replacement parts, if required, are easily available.
What’s Not so Good About the Westward Wheelbarrow?
- May be too heavy for some users.
- Lack of handle grip material could make wet weather difficult.
Final Thoughts on the Westward Steel Wheelbarrow
If you want the stability of dual wheels, combined with classic looks and an almost industrial capacity, the Westward heavy-duty wheelbarrow is a sensible choice.
Why Should I Buy The Best Dual Wheel Wheelbarrow?
When discussing two-wheeled wheelbarrows, this is the question that I am asked the most.
Some advantages of the two wheeled wheelbarrow over the single wheeled variety are;
Free-Standing Stability
Often, when I’m using a wheelbarrow, I have it located behind me.
This enables me to have free access at the front to shovel leaves etc. and then turn to place them into the wheelbarrow. I have lost count of the number of times that I have stepped back and, in the process, upturned the wheelbarrow.
This is one of the disadvantages of a single-wheel wheelbarrow. They can be unstable, especially if hauling heavy loads, and also when freestanding due to the wheel being located at the front and the majority of the weight at the back.
A two wheeled wheelbarrow is inherently more stable while carrying a heavy load, leading to less likelihood of damage. They just feel as though they are a more heavy-duty wheelbarrow.
The wheels are usually located more centrally and often have four points of contact instead of three.
Improved Balance
If you’re a seasoned wheelbarrow user, you will surely have experienced the annoying “wobble” at some point. We have reviewed a very stable product, the Worx Aerocart, which also may be of interest to you.
When carrying a heavy load, a one wheeled wheelbarrow can easily start to unbalance when being pushed.
That is, it begins to lean to one side.
To compensate, you pull to the other, which then causes the lean on the opposite side—and with greater force. Eventually, the load is often spilled.
(If you do experience this, there is actually a simple fix. As soon as the lean starts, stop pushing and put the wheelbarrow down. Then start again. This prevents the “pendulum” effect.)
A two wheel wheelbarrow is more stable and does not lean in use.
This results in fewer shed loads and prevents you from having to load your items back into the wheelbarrow again.
One Hand Use
You can lift and push a single-wheel wheelbarrow with one hand, but it will fall over. That’s guaranteed.
A 2 wheel wheelbarrow allows you to use the wheelbarrow with one hand, even while carrying heavy loads.
I know what you’re thinking. If dual wheelbarrows are that amazing, why do people still use single-wheeled versions? The answer is simple—maneuverability.
Single-wheeled barrows can negotiate tight corners and spaces much more easily than the two-wheelers.
However, this does involve a little skill and balance to be provided by the user.
Conclusion on The Best Two Wheel Wheelbarrow
Those were my picks of the best two-wheeled wheelbarrows and garden carts available. If you were to ask me to choose my personal favorite 2 wheel wheelbarrow, then I would personally select the Marathon Yard Rover.
For me, it features everything. Familiar classic appearance, a large capacity for a plastic barrow and elongated handles to make lifting easy.
However, that’s just a personal choice. All the other impressive brands in this article have options and characteristics which I find appealing.
The kid-friendly quirks of the Simplay3 Easy Haul, the incredibly lightweight unibody of the Smart Garden and the traditional design of the Westward—all have their place.
Whatever your requirements, there is a dual wheelbarrow here for you. Hopefully, this article has made your choice more simple. Maybe you’re in the market for an electric wheelbarrow, you could visit our reviews of motorized wheelbarrows instead?
The best two wheel wheelbarrow may not have changed society like the advent of many other things, but it has certainly made life a lot easier.
Resources;
https://www.thoughtco.com/the-invention-of-the-wheelbarrow-195264
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
