Before we even begin to talk about the newest garden carts, we must pay homage to the wheel. The wheel, despite being invented after the sewing needle, rope and the flute, is probably the most important of man’s inventions. It is said to have originated in Mesopotamia, now Iraq, in about 5000BC. It changed the pace of life because more could now be transported farther and faster.
The first reference we have of small carts like the ones we now use in our gardens is from China in 231AD. The “wooden ox” is said to have been invented by the Prime Minister of Shu Han to help move supplies and ammunition more efficiently during the war. Many say he got the idea from a local farmer and claimed it as his own. It was essentially a wheelbarrow as we know it, but the wheel was in the center rather than at the front. No matter who invented it, you can be sure that there are millions of people the world over who are super grateful they did!
We can also be grateful that the secret got out. The wheelbarrow gave Shu Han’s army such a huge advantage over the enemy that he wanted it kept top secret at all costs. It would only appear in the West a thousand years later in the 13th Century and take another 200 years before it became a standard tool for construction, agriculture or mining.
One has to wonder what took mankind so long to realize the potential of wheelbarrows and small carts. They are the most useful to tools for a person to single-handedly move things from A to B. They are used the world over to move anything from soil, trees and plants to furniture to bricks and rocks, and even people. In some parts of the world, it is the only form of transport many people have.
Even though the timeless design of carts and wheelbarrows has hardly changed, they are made in a variety of sizes, out of different materials and with a range of finishes tailored to suit specific uses. This means that when you’re looking to buy the newest garden carts for your home, you’re spoiled for choice.
Before you buy a garden cart or wheelbarrow you need to start by taking into consideration what you are going to be using it for. Do you need a cart for gardening, home farming, debris cleanup jobs or home improvement projects? To help in your garden, farm and yard work, here are some hand tools you might consider from Botanex.
Once you’ve decided what you need to use your garden cart for, you can look at the specifications of the newest carts – the materials they’re made out of, the size, the wheels and, of course, the price – and decide which best suits your needs.
Materials
The various parts of a wheelbarrow or garden cart are made with different materials. The main part you need to consider is the bed of the barrow or cart. Your options will be polyethene or steel.
Polythene usually referred to as poly, is the most common plastic used today. Wheelbarrows and garden carts are made from a high-density poly which is strong, durable and can withstand weight, impact and the weather. They are generally more affordable than their steel counterparts and rust will never be an issue. Remember that the high-density polyethene comes in different thicknesses and this will affect the weight of the load that it will be able to carry.
Steel is a super-strong and hard metal that is extremely durable. It will withstand more impact, heavier loads and frequent use than its poly counterpart. Steel garden carts and wheelbarrows will naturally be more expensive than plastic ones but, if you are going to be using it for construction or home improvement, for example, you will save in the long run. Pay attention to the paint or coating used on steel wheelbarrows as some require special care to prevent rust.
Size
Your most pertinent consideration when buying a wheelbarrow or cart for your home is the size. It is very important to remember is that you are not only considering the dimensions of the cart. You are also looking at its volume and load capacity.
Wheelbarrows and garden carts are usually measured in cubic feet. If you’re going to be moving large quantities of building materials you will need a cart with more cubic feet space than if you’re using it to transport your garden tools or seedlings.
Then you need to consider weight. The size of a wheelbarrow doesn’t determine its load capacity. The load capacity is determined by a combination of factors including the size, material it is made out of and the number of and size of the wheels. The load capacity of two wheelbarrows of the same size are not necessarily the same so you must take into account the weight of what you will be transporting.
Wheels
The wheels of your wheelbarrow or garden cart determine its maneuverability and durability. Larger wheels are necessary if you are going to be using it frequently or if you are working on irregular terrain. Smaller wheels are better for infrequent use on smoother terrains. Solid rubber tires are better for heavy-duty usage as they won’t pop or leak. They will wear out quicker and do make your wheelbarrow or cart heavier. Air-filled tires are more versatile because they move more easily on rough terrains. They are also lighter and last longer because there is less impact on them.
The number of wheels should also be considered. Although wheelbarrows originally had one wheel you can now get garden carts with two, three and four wheels. Multiple wheels give a cart more stability but limit maneuverability. One wheel gives you more control when maneuvering but makes your load less stable. Remember to look at the diameter, width and tread of the tire as well as whether it is solid or air-filled.
Price
You’ll find that the prices of wheelbarrows and garden carts vary from $50 to well over $300 depending on size, materials and features. You will also pay more for a better-known brand. The trick is to balance your needs with your budget to ensure you get the best value for money as well as the best cart for the job.
The newest garden carts for your home range from compact, lightweight dual-wheeled carts that you can put together yourself to heavy-duty steel carts that have shielded ball bearings and can transport up to 400 lbs.