Introduction To Motorised Battery Powered Wheelbarrows & Carts
A manual wheelbarrow will serve you well if you are only doing light work in the garden. However, when it comes to more heavy-duty work, you are going to need something a little more robust and practical. That’s where a motorised battery powered wheelbarrow can prove invaluable.
The choice on the market is incredible and while some products will vastly live up to your expectations, some may lead to nothing but disappointment. For this reason, it is critical that you look at the various features of the wheelbarrow before committing to a purchase.
In this guide, I am going to talk you through everything you need to know about these remarkable machines and introduce you to some of the best motorised wheelbarrows available on the UK market today. I understand that some of you may be limited for time, therefore I have included the best motorised battery powered wheelbarrows in the comparison table below. This will allow you to choose a powered motorised wheelbarrow that best suits your requirements and intended use.
3 Best Motorised Wheelbarrows
You could be forgiven for thinking that all motorised wheelbarrows were the same, and while the concept is similar, products can vary drastically. From huge tubs to quick-charging batteries, shopping for a motorised wheelbarrow can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Let’s take a look at some of my top picks.
Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why Choose A Powered Motorised Wheelbarrow?
These outdoor tools have a range of uses and can turn what would be a near-impossible task into something much more manageable.
If you have ever struggled with carting a heavy load around the garden then a motorised wheelbarrow will likely solve a lot of problems. What’s more, these robust machines typically have a much greater loading capacity, which makes them ideal for heavier construction work as well as large everyday garden jobs.
Even if you don’t have any problems with strength or mobility, a motorised wheelbarrow can still be a good idea. Rather than wearing yourself out moving multiple loads in any one session, your motorised wheelbarrow will do all of the hard work for you.
You will likely find that a manual wheelbarrow isn’t very versatile and you are limited to placing loads in the tub. However, with a motorised wheelbarrow, there are options for add-ons and extras which make them much more diverse pieces of equipment.
If all of that wasn’t enough, you might consider that using a motorised wheelbarrow is much safer than their manual equivalent. There is no risk of pulling or straining yourself which is a common problem when trying to shift heavy loads.
If these robust and reliable pieces of equipment sound like something that would benefit you, you will need to think about what you expect from your wheelbarrow.
Best Motorised Wheelbarrow Reviews
Below is a short review of my top pick motorised wheelbarrows including their features, batteries, practicalities, benefits, pros and cons.
1. Greenworks Tools 7400007 Cordless Garden Cart Review
When you think of garden tools, Greenworks will be one of the most reputable names that pop into your mind. This brand is synonymous with quality and an impressive garden tool expertise. For this reason, their cordless garden cart deserves a place on my list.
Batteries
One of the most useful things about this Greenworks 7400007 Cordless motorised wheelbarrow is that it makes use of power share batteries. If you already have a selection of Greenworks tools then you can use the same battery across the range.
But this isn’t the only advantage of the Greenworks battery system. You’ll never get stuck in the middle of the garden with a full load thanks to the easy to read LED light system that shows you the battery charge.
Practicalities
This Greenworks 7400007 Cordless motorised wheelbarrow boasts a maximum loading capacity of 100kg making it ideal for heavy-duty garden projects. What’s more, it is fitted with a spring mechanism that makes emptying the load effortless and pain-free. The Capacity (Volume) of the cart is a very respectable 106L / 3.74CUFT.
Many people are concerned that a powered wheelbarrow will be noisy but this one operates extremely quietly, so the peace of your garden won’t be disturbed. What’s more, the product is incredibly easy to start and pretty much hassle-free. All it takes is to hook up the battery and get started.
Once you get going, you have the choice of various speeds with a maximum of 4.2kmh or 2.4kmp when in reverse. What’s more, the Greenworks 7400007 Cordless Garden Cart is really easy to operate. The controls are conveniently located on the handles and are very clear. Of course, without the hassle of cords, this is an incredibly safe piece of equipment.
Safety
Speaking of safety, the Greenworks also comes with a function that prevents unauthorised use by children. This safety start bowl will stop the machine from powering up unintentionally which is essential for people with young families.
Greenworks 7400007 Cordless Motorised Wheelbarrow Video
Pro & Cons
Conclusion
The Greenworks cordless garden cart is a robust piece of equipment that weighs in at 34kg; while this might sound heavy, you need to keep in mind that you won’t need to take any of that weight.
It is made from a combination of steel and poly giving it a very durable design. If you need something that is going to stand the test of time and live up to your expectations of a heavy-duty bit of kit, you won’t be disappointed by the Greenworks garden cart.
What really caught my eye about this wheelbarrow is that it is so affordable. Of course, it does require something of an investment but when you compare it to some other products on the market, it isn’t really a significant one.
You might think that a lower price means that this wheelbarrow won’t offer as much, but when you consider everything that you are getting, it’s really something of a steal!
Where Should I Purchase This Greenworks Cordless Garden Cart?
- MOVE HEAVY LOADS WITHOUT PUSHING - press the safety button to start the motor and turn the throttle to adjust the speed, from very slow to a comfortable walking pace - perfect for big garden projects
- ASSISTED UNLOADING WITH HYDRAULIC POWER - a smooth, heavy duty piston lets you empty the cart quickly and safely, even with heavy loads, whilst the strong motor and large wheels tackle slopes with ease for excellent performance on uneven ground
- VARIABLE SPEED WITH SAFETY CUT FUNCTIONS - two speed settings and a handy reversing function make it easy to control and for total peace of mind, the cart will only work when the security key is in to prevent accidental start-ups
- USE WITH ANY GREENWORKS 40V BATTERY - this is a special 'tool only' package that comes without a battery, so if you already own a Greenworks 40V tool you can use the same battery to save space, cut costs and reduce waste
- 3 YEAR GUARANTEE – by Greenworks, a world leader in electric tools and battery technology, with a global reputation for smart design, high performance and outstanding customer service
Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Greenworks 7400007 Cordless Motorised Wheelbarrow User Manual
Click here to access the Greenworks 7400007 cordless motorised wheelbarrow user manual.
2. Sherpa Power Barrow Review – Battery Powered Tipping Wheelbarrow
The Sherpa power barrow is exactly what you would expect it to be; powerful, robust and utterly unrivalled. If you are looking for something that is going to stand up to every challenge, you ought to consider this one.
The Sherpa power barrow boasts a lightweight yet incredibly robust tubular steel frame. This gives you maximum durability that is ideal for those garden projects that require a little extra muscle.
Performance
Sometimes, it’s either go big or go home, and when we look at the loading capacity of the Sherpa power barrow, it’s not difficult to see that this is a player in the game. It features a strong tub that can shift up to 150kg. To put that into perspective, the tub can hold up to 170 litres, that’s 6 cubic feet, so it isn’t messing about!
The tray is made from galvanised steel which is a material renowned for its ability to resist rust and water damage. There is some suggestion that galvanised steel can last more than a century! While you probably won’t be passing the wheelbarrow down through the family, it’s nice to know it’ll stand the test of time.
Furthermore, the tray sits on a pivoting mechanism and this makes emptying it incredibly quick and easy. If you are going to be moving several loads, you want to get the job done as rapidly as possible and this is a wheelbarrow that will help you to achieve this.
At the back, you will find two castor wheels but at the front is where you will find the action. The Sherpa power barrow is fitted with a strong pneumatic front wheel that has brilliant traction thanks to the chevron-style tread. Inside the front wheel, there is a concealed motor that offers incredible power, giving it the boost it needs to propel the wheelbarrow along without any effort from you.
Practicalities
The Sherpa Power Barrow is fantastically easy to operate with simple and clear controls that are easy to access. There is a variable speed option that can be altered with one-finger controls. You will also find a brake control which is ideal if you are going to be moving over steep ground. That great tread will come in handy here too! Coming down hills could be tricky without this feature and I certainly thought it was a nice touch.
If you need something a little more diverse then the Sherpa can be purchased with a flatbed add-on but this is optional. Using the flatbed gives you the option to move hay bales, boxes and any other bulky items making this a great choice for anyone who needs a commercial wheelbarrow.
Sherpa Power Barrow Video
Pro & Cons
Conclusion
With all the functionality that this wheelbarrow offers, it doesn’t scrimp on aesthetic appeal. If you are looking for something that is going to look as good in the garden as it performs then the Sherpa is a good choice. It boasts a very sleek look with bright orange accents that are very easy on the eye.
You are going to be paying a little extra for this wheelbarrow but the huge range of features and the optional extras make it a very worthwhile investment. What’s more, you are getting the advantage of a very long-lasting and robust piece of equipment.
Where Should I Purchase This Sherpa Power Barrow?
- This is a very high quality self propelled cordless electric wheelbarrow cart. It is of very strong durable construction, with heavy gauge tubular steel making up the frame
- All in all this is a machine to take some of the back-breaking pain out of building, landscaping, clearing and general labouring.
- The capacity of the barrow tray up to the rim is 116 litres (liquid). Solid material (6 cubic feet.)
- Controls are easy to use, the variable speed throttle can be operated with one finger.
- The optional FLATBED CARRIER accessory - a very useful addition to the Sherpa Electric Barrow - great for carrying boxes, bales, timber
Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sherpa Power Barrow User Manual
Click here to access the Sherpa Power Barrow user manual.
3. ZIPPER ZI-EWB500LI Electric Wheelbarrow Review
Batteries/Power
If you are looking for a motorised wheelbarrow that will power through the entire day then the ZIPPER ZI-EWB500LI is a great choice. It runs on a powerful lithium-ion battery that will keep going for up to eight hours. This makes it a brilliant option for those who are doing more demanding projects and perhaps well-suited to commercial use.
The only downside to this lengthy runtime is that the charging time is also relatively long. Once you’ve retired for the day, you are going to need to make sure that the wheelbarrow is charged for four hours if you want the maximum use out of it the next time you come to use it. While this isn’t a massive disadvantage, it is worth keeping in mind.
But its power is not only in its ability to keep going, the ZIPPER ZI-EWB500LI has a very generous loading capacity of 150kg. This is great if you need to shift rocks, rubble or copious amounts of sand, gravel and anything that could be seen as back-breaking.
This isn’t a hugely heavy piece of equipment and while you won’t have to take any of the weight, it is always handy to have a lightweight wheelbarrow. This will make it easier when it comes to storage. Not only is it lightweight but the dimensions mean that this isn’t a wheelbarrow that is going to take up huge amounts of room.
Practicalities
What really stood out for me, however, was the fact that this is one of the best powered wheelbarrows on the market if you are going to be using it on uneven terrain. Powered or not, it can be notoriously tricky to control a wheelbarrow across rugged ground and this then poses a risk of the wheelbarrow tipping.
But the Zipper has a large front wheel that boasts an impressive level of grip. The deep tread on the tyre is more than sufficient for handling rocky, sloped, slippery or uneven ground. Furthermore, the robust design means that no matter what you put it through, the Zipper won’t weaken.
This ZIPPER ZI-EWB500LI is a motorised wheelbarrow that is also incredibly easy to handle. You will notice that the controls are conveniently located near to the handle so you don’t have to strain to reach them. What’s more, there has been a lot of thought put into the overall design. The battery and motor have been positioned in such a way that gives the wheelbarrow a very good amount of balance so it is easy and comfortable to control. In short, it handles like a dream.
ZIPPER ZI-EWB500LI Electric Wheelbarrow Video
Pro & Cons
Conclusion
When you first receive a powered wheelbarrow, you may be concerned that putting it together and getting started will be a challenge but the opposite is true of the Zipper. It comes with minimal assembly and the battery comes fully charged meaning that you can get on with the job.
You will not be disappointed with this ZIPPER ZI-EWB500LI Electric Wheelbarrow, it is built to last, compact and has significantly longer runtimes.
Where Should I Purchase This ZIPPER ZI-EWB500LI?
- Ideal for transporting bulk goods even in challenging terrain around the home, yard and garden.
- Efficient working thanks to powerful lithium battery with life up to 8 hours.
- Convenient and safe control thanks to the control element on the right handle.
- Optimal handling thanks to balanced motor/battery positioning.
- 75 litre holding capacity and max. load capacity of 150 kg, speed up to 7 km/h.
Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
ZIPPER ZI-EWB500LI User Manual
Click here to access the ZIPPER ZI-EWB500LI user manual.
Buyers Guide For Motorised Wheelbarrows
With all the will in the world it can be very easy to fall into the trap of purchasing the first powered wheelbarrow that you lay eyes on. While you might get lucky and stumble upon a pretty decent product, it is best to weigh up the pros and cons of each wheelbarrow.
Looking at the various features and comparing these to your individual needs is the best way to determine if a wheelbarrow is going to be up to your standards.
With this in mind let’s take a look at what you should look for in a powered wheelbarrow.
What Makes A Good Motorised Wheelbarrow?
Load Capacity
Powered wheelbarrows typically have a much greater loading capacity than manual ones and this makes them ideal for heavy duty work. In some cases, they can handle weights up to 500kg and this is perfect for commercial work.
However, you should think about the size that will work best for your needs. If you are only going to be moving small loads, there is little point spending unnecessarily on buying a wheelbarrow that is going to be inevitably bigger, more difficult to store and generally bulkier.
Conversely, if you are going to be shifting very heavy loads, you should make sure that the wheelbarrow you choose can handle this. Overloading a powered wheelbarrow can put a lot of stress on the equipment and potentially even cause issues with the motor. Overloading your powered wheelbarrow will also have a significantly negative impact on the battery run-time.
You might also consider buying a wheelbarrow that has add-ons which will give you the ability to move larger or more cumbersome items.
Number Of Wheels
If you are in need of something that is incredibly stable, then there is no doubt in my mind that a four-wheeled powered wheelbarrow is going to be your best bet. These models are great for going over uneven ground and give you a level of stability that cannot be achieved with a three wheeled model.
However, if it is manoeuvrability that you are looking for then you won’t go wrong with three wheels. While they may not be quite as stable, this single front wheel offers amazing ease of movement and is generally much better suited to spaces where there may be tight corners or narrow walkways. The turning circle on a three wheeled powered model is, by design, going to be significantly less compared to a four wheeled model.
Alternatively, there are powered wheelbarrows that feature tracks as opposed to wheels and these can prove particularly useful if you are having to navigate steep slopes. Typically, you would find this type of wheelbarrow on a commercial building site, but if the need is there, there is no reason why they cannot be used at a domestic level.
Durability
Buying a motorised wheelbarrow is, without a doubt, a costly venture. Even if you go for a budget model, you will still have to part with a few hundred quid and that isn’t something that you want to just throw away.
For this reason, it is vital that you source a motorised wheelbarrow that is well-made and constructed from robust materials.
One of the most commonly used materials for powered wheelbarrows is steel. Not only is this a very lightweight material, but it is also extremely durable. Steel will do well under the strain of a heavy load, but is also very good at resisting extreme weather.
While I would never suggest leaving a battery-operated piece of equipment out in the rain, if you happen to get caught in a shower, the time it takes to get the wheelbarrow under cover won’t cause the steel to rust.
You may also find some powered wheelbarrows with a plastic tray and while, for the most part, these are durable, they will wear more quickly than steel. For this reason, I would recommend a plastic tray for slightly less heavy-duty jobs.
Battery & Charger
You want to consider how long the battery on your new powered wheelbarrow will last. The last thing you want is a battery that dies halfway through a job and takes hours before it is ready to use again.
For the most part, you will find that motorised wheelbarrows do have a good run-time, but they can take some time to recharge. For example, a typical 40volt 4.0Ah battery will provide around 45 minutes of run-time working with a standard load. The charge time will depend on whether or not you have a standard or fast charger. The difference between these can be significant up to 60%, so one to watch out for.
Looking for a product that makes use of Power Share batteries can be useful as this will mean that you will already have one of several batteries, if you purchase several tools from the same brand.
Features
Some motorised wheelbarrows will provide a singe speed, whilst others will offer a variable speed drive. These variable speeds will normally range from 2km/h to 4km/h and are a great feature as you can adjust to fit your preferred walking speed and terrain.
Another great feature is to ensure that your motorised wheelbarrow can power backwards. This is great if you are tipping heavy rocks, for example, and need to reverse to allow the rocks to empty from the tray.
Something else to watch out for is how the tray lifts from the wheelbarrow. Some models are spring supported making the tipping process that much easier. Also consider the size and the location of the tipping handle.
Powered Wheelbarrow Tray Size
Powered wheelbarrows are always going to be bigger than their manual counterparts because of the addition of the motor and battery. This generally means that they will be heavier too. Although, with that in mind, there are several lightweight models.
The size of the wheelbarrow will largely depend on the load capacity; something that can carry 500kg is naturally going to be bigger and deeper than something designed to carry 150kg loads. So, you should think about whether you have ample storage space to safely store your wheelbarrow.
Safety Features
Ensure you investigate the powered wheelbarrow safety features. Some will come with removeable safety keys to stop the wheelbarrow being started accidentally by unauthorised people or children.
Cost
Buying a motorised wheelbarrow is going to cost you a lot more than a manual version. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing since you will be getting a lot for your money. Prices range from £400 for a basic battery model to well over £2,000 for a petrol model.
Most models are powerful, strong and very reliable so it is a great investment. However, you should try to get the most for your budget and make sure that you aren’t spending money on something inferior. Always look for not only how long the warranty is on both the wheelbarrow and the batteries, but also the level of support and spare parts the brand has to offer. This will ensure that your powered wheelbarrow will serve you for years to come and make a great investment.
Motorised Wheelbarrows Conclusion
Motorised wheelbarrows are very handy to have around the garden, especially if you will be tackling a large project. These products come in all shapes and sizes, but the best motorised wheelbarrows are powerful and can shift impressive loads. Even if you are not using your powered wheelbarrow for large projects, you will find that you are continuously using it around the garden to move items from one place to another.
Where a manual wheelbarrow might only be able to move up to 100kg, a powered version could shift several times this weight with no physical effort.
However, since these wheelbarrows don’t come cheap, it is worth doing your research before you commit to a model. Looking at the load capacity, weight, size, durability, run time, charge time and other aspects can help you choose a reliable battery powered wheelbarrow.
Listed above are some of my favourite motorised wheelbarrows; each is great for moving heavy loads and is easy to operate. Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll benefit from much easier and less strained work in the garden, and I know you’ll never look back! If however, you have any questions feel free to use the comments box below and I will be happy to respond.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
Thank you for your detailed reviews of the electric wheelbarrow, I am looking at the zipper do you know if it can be used manually I.e down hills and if the battery runs out , thank you in advance , I know the Sherpa can run manually but wanted something light weight
It would be helpful if you could always indicate which barrows come with batteries and charger as this seriously affects the price.
Thanks for your comment, I will be sure to add this to my future reviews.