Wheelbarrow...

[Bimmer74]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a wheelbarrow, and I can't find what I want.

I want two wheels, and a steel tub.

Two wheels are easy — they're sold everywhere, but always with a plastic tub.

A steel tub is easy to find, but they're always with only one wheel.

Please advise...

 

[JasonW]

I was just looking at one of those on a manufacturer website a couple weeks ago. I will try to find it again.

Here is another:
http://www.braunerequipment.com/archives/6363
Of course, no price . . .

Another:

http://www.saferwholesale.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SKU- 4567 Wheelbarrow

and ACE Hardware (out of stock?)

http://www.shopping.com/Ace-Hardwar...ontractor-Steel-Wheelbarrow-Ace-Hardware/info

 

[Bimmer74]

Thank you!

I'm guessing the Jescraft is atrociously expensive. I wish the one from Safer was bigger than 5 cubic feet, but I can live with that...

 

[JasonW]

Sorry, I am at a loss for that other manufacturer, but I seem to recall they were expensive too.

I'm with you on the Jescraft. The website kind of says 'If you have to ask . . .'

Wouldn't hurt to call your local ACE hardware if you have one and ask about availability. Theirs was a 6 CF I believe. Also, if you have a 'sand and gravel' supply that your local contractors use, call them. Some contractors prefer the two wheel versions for safety reasons. They might be able to give you a lead. Alternatively, buy one with a plastic tub and keep your eyes open on craigslist for a cheap metal tub to retrofit it with later.

 

[Bimmer74]

I'm with you on the Jescraft. The website kind of says 'If you have to ask . . .'

I found the Jescraft:

http://www.acetoolonline.com/Jescraft-SWK-620-Wheelbarrow-Kit-Dual-Wheel-p/jes-swk-620.htm

But $140 plus shipping is pretty steep.

Also, if you have a 'sand and gravel' supply that your local contractors use, call them. Some contractors prefer the two wheel versions for safety reasons.

This is exactly why I want one with 2-wheels. I can't see any advantage to the single wheel except being able to roll it up a board to dump it into a dumpster (and I don't see myself doing that).

Alternatively, buy one with a plastic tub and keep your eyes open on craigslist for a cheap metal tub to retrofit it with later.

You're right, I think I'll buy a duallie with a plastic tub, and if/when I bust the plastic tub, then I'll buy a steel single wheeler for the tub...

 

[tomshep]

Next barrow I get I am getting plastic. Mine is metal and pretty rusted through. I can't see how I would put so much weight in a plastic it would be a strength issue. Longer life and dual wheels are the next purchase.

My how age makes you look for simpler things....

Tom

 

[honcho]

I have a sears craftsman 6 or 8 cf, 2 wheels, steel tub. I like it a lot other than the surface corrosion

Plastic tubs are nice too, but they do crack too easily.

 

[Bimmer74]

I can't see how I would put so much weight in a plastic it would be a strength issue.

I use mine to haul big potted plants and big rocks... everybody uses riverrock for landscaping around here.

I'm not worried about surface rust, and I simply store mine on end down so that it doesn't sit full of water.

I have a sears craftsman 6 or 8 cf, 2 wheels, steel tub.

Can you point me to this? I can't find any kind of Craftsman wheelbarrow, only parts. I'm guessing they don't make it anymore.

 

[JasonW]

Too bad about Sears Craftsman (and tool quality in general). My dad (a part time general contractor) still has the same Craftsman steel tub wheelbarrow I remember pushing around as a kid in the 70's and 80's. It recently got a new tire and could clearly use a coat of paint but after a ton of loads to dirt and wet cement she is still going strong. One thing my dad used to do with all his 'yard' tools (including the wheelbarrow) was dip the handles in yellow oil based paint. At the time the point was to make his tools easily identifiable. Over the long term it has meant that the handles have stayed smooth and easy on the hands. Should probably do it to all my tools.

I'm sure the steel tubs today aren't as heavy as that old Craftsman but my 6 year old blue Home Depot special is holding up fine so far. Minimal surface rust and a handful of small interior divots from chunks of concrete tossed from afar. As Bimmer said, store the wheelbarrow on end (and wash it out when you are finished). Keeping the tire out of the sun doesn't hurt either. I expect my steel tub will outlast a plastic one. Just depends on the type of work your are doing I suppose.

 

[Bimmer74]

One thing my dad used to do with all his 'yard' tools (including the wheelbarrow) was dip the handles in yellow oil based paint. At the time the point was to make his tools easily identifiable. Over the long term it has meant that the handles have stayed smooth and easy on the hands. Should probably do it to all my tools.

I bought a can of Plasti-Dip to do the **** of a rifle stock. Then I tried doing the handles on several tools.

Once I started, I wound up doing everything that didn't already have a decent rubber grip (which is virtually everything).

I'm now on my fourth can of Plasti-Dip...

Minimal surface rust and a handful of small interior divots from chunks of concrete tossed from afar.

This is the same as the 10-year old "True Temper" steel wheelbarrow that came with the house we're renting. I just can't imagine a plastic tub holding up to the same kind of abuse, and if the rust ever bothers me, then maybe I can use one of those paint-on bedliners...

 

[honcho]

I use mine to haul big potted plants and big rocks... everybody uses riverrock for landscaping around here.

I'm not worried about surface rust, and I simply store mine on end down so that it doesn't sit full of water.

Can you point me to this? I can't find any kind of Craftsman wheelbarrow, only parts. I'm guessing they don't make it anymore.

I went on looking on the sears site after posting about my steel two-wheeled barrow and it appears they don't carry it anymore.