A wheelbarrow is a familiar way to move soil, mulch and plants, but it is also a tool that ergonomics experts treat with some caution. Rutgers Cooperative Extension advises gardeners to avoid wheelbarrows where they can and use a two-wheeled garden cart, which causes less strain. If you do use a wheelbarrow, the advice below from Rutgers, UC Berkeley, NIOSH and university extension tool-care guides will help you choose and use it more safely.

Short version: Look for wheels of at least 6 inches and handles you can grip well, keep loads light enough to handle, lift with your legs rather than your back, and clean and oil the tray and handles to prevent rust and splitting.

Choosing a Wheelbarrow: Tray, Wheels and Capacity

When you select a wheelbarrow, focus on three features: the tray, the wheel (or wheels), and the overall capacity. A metal tray can rust if not cared for. According to the University of Illinois Extension, metal surfaces should be cleaned and lightly oiled after use to prevent rust. Washington State University Extension notes that stainless steel tools avoid rust problems. For wooden handles, both Illinois and WSU advise sanding rough spots and applying linseed oil to protect the wood from drying and splitting.

Wheel size matters more than many gardeners realize. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that larger wheels, with a minimum diameter of 6 inches, move more easily over holes, bumps, and irregular ground. NIOSH also advises choosing wheeled equipment that reduces rolling resistance and keeping wheels maintained.

Handle design affects your grip and control. NIOSH explains that when you grasp a handle with a diameter between 1.25 and 2 inches and keep your wrist straight, you use a power grip that can provide up to 75% more strength than a pinch grip. Some wheelbarrows have vertical handles; NIOSH suggests that vertical handles can help keep your hands in your power zone, the area between your shoulders and hips where you have the most strength and comfort.

Capacity is not just about how much the tray holds. NIOSH recommends knowing your load and buying equipment of appropriate capacity, and it reminds users that lighter-weight equipment is easier to move. The University of California, Berkeley, advises breaking down heavy items like bags of soil into smaller containers before lifting them into the wheelbarrow. NIOSH’s lifting equation sets a recommended weight limit of 51 pounds for two-handed lifting under ideal conditions; factors like lifting height, distance from the body, and twisting reduce that limit. While a wheelbarrow carries the weight once loaded, you still need to lift materials into the tray, so keeping individual loads manageable protects your back.

Using a Wheelbarrow Safely

How you move a wheelbarrow is just as important as what you put in it. Rutgers says to try to push rather than pull, and NIOSH warns against carrying loads that limit or obstruct your vision.

Before you lift anything into the tray, check the load for stability and weight, as NIOSH advises. If a bag of compost is too heavy or unstable, divide it into smaller amounts. UC Berkeley echoes this, urging gardeners to check the weight of a load before lifting and to break down heavier items. When you do lift, keep the object close to your body and use your legs to push up, not your back. Both UC Berkeley and Rutgers Cooperative Extension warn against bending at the waist; instead, squat or go down on one knee to get low while keeping your back’s natural curves.

Rutgers specifically cautions that wheelbarrows can cause strain and notes that a two-wheeled garden cart causes less strain. If you regularly move heavy or bulky materials, a cart may be a better long-term choice. For wheelbarrow users, the key is to avoid twisting. Face the direction you are moving and step to turn rather than rotating your torso. UC Berkeley emphasizes keeping work within the safe zone between your shoulders and hips; if you have to reach outside that zone to lift or dump the load, reposition yourself or use a mechanical aid.

Gloves can help or hinder your grip. NIOSH points out that wearing gloves, especially thick or heat-resistant ones, can reduce grip strength by up to 40 percent for a single pair and up to 60 percent for two pairs. UC Berkeley also recommends wearing good gloves to protect your hands.

Take frequent rest breaks and alternate heavy tasks with lighter ones. Both NIOSH and UC Berkeley stress that recovery time and task rotation reduce the cumulative strain on your body. If a load feels too heavy or the path is uneven, reduce the weight or ask for help. NIOSH says team lifting can cut the load in half, but only as a temporary measure and with a plan so movements are coordinated.

Wheelbarrow Maintenance: Tray, Handles and Wheels

A wheelbarrow left outside with soil caked on the tray will rust quickly. The University of Illinois Extension recommends removing soil with a wire brush, paint scraper, or a strong blast from a hose, then wiping metal surfaces dry and applying a light coat of oil such as WD-40. Washington State University Extension suggests setting up a simple cleaning station: a stiff wire brush, a rag, and a bucket filled with sand or kitty litter moistened with mineral or linseed oil. That station suits hand tools such as shovels and forks; for the wheelbarrow tray, rinse, dry and wipe on a light coat of oil.

If rust has already formed, WSU advises soaking the affected area in a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water for up to 24 hours, then wiping it dry and using steel wool to remove the rust. For severe rust, you may need sandpaper or a wire brush attachment on a drill, but always wear safety glasses and use a light circular motion to avoid thinning the metal. After any de-rusting, wipe the tray with oil.

Wooden handles need attention too. Illinois and WSU both say to sand away rough spots and apply a protective coat of linseed oil. WSU recommends doing this twice each season: sand with medium-grit sandpaper, then rub with a linseed oil rag. Let the rag dry in the open air to avoid any risk of combustion. Store the wheelbarrow indoors or under cover, off the ground, to keep moisture away from the wood and metal.

Don’t forget the wheel. NIOSH states that it is important to clean, lubricate, and replace wheels on a regular basis. Follow the maker’s instructions for lubricating the wheel.

Wheelbarrow vs. Two-Wheeled Garden Cart

The choice between a single-wheel wheelbarrow and a two-wheeled cart comes down to stability, maneuverability, and the type of loads you move. The table below compares the two based on guidance from Rutgers and NIOSH.

Feature Single-Wheel Wheelbarrow Two-Wheeled Garden Cart
Strain (Rutgers) Rutgers advises avoiding wheelbarrows Causes less strain, per Rutgers
Wheel size (NIOSH) Look for at least 6 inches in diameter Same: larger wheels move more easily over holes and bumps
Turning in tight spaces (NIOSH) Check how it handles your paths NIOSH notes four swivel casters help in tight spaces
Pushing (Rutgers) Push rather than pull Push rather than pull

Frequently asked questions

Should I push or pull a wheelbarrow?

Rutgers Cooperative Extension says to try to push rather than pull. Keep the load close when you lift it into the tray, and avoid twisting.

How do I prevent rust on a metal wheelbarrow tray?

Clean the tray after each use to remove soil and moisture. The University of Illinois Extension suggests a wire brush and a light coat of oil. Wipe the dry tray with a light coat of oil. If rust appears, soak the area in a vinegar-water solution and use steel wool to remove it, then oil the metal.

What size wheel is best for a wheelbarrow?

NIOSH advises that larger wheels, with a minimum diameter of 6 inches, move more easily over holes, bumps, and uneven surfaces.

For more on carts, wagons, and tool storage, see our Carts & Storage page. You may also want to read our comparison of garden carts and wheelbarrows and our guide to garden wagons. Proper tool storage and a seasonal maintenance routine will keep all your equipment in good shape.

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