When doing heavy lifting while at work, sometimes one of the greatest tools you can use is the simple wheelbarrow. It is easier to lift a load in a wheelbarrow because it takes the weight off your hands and places it into a carrier that is easy to move and easy to work with.

The best wheelbarrow in 2025 is the Moss Galvanised Wheelbarrow, closely followed by the Paragon Raptor, the Paragon Rocket, and the Kelso Poly Tray. The Moss Galvanised Wheelbarrow is the best because it is designed for the professional tradesman – and will save you time, energy and money on the job.

If you look at the current market for wheelbarrows, your choices can be kind of overwhelming! There are a ton of different brands, materials, and other qualities to consider. With so many options, how do you know which one is the best wheelbarrow for you?

Best Wheelbarrow 2025 – Moss Galvanised Wheelbarrow

Our top pick for the best wheelbarrow of 2025 would have to be the Galvanised Wheelbarrow from Moss. This high-quality, sturdy, galvanized wheelbarrow has an extra-long life to handle all your toughest jobs.

The painted hardwood handles are perfectly designed for a comfortable grip and the legs are solid steel with skid wear pads. The deep tray of the Galvanized Moss Wheelbarrow has a steel build, with extra reinforcing around the top of the tray and underneath. This is a highly durable barrow that will stand the test of time.

The tyre is a 4ply Kendra tyre, made for heavy duty work, with a solid metal rim and deep groove ball bearings. As some have said, it is “simply the best wheelbarrow to roll across this earth.”

The Moss Galvanised Barrow also holds more weight than most wheelbarrows with a capacity of 110 L wet or 160 L dry.

The Moss Wheelbarrow is strong and can handle all loads making it the best wheelbarrow for concrete and other heavy materials.

So, if you want the best, by our marks, and by the public of Australia, head over to our store and buy the Galvanised Moss Wheelbarrow! We promise that you’ll be satisfied with the Australian Made quality.

Paragon Raptor Wheelbarrow

The Paragon Raptor Heavy Duty Wheelbarrow is the cost-friendly cousin of the Moss Wheelbarrow.

This high-capacity wheelbarrow has a reinforced base and solid steel legs to make it sturdy enough to take on your heavy lifting jobs, along with an arched and reinforced lip that makes it perfect for pouring. This is going to be the best wheelbarrow for bricklayers and landscapers.

The waterproof-treated handles mean you can work even in the rain (before it gets too muddy to roll, of course) and the sturdy wheel is perfect for easy manoeuvrability.

If you are wondering what size is a standard wheelbarrow, the Raptor is a good example at 32 kg with a capacity of 100 litres or 3.5 cubic feet.

The best part of this brand? You can order individual parts to help extend the life of this wheelbarrow. For an all-around great choice for quality combined with affordability, head to our store page to buy the Paragon Raptor Heavy Duty Wheelbarrow!

Paragon Rocket Wheelbarrow

The Paragon Rocket Square Tray Heavy Duty Wheelbarrow is a perfect choice on a construction site. It runs about the same cost as the Paragon Raptor and has most of the same features: reinforced base and rim, solid steel legs, and a heavy-duty tyre.

This barrow is the best for bricks because of its squared corners.

The moisture-resistant eucalyptus hardwood handles are durable and comfy in the hands. The big difference: the squared tray. The squared tray is roomy and stable, making it ideal for carrying things like bricks or other building materials.

In terms of build, the Paragon Rocket Wheelbarrow is very similar to the Paragon Raptor, just with a different tray shape. You’re also able to order spare parts for this model to extend its life, so keep that in mind for later down the track. You’ll certainly be in sturdy hands if you decide to buy the Paragon Rocket Wheelbarrow. Check out our store page for details.

Kelso Poly Tray Wheelbarrow

The Kelso Poly Tray Wheelbarrow is the budget-friendly tool for those who need something sturdy for all kinds of loads. This poly-based deep tray wheelbarrow features powder coated steel handles with comfy grips, a steel frame for extra support, and steel legs for all-around strength.

It also boasts a wide based flat-free wheel with a steel rim, as well as a built-in shockboard for extra stability when you hit that rocky terrain on the job!

The Kelso Poly Tray Wheelbarrow is the best budget wheelbarrow for sale, offering great quality for you and your team at an affordable price.

Of course, there are many different aspects that go into each barrow, and it’s important to consider all of them when you are choosing your wheelbarrow. There are so many options to choose from and we’re here to help you find the right choice for you, so follow along with us in this article as we go over some key aspects of any wheelbarrow, follows by our top recommendations for any and all tradies looking to get their hands on the best wheelbarrows for sale!

What Should I Look For In a Wheelbarrow?

The main things you need to look for in a wheelbarrow are strength, durability, manoeuvrability, longevity and a good weight. You want overall reliability, and these different aspects achieve that. The main characteristics of any wheelbarrow provide these things include the main material, the handle design, the wheels, the tyres, and the overall size.

Why do I need a good wheelbarrow?

In the construction industry, professionals need to have the right gear. Workers on a construction site put in difficult hours often under the hot sun and without the right wheelbarrow, a small job could take forever. The heavy lifting and hauling that gets done without a wheelbarrow can tire workers out quickly and even lead to injury.

With over $31 billion spent in the Australian DIY market, even homeowners working on their home and gardening projects need to have the right gear.

The difference between getting a job finished and having a project take forever can be how well equipped you are. When you’ve got the best wheelbarrow, work is much easier, you won’t cut corners, and you’ll get your building done quickly.

How much can a standard wheelbarrow hold?

Most wheelbarrows hold up to 100 litres in total capacity. However, the Moss Galvanised wheelbarrow goes above and beyond because it can hold up to 160 litres dry. This is just one of many reasons why a Moss wheelbarrow is our choice for the best wheelbarrow in 2025.

Plastic vs Steel Wheelbarrow

When it comes to your barrow’s bucket, it’s important to consider if you want a plastic vs steel wheelbarrow because they are better suited for different tasks. Both are excellent for their own purposes, but the material that works best for you will depend on things like your budget or the kind of material you’re transporting. Plastic or poly wheelbarrows are more lightweight and manoeuvrable, while steel wheel barrows provide extra durability and longevity onsite.

So, the big question – are poly wheelbarrows better than steel? While plastic can be more durable than you think, it’s still best suited for light duty work. Plastic buckets are lighter and better for your back and your spine when doing long days of work. If you’re mostly moving large bags of sand or dirt, plastic should be no problem.

You’ll run into problems when you start dealing with heavy, jagged material. Moving construction waste that includes big concrete stones, rebar, glass, and other sharp materials can take a toll on a plastic bucket. You’ll tear through it sooner than you might a sturdier bucket.

This is the reason you might want to go with a steel wheelbarrow. If you can’t predict the weight, you’ll be managing or the type of material, steel might be the answer. A steel wheelbarrow will handle any material you throw in and will be durable enough to last for years. You can even get a premium galvanised steel wheelbarrow bucket – it just gives you that extra strength and life.

Another option is the lightweight, foldable canvas wheelbarrows but these are more for light gardening work. If you’re doing any kind of serious construction, your money will be wasted on a canvas wheelbarrow – it is unlikely to last a day.

What is the best material for a wheelbarrow?

If you are looking for a wheel barrow that is easy to move around and is allows you to work more comfortably, go with a poly wheelbarrow. Steel barrows are better suited for heavier materials and are built to last.

Are Steel or Wood Wheelbarrow Handles Better?

An important question to consider regarding your wheelbarrow design is whether steel or wood wheelbarrow handles are better for your needs. The two most common types of wheelbarrow handles are wood handles and steel handles which begs the question of which is best. If comfort is your main focus, then wooden handles are perfect. However, if you are after wheelbarrow handles that are long lasting, grab a barrow with steel handles for maximum durability.

If you know the importance of wearing gloves when you’re doing construction work, you shouldn’t overlook how important the handles of your wheelbarrow are. Having the best wheelbarrow handles makes it easier to handle repetitive work throughout a shift without much hassle.

Wood handles are a bit more comfortable than steel handles. A benefit on a stinking hot Australian summer day is that wooden wheelbarrow handles don’t heat up. Often professional tradesmen prefer a wooden handle – they are more comfortable for repetitive use as the flex and ‘give’ reduces strain on the upper body.

Steel Wheelbarrow handles offer higher levels of strength and durability. Wooden handles can break on impact if the wheelbarrow is dropped, but that less likely with a steel handle. To top it off, you can get galvanised steel handles, as they are more rust resistant than the powder coated type of wheelbarrow handle.

Is One or Two Wheels Better on a Wheelbarrow?

When it comes to the amount of wheels on your wheelbarrow, a two wheeled model is better if you need something that is stable and reliable. However, if you want a lot of mobility and ease of use then a one wheel design is better.

You may not have realised it before, but your barrow’s wheels can be a major factor in whether it works for you. Almost all wheel barrows have either one or two wheels, and choosing one or the other is essential to having a good work experience.

A single wheel design is the most traditional style of wheelbarrow. This design puts just one wheel at the furthest edge from the handles, centred with the rest of the body. This kind of wheelbarrow makes the process of manoeuvring and dumping your bucket a whole lot easier. You might find it requires a lot of strength to control the wheelbarrow. With a sort of tripod design, a one-wheeled wheelbarrow is the most common type you’ll find in home and garden shops.

Wheelbarrows with two wheels located at the end can offer a lot more stability. But their biggest downfall is that you won’t get as much manoeuvring out of the two-wheeled models.

What is the Best Wheelbarrow Tyre?

Pneumatic tyres work best on soft or uneven ground, while non-pneumatic tyres perform well on sharp or rough terrain. If your worksite includes a mix of surfaces, semi-pneumatic tyres provide a balanced solution.

Your choice of tyre affects how easily you can move loads. Think about your terrain, the distance you need to cover, and how often you’ll use the wheelbarrow. These factors will help you pick the right type.

What Types of Wheelbarrow Tyres Are There?

Most wheelbarrows use rubber tyres, which come in three main types:

1. Pneumatic Tyres

These tyres have inflatable inner tubes and absorb shocks well. They’re ideal for regular or bumpy terrain. The air-filled design cushions movement, making them easier to handle on uneven ground. However, they can puncture on sharp objects. Keep an eye on the air pressure to avoid underinflation or flats.

2.Non-Pneumatic Tyres

Made from solid rubber, these tyres are highly durable. They don’t go flat, so they’re ideal for harsh, jagged terrain. While the ride is rougher, that’s not a problem unless you’re transporting fragile items. Their tough build makes them great for heavy-duty jobs.

3.Semi-Pneumatic Tyres

These tyres offer the best of both worlds. They contain air pockets for cushioning but don’t require inflation. Although they aren’t tailored for one specific surface, they work reasonably well on most terrains.

What is the best size tyre on a wheelbarrow?

Most wheelbarrow tyres range between 13 and 16 inches in diameter. However, not all tyres are universal. When replacing a tyre, always check that it fits your wheelbarrow model.

What is the Normal Size of a Wheelbarrow?

A typical garden wheelbarrow holds about 56 to 85 litres of wet material. This size affects how much you can move in a single trip. Choose based on your work environment, how much material you need to move, and what type of materials you’re handling.

For general gardening and light yard work, a standard wheelbarrow will do. These usually carry 60 to 80 litres of wet material, depending on the model.

For tradespeople and heavy-duty jobs, builder’s wheelbarrows are better. They’re made from stronger materials and often hold 100 litres wet—sometimes up to 110 litres wet and 160 litres dry. Moss Wheelbarrows offer several high-capacity models ideal for tough jobs. These barrows are built to withstand rough conditions and frequent use on demanding worksites.

Which Wheelbarrow Requires Less Effort to Carry the Same Load?

To reduce effort, choose a wheelbarrow with larger wheels, better balance, and longer handles.

Large wheels make it easier to roll heavy loads. They reduce the strain on you by distributing the weight more evenly. While small wheels turn tighter, large wheels give you more control and stability.

Longer handles improve leverage. They make lifting and tipping easier and reduce the angle needed to dump contents. This gives you better control throughout the job.

Balanced wheelbarrows are the easiest to use. An unbalanced barrow requires more attention to keep it steady. Good balance means smoother control and less energy used from start to finish.

The Best Wheelbarrows in Australia

Whether you’re a landscaper, bricklayer, or mason, the right wheelbarrow can make your job faster and easier. Choosing a model suited to your tasks gives you better control and efficiency on site. At Canberra Diamond Blade Suppliers, we stock a range of high-quality wheelbarrows, so you can choose from the best options available.

Each type of wheelbarrow offers unique benefits in strength and function. Our top pick for 2025 is the Moss Wheelbarrow Galvanized, which even earned praise from Burke’s Backyard. It’s a premium investment, but well worth it. For excellent performance at a lower cost, consider the Paragon Raptor or Paragon Rocket models. And for a budget-friendly option that gets the job done, the Kelso Poly Tray Wheelbarrow is a reliable choice.

Need help choosing? Call us on 02 6242 8996 or use our contact form, or drop into our Mitchell store if you’re in Canberra. We’re always happy to help you find the best wheelbarrow for your needs.

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