Carting heaps of compost around your yard is challenging, especially when it’s a heavy load. Trying to push a few hundred pounds up a slight gradient will leave you feeling like you spent a few hours working out in the gym. After all, there’s a reason why farm boys grow up so big and strong – it’s all the heavy lifting.
Fortunately, gardening doesn’t have to tire you out. Motorized wheelbarrows can help you move fertilizer, gravel, and other heavy materials anywhere in your yard. These machines are handy for people that find themselves doing plenty of gardening work, and they’re a must-have tool for landscapers.
In this review, we’ll look at the top motorized wheelbarrow models, and make a few suggestions for our top picks. We also attached a buyer’s guide to help you with choosing the right model for your yard and yardwork applications.
Our Top Picks
In case you don’t have the time to read through this entire review, you can rely on our top choices. We looked through the top models and came up with these three offerings in specific categories.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Best Pick: The YardMax YD8103
The YardMax YD8103 wins our top pick for the best overall motorized wheelbarrow in this review. This barrow has everything you need to move loads around the yard effortlessly. It’s not an industrial machine so that we wouldn’t recommend it for landscapers, but for homeowners with larger properties, this model is your top choice. - Runner Up Pick: Makita XUC01X1
Everyone knows Makita power tools, and they deliver another product that lives up to the brand’s reputation with this motorized wheelbarrow. This machine will last you a lifetime, featuring top-quality components, ergonomic design, and easy operator functionality. - Budget Pick: Landworks Wheelbarrow Utility CartSnapper Garden Cart
If you’re a senior and looking for some help around the garden. A motorized wheelbarrow can help you with plenty of tasks. This model by Landworks is affordable and has everything you need to complete your yard work.
Motorized Wheelbarrow Reviews
Now that you know our top picks for the best motorized wheelbarrow, let’s unpack the offerings in further detail, and look at some other top models.
YardMax YD8103
The YARDMAX YD8103 wins our top spot as the best motorized wheelbarrow in this review. This little monster of a wheelbarrow can tackle any task in the garden, and it can handle minor landscaping duties as well.
This model features a spacious 4.4-cubic foot hopper made from durable plastic. With a load capacity rated for 660-lbs on level surfaces, the YardMax is like your mini workhorse for your yard. This machine suits people with larger gardens or estates. Some landscapers may also find the machine suitable for contract work.
The powerful 208cc Briggs & Stratton motor provides the machine with enough power to move the heaviest payloads up gradients up to 12-degrees. For those nosey neighbors that report you for breaking bylaws, the YardMax B&S engine is both CARB and EPA certified, meaning that it complies with all environmental safety regulations for noise and emissions.
The heavy-duty transmission drives the power from the engine through a 4-speed gearbox. You get three forward gears and a reverse for the machine. The all-wheel-drive propulsion of this motorized wheelbarrow allows you to traverse the most rugged terrain on any job site. The treaded tires provide traction in wet weather or on the rocky areas of your estate.
- Tracks offer all-terrain traction and stability across uneven, muddy and wet ground. Uneven, muddy and wet ground
- Powered by Briggs & Stratton 900 series engine
- Multi-speed heavy-duty transmissions (3 forward speeds plus reverse)
- 660 lb capacity (level ground)
- Solid steel hopper, frame, and handles for durability
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The short wheelbase on this model allows for easy movement and near zero-turn functionality. This machine will get over bumps and cracks without any issues, providing you with enough support to get your payload to any point in your garden. Gravel, mud, over roots and rocks – The YardMax YD4103 is a fantastic professional-grade machine.
One drawback of the tires on this model is that the tread may be too rugged for manicured lawns. Landscapers should ensure they don’t carry heavy loads over sensitive grass areas that may cause damage to the grass. Another alternative is to purchase a set of turf tires along with your YD4103. Turf tires have less traction than the standard tires, but they won’t rip up your lawn either.
The user experience of this machine is a lot different from our initial expectations. The size and look of this model aren’t easy on the eyes like the Greenworks of the Makita. This model looks like it could belong on a farm or plot.
The machine weight 350-lbs unloaded, and it seems like it might be cumbersome to move around. However, the reality is that this motorized wheelbarrow moves and handles like it weighs 20-lbs. The agile movement and maneuverability of this model make it suitable for use in gardens and on estates.
- All-wheel drive with self-propulsion
- Gas powered model with powerful Briggs & Stratton 208cc motor
- Clutch-controlled movement and braking
- Up to 660-lbs payload in the hopper
- 4-speed transmission
- One-handed dump release
- Zero-turn radius
- Rugged, treaded, air-filled tires
- Well-balanced despite short wheelbase
- Might be too big for smaller gardens
- Gas-powered motor might be unattractive for some users
Makita XUC01X1
If you’re a home gardener looking for the best motorized wheelbarrow you can buy, the Makita XUC01X1 is your best option. This model was the runner up in this review. Everyone that’s into power tools knows that Makita is a leading brand in the DIY and semi-industrial market.
When you purchase a Makita product, you know it comes with the best components, design, and engineering. Makita builds products to last, and you can expect this wheelbarrow to last you a lifetime. Contractors and landscapers will love the Makita. While the load bay is smaller, with a capacity of 275-lbs, it’s still a durable and robust machine that stands up to the challenges of any job site.
While the Makita can move easily around a contracting site, it’s also small and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for medium to large gardens.
- Up to 100 minutes of run time with two 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries (batteries sold separately)
- Powered by (1) 18V LXT battery with the option to insert (1) additional battery for extended run time (batteries sold separately)
- Makita-built BL Brushless Motor for optimal performance
- 290 lbs. maximum load capacity
- Steel bucket provides 3 cu. ft. capacity
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Makita comes with a set of features that make it stand out as one of the most versatile options in this review.
This 3-wheel model comes with a single drive wheel at the front and two in the rear. The rear axle separates, allowing you to extend the width between the two wheels, allowing you to carry larger, heavier objects in the hopper. The frame separates, allowing you to adjust the width of the wheelbase from 19 to 30-inches.
If you would rather have more of a traditional wheelbarrow, then you can change out the rear wheels for L-shaped legs.
The Makita gets its power from a brushless electric motor. While it’s an electric model, it still pushes out more than enough power to get any payload around the garden or the job site. The 18-Volt LXT lithium-ion battery pack allows you to use one or two batteries in series, with running times of up to 40-minutes per battery.
The powerful motor manages to climb gradients of up to 12°, while still maintaining speeds of up to 2-mph. The side lever handle allows you to operate the 7-inch disc brake. The brakes slow the motorized wheelbarrow on descents where you’re carrying heavy payloads.
- Electric model
- Up to 60-minutes of run time
- Brushless motor
- Reverse gear
- 2-speed transmission with 12º maximum incline
- Load capacity 275-lbs
- 7″ disc brakes for fast stops
- Rear wheel width adjustable to accommodate larger loads
- LED lighting for working in low-light conditions
- Good choice for contractors and landscapers
- Pricey Option
Landworks Wheelbarrow Utility Cart
If you’re in the market for a motorized wheelbarrow, but you don’t have the money to spend on the Makita or Yardmax, consider the Landworks. This model is a cost-friendly alternative that still offers gardeners plenty of utility around the yard.
- SPECS; This Wheelbarrow is an All-Electric 24V 1/4 eHP 180W Working Load Capacity of 330 lbs (150kgs) at a Max 12° Upward Slope; Max and 4 cubic feet of Cubage to load/haul debris; All-Terrain 13" inch Pneumatic Wheels/Inflation Pressure 30/31PSI
- PERFORMANCE; Speeds (Variable); Forward 0-5km/h (3.1MPH); Reverse 0-3.5km/h (2.2MPH); 2-5 hours of use per full battery charge (varies on load/slope); ECO-FRIENDLY (Green and Safe) Unlike gasoline devices, battery-powered produce no smog and are quieter
- POWER SOURCE; All Electric 24V Brushless motor system, we used (2) 12V 7Ah AGM Rechargeable Deep Cycle Non-Spillable Sealed Lead Acid Batteries, totaling to 24V MAX Series Connection System providing 168Wh (watt hours) of use
- EFFICIENT DESIGN; AGM (Absorbent Glass Matted) technology provides: fast charge times, spill-proof design, better in the cold, high power output and low internal/vibration resistance, due to sandwich construction
- SAFE and PROPER USE; Always operate with eye and hand protection, utilize the speed controls and shut off/starter switch as needed; Widely used in gardens, yards and construction sites etc
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This 2-wheel model comes with 180w powerful electric motor with agm technology that provides fast charging time with spill proof design which works great in cold conditions. This model also comes with 13″ all- terrain pneumatic wheels, throttle level, battery indicator and a forward with 3.1mph and a reverse switch with 2.2mph.
The Landworks comes with a durable steel frame, featuring a rust resistance powder coating with a 300 pounds max hauling capacity. It also comes with 2x12v rechargeable batteries with a 2.5 hour run time when fully charged.
- Excellent value for money
- Off-loading asst handle
- Suitable for loads up to 300-lbs
- Agm technology
- Heavy and difficult to maneuver
XtremepowerUS 7hp Track Wheel Barrow
The XtremepowerUS is powered by 7.0HP XtremepowerUS Series engine. Multi-speed heavy-duty transmission (3 Forward speed plus Reverse with High/Low)
- Compact Design - This compact, powerful tracked wheelbarrow allows you to maneuver heavy loads across tight jobsites. Easily moving up to 850 lbs. of material across any terrain, the tracks keep it from chewing up grass and degrading the lawn. Perfect for almost any DIY application, once you use this motorized wheelbarrow you'll wonder why you didn't own one before.
- All-Terrain Traction Zero-Turn Radius - Tracks offer all-terrain traction and stability across uneven, muddy and wet ground. Zero turn radius for pivoting on a dime without damaging the ground
- Powerful & Versatile - Powered by 7.0HP XtremepowerUS Series engine. Multi-speed heavy-duty transmission (3 Forward speed plus Reverse with High/Low)
- Heavy-Duty for Heavy Loads - With solid steel hopper, frame, and handles for durability. Easily and safely transports up to 850 lbs through tight spaces and across jobsites
- Easy-To-Use - Evenly balanced to maximize control and prevent tipping. Controls ensure an instant stop with release of drive handle prevents usage without engagement ** Please leave a valid phone number for delivery schedule **
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This compact, powerful tracked wheelbarrow allows you to maneuver heavy loads across tight jobsites. Easily moving up to 850 lbs. of material across any terrain, the tracks keep it from chewing up grass and degrading the lawn. Perfect for almost any DIY application, once you use this motorized wheelbarrow you’ll wonder why you didn’t own one before.
This model provides you with all-terrain traction with zero-turn radius. These tracks offer all-terrain traction and stability across uneven, muddy and wet ground and also zero turn radius for pivoting on a dime without damaging the ground.
It also comes with a solid steel hopper frame and handles for durability. Which can easily and safely transports up to 850 lbs through tight spaces and across jobsites. This model is evenly balanced to maximize control and prevent tipping. Controls can ensure an instant stop with release of drive handle prevents usage without engagement.
- Suitable for professional landscapers and contractors
- Zero-turn operation
- 3-speed transmission
- Heavy-duty reinforced frame
- 850lbs
- Expensive
Motorized Wheelbarrow Buyer’s Guide
In this section, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about the components of a motorized wheelbarrow. Before you finalize your purchase decision, make sure you review the information in this buyer’s guide.
How Do Motorized Wheelbarrows work?
Most motorized wheelbarrows feature two primary drive wheels and one or two casters on the front or rear that give the wheelbarrow a zero-turn capability. Some industrial models come with four wheels for enhanced load-bearing support and better mobility over rugged terrain on job sites.
However, for home gardeners and most landscapers, a dual-wheel drive system with casters is sufficient to handle most yard work around the home garden or estate.
Motorized wheelbarrows come in electric or gas-powered models, with differences in power, performance, and efficiency. Motorized wheelbarrows come with throttles to help you adjust the speed as you start to climb slopes, giving you better control over the payload.
- The variable speed functions on these machines allow you to change the speed to match your situation. Most motorized wheelbarrows come with top ends of 2 to 3-mph, which is not extremely fast, but it’s all the speed you need when you’re carrying dangerously heavy payloads. Your motorized wheelbarrow should also feature a reverse gear to help you back up the barrow.
- Most motorized wheelbarrows feature a braking system designed to help you control the barrow and keep it steady when going downhill. If you get a model with casters on the front, you’ll find you get a zero-turning radius that allows you to spin the wheelbarrow 360-degrees on a dime.
- Motorized wheelbarrows make easy work of moving heavy payloads around the yard. Your old push barrow is obsolete, and it’s killing you back. It’s time to use modern technology to make easy work of your chores around the yard.
- Because motorized wheelbarrows can handle heavier loads, they come with oversized hoppers designed to carry larger payloads.
- You should expect a minimum hopper capacity of between 3 to 4-cubic feet when selecting your machine. Ensure that your hopper features design and construction with stainless steel or powder-coated steel.
- Steel adds to the strength of the hopper, and the powder coating prevents rusting of the surface.
- Plastic hoppers are available on some machines. Plastic makes it lighter, but it’s more prone to cracking. A steel hopper will last a lifetime.
- The hopper is usually detachable for easy cleaning and maintenance, allowing you to use the machine as a flatbed if you want to move other objects like statues around the yard.
There are plenty of motorized wheelbarrows available at a variety of price points. However, the models we selected for our review might not be the cheapest, but they offer you the best value for your money. Sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the best, and you’ll save more money in the long run by investing in a quality piece of machinery for your yard work.
What to Look for In a Motorized Wheelbarrow?
What are the elements of a top-quality motorized wheelbarrow? In this section, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process of assessing the components of your machine.
Motor Type, Power, and Size
When choosing your ideal motorized wheelbarrow, selecting the right type of motor to match your application is critical.
Gas-powered motors are the best choice for landscapers and contractors that need peak performance and maximum range from the wheelbarrow. If your barrow cuts out on you halfway through carrying a load, you can fill it up with gas, and you’re back on track to making your daily schedule.
Homeowners will benefit from the use of an electric model featuring battery-powered operation. Electric models run quiet, keeping your neighbors from complaining. They also offer decent run times of 40-minutes or more, allowing you to finish your job with plenty of time to spare.
However, if you’re a landscaper, then an electric model is a waste of time if you find yourself using a wheelbarrow often.
If the electric model cuts out on your because you forgot to charge it yesterday, then you’ll have to wait hours for the battery to get back to full charge. Landscapers and contractors don’t have that kind of time to waste.
The motor size and power on an electric machine is more than enough to take care of any issues you have with moving debris, bricks, or any other loads around the yard. Landscapers will need that extra motor size to handle the heavy-duty needs around the job site, and they may burn out the motor on an electric model designed for use around the home garden.
Look for battery models that offer 4-ah of service life, and that will give home gardeners around 40-minutes to an hour of use, depending on what you’re doing in the garden. Most electric models also feature fast-charging units, allowing you to charge the wheelbarrow battery back to full capacity within two to three hours.
Tracks, Wheels, and Tires
The tires are a vital part of your motorized wheelbarrow. The tires are the only part of the machine that touches the ground. Therefore, you need to ensure that you have enough contact between the wheel and surface to ensure your machine doesn’t slip around.
Look for models that feature air-filled tires. Air-filled tires are lightweight, and they offer good resilience against heavy payloads.
Plastic wheels tend to whether and crack over time, leaving you with a useless wheelbarrow. Air-filled tires are lightweight, and they absorb impact, allowing you to move easily over rugged terrain.
The number of wheels on your wheelbarrow determines the stability, movement, and capacity of the machine. Choosing your model with the right number of wheels to match your situation is critical.
The single-wheel wheelbarrow is the simplest design. This machine looks exactly like your typical wheelbarrow, with a wheel in front, and then two stands in the rear to help you balance the machine. However, with the motorized version, you’ll get a throttle on the one handle. This setup allows you to adjust the speed of the driveshafts to the front wheel from the motor.
Single-wheel motorized wheelbarrows are best for loads of up to 200-lbs maximum. Any heavier, and you risk damage to the machine, and a job site injury that ruins your safety record. However, single-wheel machines are the most affordable options, and if you 0only have light use for a wheelbarrow around your yard, they may be all you need.
Dual-wheeled motorized wheelbarrows are the next level up from the single-wheeled version. With the dual wheel setup, you get more traction, and enhanced stability, allowing you to lift and move heavier payloads.
These barrows are only a slight step up on the price tag, so it might be worth considering if you find yourself using a barrow around your yard frequently, or if you’re a senior that needs more motorized assistance with your yard work.
The dual-drive wheels provide better traction for going up hills, and more stability when traversing uneven terrain.
Tri-wheel motorized wheelbarrows are the top choice for landscapers and contractors that need to carry heavy payloads around the job site. These machines don’t have a fixed base like the single and dual-wheel model mentioned before.
Instead, tri-wheel motorized wheelbarrows feature a drive shaft at the front or the rear of the machine, as well as a caster to offer the front or rear axle, providing enhanced levels of stability to the machine while in use.
Operators will find it easy to move the machine around—the third-wheel acts as a pivot, providing zero-turn functionality to this motorized wheelbarrow.
The final setup for your motorized wheelbarrow is the 4-wheel version. This model offers the best stability and operator control, as well as larger hoppers to carry heavy payloads around the job site. Think of the 4-wheel version as a mini tipper truck.
These models can have an all-wheel drive or two-wheel drive, and most of them offer zero-turn functionality. The machine operates in the same manner as a zero-turn lawnmower.
There are handles on either side of the wheelbarrow. These handles allow the operator to slow down the wheels on one side of the machine. As a result, the wheelbarrow can turn on a point, without the need to draw a large turning circle. The zero-turn functionality is great for smaller yards and job sites with tight spaces.
4-wheel motorized wheelbarrows are for contractors and landscapers that need to carry the heaviest payloads. These machines feature hoppers that support weights of up to 600-lbs.
Some heavy-duty wheelbarrows make use of tracks instead of wheels. These barrows offer the ultimate in payload management over rough terrain around large job sites. However, they are overkill for use around the home garden.
Load Bins and Hoppers
When it comes to assessing the utility of your new motorized wheelbarrow, the hopper will be your deciding factor when choosing your preferred model. The hopper determines how much material you can carry around with your payload.
Many of the machines in this review allow you to remove the hopper from the wheelbarrow, turning it into a mini tractor. This function offers the machine plenty of versatility around the yard and the job site.
Most manufacturers measure the volume of the wheelbarrow hopper in cubic feet. For home use, around 3 to 4-cubic feet is all you need to help you move things around the garden like compost or bricks.
However, larger machines meant for landscapers or contractors have larger hoppers, a larger motor, and larger wheels to help them compensate with the extra payload weight.
Most hoppers feature design and construction with durable plastics. That’s fine for use around the garden, but you might need a more durable solution for the job site.
Landscapers and contractors should invest in a machine that has a stainless steel or powder-coated steel hopper. These hoppers won’t sustain any damage if people start throwing bricks into them on the job site.
When purchasing your motorized wheelbarrow, you need to consider how the hopper tips the payload. The way your hopper tips can make a significant difference in the user-friendly operation of the machine.
With single and dual-wheel wheelbarrows, the hopper tips like a traditional wheelbarrow. You’ll need to tip the machine forward to remove the payload from the hopper. You might need some help to tip the barrow if you’re carrying heavier cargo.
Therefore, if you’re going for a single or dual-wheel model, we recommend you look for a barrow that offers long handles. Long handles provide you with more leverage, making it easier to tip the wheelbarrow.
Motorized wheelbarrows utilizing a three-wheel or four-wheel setup typically require assistance with tipping the hopper. These machines carry far heavier payloads, and there is no way anyone can tip them by themselves. Therefore, many of these machines feature motorized tippers that assist you with this function.
Choose the wheelbarrow that matches your gardening work and select a hopper system that meets your needs.
Motorized Wheelbarrow Accessories
Depending on the brand of motorized wheelbarrow you buy, you have the option on accessories to enhance the utility of the machine. Some models come with hopper extensions, allowing you to carry more weight or larger objects like tree branches.
We recommend you investigate a plow or scraper if you live in a region of the United States that receives snowfall in the winter. Attaching the plow to the front of the machine allows you to move away from the powder after a heavy night’s snowfall.
Scrapers and plows are also useful at helping you clear larger areas, pushing debris into piles without using manual labor.
Another everyday accessory for larger models is the addition of a tow hitch. You can hook up your wheelbarrow to your tractor or ATV, and wheel it around like a trailer.
Motorized Wheelbarrow FAQs
Are you still on the fence about selecting the right motorized wheelbarrow for your yard? Here are a few frequently asked questions that can help you finalize your purchase decision.
Why do I need a motorized wheelbarrow?
These machines can help you lift and carry heavy loads on a job site or around the garden. They operate on slopes, reducing the amount of effort you need to put into your landscaping duties or yardwork.
Most models come with a battery-powered motor that makes for easy operation and maintenance.
How do I choose the wheelbarrow that right for me?
All the wheelbarrows in this review are top choices from premium manufacturers. However, each of them has something unique in its offering.
There are models in this review for professional landscapers and contractors. However, we also included models for use in your yard at home.
Choose from expensive models like the Makita, know for durability, or get an affordable model for your yard like the Greenworks.
Does speed matter with a motorized wheelbarrow?
Sure, speed does play a role in helping you move faster between loading and offloading the barrow. It’s a concern for contractors and landscapers that run tight schedules.
However, if you’re buying a motorized wheelbarrow for your yard at home, speed isn’t a big issue.
Can motorized wheelbarrows climb hills?
Yes, your motorized barrow ill climb hills. However, the motor power might limit the gradient you can climb. Most motorized wheelbarrows can climb hills with slopes of between 12 to 15º maximum incline.
3-wheel, 2-wheel, or 4-wheel options – which is the better choice for my motorized wheelbarrow?
That’s depends on the type of yard work you’re doing and how much load you need to stack in the carry bin. Most motorized wheelbarrows can operate with loads of between 200-lbs to 275-lbs.
Contractors will likely want a 3-wheel or 4-wheel model to help distribute the load and prevent accidents. Homeowners can get away with dual-wheel systems. However, seniors might find they get more benefit out of a 4-wheel motorized wheelbarrow.
The Verdict for the Best Motorized Wheelbarrow
By now, you should have a good idea of how a motorized wheelbarrow can help you with your yard work, landscaping, or contracting work. However, if you find yourself struggling with selecting a motorized wheelbarrow for your home or business, why not rely on our top choices?
- The YardMax YD4103 is our top choice for the best overall motorized wheelbarrow. This machine is excellent for use around the yard, and it can even stand up to light landscaping and contract work.
- If you’re a landscaper or contractor looking for the best motorized wheelbarrow money can buy, then we recommend the Makita XUC01X1. This heavy-duty machine will never let you down.
- The Greenworks GC40L410 is the best choice for gardeners on a budget, and we think that it has everything you need for your yardwork, at an affordable price point.