Simply Dump It
These pivoting plastic wheelbarrow handles let you go from a walking position to lifting and dumping without repositioning your hands. They're also amazing for me, because I am tall: When walking with a wheelbarrow the nose can sometimes catch the ground causing several problems. The handles lower the wheelbarrow's handles several inches, allowing me to walk upright instead of hunched.
Although I've only started using them, they've already had quite a workout. I am replacing the gravel pushed off of my 350' driveway by the snow plow. I load the wheelbarrow quite heavily. These handles have eliminated my hunching AND they let me dump the gravel easily.
Installation took me about ten minutes, being very careful, as they require you to drill permanent holes. They come with clear directions, a long screw, and nylon lock nut for each handle (also included are tubular shims to adjust the fit, if necessary). The steps are: 1) Slip it over the handle; too tight? Sand the handle. Too loose? Add shims. 2) Position as desired. 3) Drill hole in marked location through entire handle. 4) Put screw through the hole, apply nylon lock nut on the other side. Done.
I've found them to be stable. UV degradation is my primary concern, since I leave my wheelbarrow outdoor all year. Still, they are cheap enough that a second pair in 4-5 years would be acceptable to me, considering the convenience and back saving.
Available from Amazon
Favorite (15)
Paul
Aaarrrghh! Why use a wheelbarrow with the wheels at the end of it, especially to move heavy loads of wood? BAAAD DESIGN!!!
Use a barrow with wheels UNDER the load, so you do less work.
Like this one:
http://foldacart.com/en-ca/
http://foldacart.com/en-US/
Mike Perry
You don't need to contend with UV deterioration. When you store it, cover those handles with dark bags of some sort. I suspect from the picture, part of the legs of an old pair of jeans would work well.
Steven Leckart
Hi Paul,
Do you have the Foldacart? If so, please tell us more via the "submit a tool" link above or email me: steveleckart AT gmail DOT com
Thanks,
Steven
AndyB
Paul, I do have a "Yard Card" with two large wheels under the load. It was GREAT when I lived in a city, had a smallish (1/2 acre) level yard. However, a wide 2-wheels design breaks down out here in the boonies.
I frequently need to bring loads in to our out of the woods or over rough terrain. (I now live adjacent to a nature preserve and own 2.5 acres mostly wooded). Trying to find a path wide and level enough for two wheels side by side was not working.
With a traditional wheelbarrow I only need a track about 4-5 inches wide to roll a load.
I still have my yard cart with two wheels, but I use it less than I use the wheelbarrow these days.
Brandon
@Paul
The fold a cart make work well for light duty yard work - but I would destroy the device after my first 300 lb load of rocks, bricks, or logs. Also - every now and again - I like to mix concrete in my wheelbarrow and the fold a cart would choke on rugged treatment.
I'd rather buy a cheap "little red wagon" than a fold a cart for a relatively similar product...