Facts about wheelbarrows, how to choose the right one?

A wheelbarrow should be chosen according to its intended use – for garden or construction work. Garden wheelbarrows are lighter and available in a wide range of prices, while construction wheelbarrows are much more durable and can carry greater weight. Wheelbarrow capacity is indicated in liters, not kilograms. Various types of handles are available – straight or curved, separate or joined together. Wheelbarrows with a wider handle spread or with an additionally reinforced tray can hold heavier items. During residential construction work where the area is more open, it is advisable to choose a construction wheelbarrow with two wheels. When carrying heavy items with a single-wheel wheelbarrow, all the weight will rest on your hands. Before purchasing, you should make sure about storage options. Narrow spots around the house and garden should be measured, for example, the width of a gate. If the wheelbarrow chosen is too wide, it will be difficult to maneuver around obstacles such as water tanks, greenhouses, and plantings with a full wheelbarrow. When placing a wheelbarrow in a car, it should be positioned with the tray facing down for stability. The final decision in the store should be made by the person who will use the wheelbarrow. The user's own height should be taken into account – whether the handles are at a suitable height and whether they feel comfortable. Good to know! It is not recommended to store a wheelbarrow outdoors in a vertical position, as water may enter the wheelbarrow frame through the holes formed at the ends of the handles. Water freezing inside the wheelbarrow frame can cause cracks. All options should be considered For easier emptying of contents, look for a wheelbarrow with a stand at its front. This protrusion on the wheelbarrow frame helps lift the wheel off the ground and keep the wheelbarrow stationary in a vertical position. For a single-wheel wheelbarrow, the stand is formed at its front, while for a two-wheel wheelbarrow, the stand is located between the wheels. A wheelbarrow without a stand will roll forward when trying to stand it upright, making them ideally suited for moving various items around a property. Single-wheel wheelbarrows are easier to maneuver, while two-wheel wheelbarrows are much more stable, but it is harder to navigate around obstacles in narrow spaces. Wheelbarrows with larger wheels are easier to push and do not sink into the ground as easily as smaller and thinner wheels. A wheelbarrow with two wheels and a curved U-shaped handle can be both pushed and pulled. With such wheelbarrows, the weight of the loaded contents is not supported by the hands when moving the wheelbarrow. Most wheelbarrow tires are air-filled to help with shock absorption when moving over uneven terrain. Wheelbarrows with solid tires are rarely found in stores. Painted trays are not resistant to damage – once the paint peels off, the tray and frame will start to rust, so galvanized wheelbarrows will last much longer. It is advisable to clean the wheelbarrow immediately if it is dirty after use. The wheelbarrow should be stored under a roof, away from direct sunlight. The parts of an improperly stored wheelbarrow will deteriorate faster under the influence of sun and moisture – the paint will fade, the tires will crack, plastic and rubber handles will become more brittle, and rust will form where the paint is damaged. It is much easier to pour loose or liquid contents from a wheelbarrow with a rounded front. It is important not to overfill the wheelbarrow so that it can be moved stably without difficulty. If you want to cover a larger area when spreading materials, you can choose a wheelbarrow with a straight-fronted tray. Important! The wheelbarrow tire indicates the maximum air pressure with which it should be inflated. Most commonly – 30 psi (pounds per square inch) or 2.07 bar pressure. Some tires also indicate the weight load – 300 pounds, which is 136.07 kilograms. Tires must not be inflated with more air than indicated. Purchasing spare parts To purchase spare parts for a wheelbarrow, attention should be paid to worn-out components. Depending on the type of wheelbarrow, it has different wheel diameters and tire widths, and axle center diameters. The tire indicates the diameter and width in inches. The inner tube size must match the tire size; a smaller inner tube must not be used. If the numbers on the tires of the wheelbarrow at home are worn and cannot be read, the parts should be measured or the wheel should be taken to the store to purchase the appropriate spare parts. Spare parts can also be found for a wheelbarrow purchased many years ago. Wheelbarrow wheels have sealed bearings to protect them from dirt and direct moisture. Rotating parts can be lubricated once per season. When screwing on a wheelbarrow wheel, it can be secured using a cotter pin or a nut in combination with a spring washer, which ensures a stable connection under