A Wheel Barrow is a valuable outdoor tool for moving loads from one place to another. They are perfect for construction or gardening work making the job easy and fun. 

Many types of wheelbarrows are available in the market. Hence, it can be confusing when selecting them. One needs to do research to find out which is more suitable for your style – the plastic or the steel wheelbarrow. 

Steel wheelbarrows are preferable for handling heavy-duty loads such as building supplies. In contrast, wheelbarrows made of plastic are suitable for transporting lightweight materials.

Here are some benefits and drawbacks of plastic and steel wheelbarrows that will help us make an informed decision.

Plastic Wheelbarrow – Benefits and drawbacks 

A Plastic Wheelbarrow is used for transporting light materials such as weeds, soil, empty pots, gardening tools, etc. Kid wheelbarrows are commonly used- made of plastic but durable. Plastic wheelbarrows come in various sizes, colors, and designs; one can check them online with prices and specifications. 

The benefits range in terms of physical handling of the wheelbarrow and cheaper cost than steel. The lighter plastic is easy to ship, leading to a lower product cost. They are also easy to move around even when fully loaded. 

One should not assume that plastic wheelbarrow is breakable like toys. They are long-lasting, which means in the long run, they are cost-effective. Another plus is that plastic does not rust, so even if one does not store a plastic wheelbarrow correctly or leave it out in the open, it will not get spoiled. 

The plastic wheelbarrow has its limitation. For example, it cannot handle heavy loads such as stone, mixing concrete, logs, and boulders. Since it is of plastic, one must be careful how much load it can handle without collapsing. The plastic material of the wheelbarrow can become brittle if kept under severe cold and sunny temperatures. 

Steel Wheelbarrow – Benefits and drawbacks 

Steel wheelbarrows have been traditionally used to carry heavy materials, including timber, plants, cement, stone, and logs. According to wheelbarrow suppliers, they are used more in construction or warehouses than plastic wheelbarrows because they are sturdier and the metal can hold more without folding or buckling. 

The benefit of using steel wheelbarrows is they help load heavy materials and better manage wear and tear. They are versatile and can be used efficiently at construction sites and gardens. They can also carry lighter stuff, unlike plastic wheelbarrows, which cannot compete with steel on the load factor.  

The drawback of the steel wheelbarrow is that they are heavy because of their sturdy metal. They require careful handling, and one can struggle with them when loaded with heavy materials. The steel wheelbarrow is also prone to rust if left in the open air and rain. They are also more expensive than plastic wheelbarrows. 

Conclusion 

The benefits and drawbacks of the plastic and steel wheelbarrow can be explained well by Wheelbarrow manufacturers operating manual. It will help one decide which would be more suitable depending on the nature of the operation. The cost and other factors also help in making a buying decision.