A wheelbarrow is an essential tool on any smallholding, but what is the best choice for a smallholder?

Wheelbarrows come in all shapes, sizes (and price ranges too). After years of rusted tubs, flat tyres and strained muscles, Hugh and Fiona have distilled the right choice of wheelbarrow into five simple choices.

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BUILD A BETTER MOUSETRAP

It is easy to believe that some simple tools really don’t require thought and cannot be improved, but honestly nothing could be further from the truth. Whilst the Emerson quote on building a better mousetrap is often repeated (and usually wrongly) there are hundreds of patents for new mousetraps (although they are definitely not always better). As smallholders who are basically modern peasants, we find a massive difference in simple hand tools. Spades are a classic example.

Most garden spades are made far too short for both of us and involve back aching crouches to dig in and lift. A long-handled spade is nothing new (indeed my favourite Devon spade is an ancient pattern) but the design massively increases productivity and comfort. The same logic applies to wheelbarrows. Some designs are much more efficient and more comfortable to use. There are also some that are much better made! The barrow on the bottom right was an internet “bargain” with wheel struts so flimsy that they bend if it is filled with gravel! It is now relegated to being a mixing tub for mortar and concrete, so whatever style suits best, quality is always worth looking for.

SIZE DOES MATTER, BUT BIGGER ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER