A Wheelbarrow made of Sterner Stuff
Wheelbarrows are among the few non-mechanised everyday conveyors of stuff still being used prolifically. The best wheelbarrows provide their transportation services to owners for many years, if not decades, without complaint. Free of charge to run, they are – in a world increasingly worried about depleting fuel sources and CO2 emissions – a rare manually operated possession found in many homes, or, rather, sheds.
Sometimes a wheelbarrow just has to be extra tough, as it is going to have to do duty as a builder’s mate. Building sites don’t necessarily have the indoor space either for parking up a wheelbarrow; therefore a barrow fit to withstand the outdoor life 24/7 is called for.
Wheelbarrow Review: Company Barrow in a Box
The Company Barrow in a Box is made by the Walsall Wheelbarrow company, a firm that claims to be the UK’s last surviving wheelbarrow manufacturer. This model’s pan, undercarriage and handles are a gleaming emerald green metal, giving it high marks for appearance.
As the name suggests, the barrow arrives in a large gift-style box to be assembled by its new owner. While the time to put it together is quicker than for many other self-assembly barrows, some purchasers have nevertheless complained about various problems, including ill-fitting front supports that needed brute force to line them up with the holes, and in some instances a flat pneumatic tyre. Additional issues concern the need for extra tools such as a star-shaped screwdriver. These apparently genuine grumbles contribute to significant reservations on this writer’s part about seriously recommending what seems a well-priced solid wheelbarrow.
The heavy-duty claim that comes with this product needs a degree of caution; although it boasts a maximum load weight of 120 kg, it is probably best suited to lighter loads such as cuttings, sacks of fertiliser, compost bags etc. There have been reports of the barrow body buckling under weights well below the recommended maximum.
Pros:
- British-made
- Classic good looks
- 120kg load capacity claimed
- Low price for a heavy duty barrow at £52.90
Cons:
- Some dissatisfaction reported with clarity of assembly instructions
- Thin metal used in manufacture
- Tyre reportedly difficult to repair
- Outdoor storage capability is doubtful
Sadly, therefore, going by customer experience, this probably is not the best wheel barrow for industrial use, and something truly heavy duty and with a higher spec needs to be found.
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