Wheelbarrows are convenient tools. They help you carry heavy loads from one place to the other. They are used both at home and in industries or workplaces. Traditional wheelbarrows are made up of a large bin, handle, and a wheel or two.
However, there are several new types of wheelbarrows like gasoline, electric, folding and motorised wheelbarrow.
Components of a motorized wheelbarrow
The components of a motorized wheelbarrow do not differ significantly from those of a conventional wheelbarrow. However, they do have a couple of novel elements. Below are some of the main components;
1. Tray
The tray is one of the essential components of a wheelbarrow. The tray is also known as the bed, and it is the largest element of the wheelbarrow. It is the part where the load is placed when it is being transported. The tray is usually curved upwards so that it can hold the load.
Additionally, the sides of the tray are typically longer than their ends. It also features steep support; whose role is to connect it to the legs. Most of the time, this component is made of steel, plastic, or wood.
Steel is the most popular type of tray material because it is highly durable. It is also resistant to issues like rust, and it can withstand a heavy load. On the other hand, plastic trays are standard in construction scenarios where the wheelbarrow is used to mix materials.
2. Wheel
The wheel or tire is also among the most prominent part of the wheelbarrow. Most wheelbarrows contain one wheel. However, there are a few types that are double-wheeled. Wheelbarrows with two tires are often used as garden carts. They are also more stable than single-wheeled ones.
The wheel is usually located beneath the front end of the tray or bowl. Its positioning is important because it allows for the effortless maneuverability of the tool. It also allows you to remove loads from the tray easier.
Dumping the load is incredibly more effortless if the wheelbarrow features one wheel. Most, if not all the time, the tire is made using solid rubber. The rubber can either be synthetic or natural, depending on the type and brand of product.
In addition to the rubber, some of the wheels also contain an inner tube. The tube resembles the one found in a bicycle or car tire. Wheelbarrow wheels with the inner tube are usually wider more efficient. The fact that they are wide makes them easy to use in all kinds of terrain and situations.
3. Handles
All types of wheelbarrows are made up of handles. The handles usually extend from opposite ends of the bowl. They are installed from the position of the tire. They are also expanded at a distance to provide leverage when using the wheelbarrow.
The length of the handle can differ from one type or brand of the wheelbarrow to the next. Wheelbarrows used in construction sites often have longer handles than their counterparts. Note that the length of the handles affects the maneuverability of the product.
Most wheelbarrow handles are made using metal. The metal is usually accompanied by plastic or foam, which helps with the grip. However, some types of wheelbarrows come with wooden handles.
Such types often do not have grips. Wheelbarrows with wooden handles are often used for home purposes like gardening.
4. Battery and motor
Motorized or powered wheelbarrows feature a few extra elements that conventional ones do not. Some of the additional components are the battery and the motor. The motor controls the performance of the device, and the battery helps run it.
The batteries are usually onboard, and they are rechargeable. Most powered wheelbarrows contain either lithium-ion or SLA cells. They feature a running time of between 30 minutes up to a couple of hours.
5. Hand and foot breaks
Some brands of powered wheelbarrows are also made up of hand and foot breaks. The role of these elements is to increase the safety of the tools. They will also allow you to park the wheelbarrow even if you are using it on a slope.
Most of the time, wheelbarrows with this extra element are more expensive than their counterparts.
Final word
The different parts of a wheelbarrow mentioned above are all significant to the performance of the tool. Note that the wheelbarrow’s quality is influenced by the type and quality of the materials used to make each part.
Additionally, the material used depends on the function or purpose of the product. For instance, wheelbarrows used to move heavy duty loads would be better if made with steel. Click on the link to know more additional info about using a powered wheelbarrow.