A powered wheelbarrow is an engineering control that reduces the stress of lifting, carrying, pulling, or pushing objects.  Powered wheelbarrows allow maneuvering and unloading of large, heavy objects with minimal effort, and are smaller than traditional forklifts and trucks.  When using a traditional wheelbarrow to move heavy loads, a worker must perform heavy lifting, pulling, or pushing.  These movements can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). 

Powered wheelbarrows are used for moving loads too heavy for traditional wheelbarrows.  There are two main categories of powered wheelbarrows including gas and electric powered.  Both types are navigated by hand controls on the back of the wheelbarrow and the user either walks behind or stands on a platform.

The gas powered models have engines between 5-15 hp (Figure 1).  Different models offer 2 or 4-stroke engines, 2x4, or 4x4 drivetrains, and reverse.  Loads up to 1500 lb can be hauled across a worksite and dumped or unloaded at a desired location.

Figure 1.  Power Barrow® Rocky

There are numerous makes and models with various features to accommodate the needs of construction workers.  For instance, flat beds can replace the bucket to accommodate large and awkward loads.  Ball hitches can be attached to the bucket to pull trailers up to 1.5 tons.  A forklift can be fitted to the front of a powered wheelbarrow to move ¼-pallets up to 800 lb.  The forklift is powered by the wheelbarrow engine.  Snow plows can be attached to the front of the powered wheelbarrow.  The blade can be raised for maneuvering, or angled to move the snow in the desired direction.

The electric powered models typically use 24 volt batteries which maintain 4-7 hours of runtime per charge (Figure 2.).  Different models offer 200-750 lb carrying capacity, 2x4, or 4x4 drivetrains, and reverse. 

Figure 2. Granite Industries Hopper Dump Cart

Powered wheelbarrows are much narrower than traditional forklifts and trucks.  This enables them to go around tight corners and fit through narrow doorways.  Furthermore, most powered wheelbarrows have traction tires and four-wheel drive allowing them to navigate rough or uneven terrain.  The wheels can be locked for dumping, and some models feature motorized dumping.

Powered wheelbarrows increase productivity on the worksite.

Motorized wheelbarrows would help those performing constant wheelbarrow tasks.  However, powered wheelbarrows may not be cost-effective for a trade requiring occasional wheelbarrow tasks.

Using the ball hitch attachment to tow trailers may be problematic because the powered wheelbarrow can lose traction due to its relatively light weight compared to fully loaded trailers.

In addition, heavy lifting might be required to load motorized wheelbarrows.  However, transport and dumping of the material will be easier.

Transporting motorized wheelbarrows between worksites might be difficult due to their relative size and weight.

Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC; and Kevin Wright, SPT – Eastern Washington University

• General Labor
  • Load, unload and distribute construction materials
    • Lifting and Carrying (Manual materials Handling)