History Of Wheelbarrow

A wheelbarrow is a tool that serves as a carrier on one wheel and a tray bolted to two handles and two legs. While mostly known as a carrier for small loads for home-use, the wheelbarrow finds its use in the construction industry as a bricklaying equipment for carrying larger loads. The wheelbarrow is a yard tool we use it on a daily basis, but it surely holds a distinctive position in the history of tools.

Chinese Wheelbarrows

The very first record of a wheelbarrow directs on Chuko Liang, a general who invented a device for transporting injured soldiers and military supplies in A.D. 200. This wheelbarrow had only one wheel with a 1.2 metre diameter and was positioned on the center. The first Chinese wheelbarrows were huge and were able to load and carry much heavier, larger loads, and even people. However, many historians say that general Liang invented the wheelbarrow as a two-wheeled handcart for carrying vegetables, fruits, rice, etc. Back in 1000 B.C., the two-wheeled handcarts were very familiar to all in the East and West. These type of handcarts were soon modified into the wheelbarrows as we know today. Liang re-designed his invention into one-wheeled device that was much easier to transverse narrow trails. In China, the wheelbarrow is known as a wooden ox and gliding horse.

European Wheelbarrows

The first use of a wheelbarrow in Europe was very likely in the agriculture, spreading to construction, transportation of bricks, mining and goods. The first European wheelbarrows were able to carry only small loads over short distances, which is very different from the Chinese ones. Historians say that there is evidence of European wheelbarrows documented in Chartres Cathedral of France dating from 1220. There is also a medieval manuscript from 1286 that shows a longer and more curved European wheelbarrow than the modern one. The European re-designed the wheelbarrow and moved the wheel out in front, which meant that the load was supported by the pusher also, not only by the wheel.

Today's Types Of Wheelbarrows

Nowadays, there are many types of wheelbarrows, depending on the application. Those who do not need to use wheelbarrows as bricklayer tools, for various gardening tasks, plastic or lightweight aluminum wheelbarrows are suggested. Professional gardeners and nurseries need wheelbarrows with durable stee handles and pneumatic tires for easier maneuvering. Those who use wheelbarrows as bricklaying tools, should get the ones made of high quality and durable material in order to carry heavier loads. The latest innovation that is becoming increasingly popular among farmers and gardeners, is the power-assisted wheelbarrow.