Wheelbarrow

2008-07-15 Construction wheelbarrow at Duke

Wine shop, China, collected at Yihe, Pehgzhou City, Eastern Han dynasty, 25-220 AD, tomb tile - Sichuan Provincial Museum - Chengdu, China - DSC04779

Brewing, China, collected at Xinnong, Xindu District, Chengdu City, Eastern Han dynasty, 25-220 AD, tomb tile - Sichuan Provincial Museum - Chengdu, China - DSC04786

Sheep wine vessel and wine shop, China, collected at Shenping, Pengzhou City, Eastern Han dynasty, 25-220 AD, tomb tile - Sichuan Provincial Museum - Chengdu, China - DSC04782

Qingming Festival Detail 7

Sail assisted wheelbarrows (2)

Wheelbarrow is a small, hand-propelled vehicle, typically with just one wheel, designed to be pushed and guided by a single person using two handles at the rear, or by a sail to push the ancient wheelbarrow by wind. The term "wheelbarrow" is made of two words: "wheel" and "barrow." "Barrow" is a derivation of the Old English "bearwe" which was a device used for carrying loads.

History

The wheelbarrow has a history that dates back to ancient times. It was invented in China during the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) by a military general named Jugo Liang. The Chinese wheelbarrow, which could be loaded with heavy items and pushed by a single person, was used primarily for transporting goods and materials across military and agricultural grounds. It was different from the European wheelbarrow, which appeared around the 12th century, in that it often featured a large central wheel and was sometimes equipped with sails, making it easier to handle over long distances.

Design and Use

The basic design of a wheelbarrow consists of a single wheel at the front, which supports the weight of the load and makes it easier to maneuver. The wheel is positioned under the load, with the load's weight distributed between the wheel and the operator, allowing for the efficient transportation of heavy materials over short distances. Wheelbarrows are commonly used in construction, gardening, agriculture, and landscaping for moving soil, bricks, plants, and other materials.

Types of Wheelbarrows

There are several types of wheelbarrows, each designed for specific tasks and load capacities. These include:

- Traditional Wheelbarrows: Feature a single wheel at the front and are ideal for general gardening and construction tasks. - Two-Wheeled Wheelbarrows: Offer more stability than traditional wheelbarrows, making them suitable for carrying heavier loads. - Powered Wheelbarrows: Equipped with an electric or petrol engine, these wheelbarrows are designed for transporting very heavy loads without the need for manual labor. - Folding Wheelbarrows: Designed for easy storage and transport, these wheelbarrows can be folded down when not in use.

Materials

Wheelbarrows are made from a variety of materials, including wood, steel, and plastic. The choice of material depends on the intended use of the wheelbarrow, with steel being preferred for heavy-duty tasks due to its durability and strength, while plastic and wood are chosen for lighter gardening tasks due to their lighter weight and ease of handling.

Cultural Significance

The wheelbarrow has played a significant role in the development of agriculture and construction throughout history. It has enabled the efficient movement of materials and goods, contributing to the advancement of these industries. In some cultures, the wheelbarrow is also seen as a symbol of hard work and diligence.

See Also

• Cart
• Hand truck
• Garden tools
• Construction equipment

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