Project Source Wheelbarrow

Having the right wheelbarrow can make outdoor projects and gardening tasks go much smoother. As an avid DIYer and gardener myself, I know that a high-quality wheelbarrow that’s designed for durability, maneuverability, and ease of use can save huge amounts of time and effort.

After testing out a number of different wheelbarrow brands and models over the years, I’ve found that Project Source wheelbarrows stand out as some of the best for both residential and commercial use. Project Source is Lowe’s exclusive in-house brand, and their wheelbarrows offer great value for the price.

In this comprehensive buying guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Project Source wheelbarrows – from costs, features, and construction to tips for use, maintenance, and more. Let’s dig in!

What Exactly is a Project Source Wheelbarrow?

Project Source wheelbarrows are designed for rugged durability and made exclusively for Lowe’s home improvement stores. They offer contractor-grade construction, comfortable handles, and pneumatic tires at affordable price points for homeowners.

Project Source makes several types of wheelbarrows for different needs, including:

• Basic plastic tray contractor wheelbarrows: Ideal for residential yard work, mulching, and light construction. Trays are seamless polyethylene plastic.
• Steel tray contractor wheelbarrows: For heavy-duty construction and landscaping. Steel trays have higher weight capacities.
• Garden carts: Designed for gardening and landscaping rather than construction. Feature smaller trays with front wheels for maneuverability.

No matter which style you choose, Project Source wheelbarrows are made to handle tough outdoor jobs, year after year. The pneumatic tires add cushioning for a smoother ride, and ball-bearing wheels reduce friction and enhance maneuverability.

What’s the Cost of a Project Source Wheelbarrow?

Project Source wheelbarrows offer excellent value at very reasonable prices. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay:

• Basic plastic tray wheelbarrow: $59 to $99
• Heavy-duty steel tray contractor wheelbarrow: $99 to $149
• 2-wheel garden cart: $79 to $129

Prices depend on the size, style, tray material, and exact model. But even the top-end models are very affordable compared to other rugged contractor wheelbarrows.

Sales and markdowns are also common, dropping prices $10 to $30 lower at times. So keep an eye out for sales on Project Source wheelbarrows at your local Lowe’s store or on the Lowe’s website.

Where Can You Buy Project Source Wheelbarrows?

Since Project Source is Lowe’s exclusive brand, these wheelbarrows are only available at Lowe’s home improvement stores. You can buy them:

• In-store at Lowe’s: Visit your local Lowe’s store to see Project Source wheelbarrows on display in person. This allows you to inspect them closely before buying.
• Online at Lowes.com: Order Project Source wheelbarrows online for delivery to your home, or for free in-store pickup. Buying online gives you access to more wheelbarrow options.
• On the Lowe’s mobile app: Browse and buy Project Source wheelbarrows right from your mobile device. Then pick them up at your local store or have them delivered.

Lowe’s frequently offers free home delivery on Project Source wheelbarrows and other large items. So don’t let needing to transport it home stop you from buying the perfect wheelbarrow for your projects.

Key Features of Project Source Wheelbarrows

Here are some of the standout features you’ll find on Project Source wheelbarrows:

• Heavy-duty steel or plastic trays: Can handle the wear-and-tear of outdoor work. High weight capacities up to 800 lbs.
• Pneumatic tires: Air-filled tires absorb bumps and add cushioning over rough terrain.
• Ball-bearing wheel axles: Enhance maneuverability and reduce friction.
• Ergonomic handles: Cross braces and angled grips reduce hand and wrist strain for comfort.
• Reinforced axles: Provide durability under heavy loads so wheels roll true without wobbling.
• Tray drainage holes: Let water drain out to help reduce weight. Some models have plugs for blocking drainage when needed.
• 2-year limited warranty: Provides peace of mind that your wheelbarrow is covered against defects.

Are Project Source Wheelbarrows Good for Heavy-Duty Use?

Yes, Project Source wheelbarrows are excellent for heavy-duty projects! Their contractor-grade steel trays have very high weight capacities of 600 to 800 lbs.

The pneumatic tires add critical shock absorption when hauling and dumping heavy materials like stone, dirt, tools, and bricks. Reinforced axles prevent bending under extreme loads.

Project Source wheelbarrows feature angled front braces for added strength and stability. The looped handles provide leverage for maneuvering massive loads.

For professional contractors or extreme DIY use, I recommend the Project Source heavy-duty steel tray wheelbarrow. It’s built to handle the daily demands of construction, landscaping, and large-scale yard projects.

While basic plastic tray wheelbarrows work for lighter jobs, you’ll want the superior durability of a steel tray for recurring heavy use.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Assembling Project Source Wheelbarrows

One of the nice things about Project Source wheelbarrows is that assembly is quick and easy, even if you’re not especially handy. Here are the basic steps:

1. Turn the tray upside down on a flat, clean surface. Have your screws and hardware ready.
2. Attach the two main braces to the tray using the provided hardware. Ensure the braces are fully seated.
3. Attach the axle braces and front axle assembly using more provided hardware.
4. Carefully flip the tray right-side up onto its wheels.
5. Insert the handles into the brace ends and secure tightly with the knobs or bolts.
6. Add a few pumps of air to each tire to inflate. Don’t over-inflate.
7. Double check that all hardware is tightened. Give the wheelbarrow a test roll.

The whole assembly process takes about 10 to 15 minutes with basic tools like a screwdriver, wrench, and tire pump. Just follow the instructions in the user manual if you need any extra guidance. And you’ll be ready to start hauling!

What Load Capacities Do Project Source Wheelbarrows Offer?

Load capacity is a key specification to check before buying any wheelbarrow. You want to make sure it can handle the weights of the types of materials you’ll be moving.

Here are the tray load capacities you’ll find on common Project Source wheelbarrow models:

• 4 cubic foot plastic tray wheelbarrow: 300 to 350 lbs capacity
• 5 cubic foot plastic tray: 400 lbs capacity
• 6 cubic foot plastic tray: 500 lbs capacity
• 5 cubic foot steel tray: 600 lbs capacity
• 7 cubic foot steel tray: 700 to 800 lbs capacity

As you can see, the large heavy-duty steel tray wheelbarrows offer the highest weight limits – up to 800 lbs. That gives you plenty of room for hauling concrete, dirt, mulch, pavers, and other dense materials on the toughest jobsites.

But for basic gardening and yardwork, the 300 to 500 lb capacity of a plastic tray model should suffice. Consider both your needs and your own strength when deciding on wheelbarrow size and material.

What is Project Source’s Wheelbarrow Warranty Coverage?

All new Project Source wheelbarrows come with a 2-year limited warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

So if you discover any faulty welds, dents, broken parts, or other problems due to a production flaw, the wheelbarrow will be repaired or replaced free of charge within 2 years of purchase. Just contact Lowe’s customer service to start a warranty claim.

This 2-year warranty is on par with other top wheelbarrow brands like Gorilla Carts, Marathon, and Ames. It provides helpful peace of mind that your Project Source wheelbarrow is backed against premature failure.

Wear-and-tear and damage from improper use are not covered by the warranty, however. You’ll want to take proper care of your wheelbarrow and avoid overloading to get the longest life from it. But for issues caused by manufacturing defects, the 2-year warranty has you covered.

How Project Source Wheelbarrows Compare to Other Brands

Project Source wheelbarrows stand out from competitors in a few key ways:

• Affordable pricing: Cost significantly less than contractor-grade wheelbarrows from other brands.
• Rugged build quality: Durable construction that rivals top names like Marathon and Jackson.
• Wide availability: Being at Lowe’s stores makes them easy to purchase.
• Good value: Deliver great features, capacity, and durability for the prices.
• Excellent warranties: Backed by strong 2-year limited warranty coverage.
• Trusted brand: Project Source is the signature brand customers rely on from Lowe’s.

While you can certainly spend $250+ on other pro-level wheelbarrows, Project Source models offer excellent performance, strength, and features at under $150 in most cases. For homeowners doing occasional projects, the price difference is hard to justify.

For frequent commercial use, a pricier steel wheelbarrow with a 5+ year warranty may be worth the investment. But Project Source hits a sweet spot of affordability and ruggedness for most homeowners’ needs. The key is choosing the right tray material and capacity for your specific projects.

What Materials Are Used to Build Project Source Wheelbarrows?

Here are the main materials used across the Project Source wheelbarrow lineup:

• Steel tray: Heavy 14-gauge steel tray provides extreme durability. Powder coated for rust resistance.
• Hard plastic tray: Seamless polyethylene tray is lighter but still strong. Won’t dent, crack, or fade.
• Hardwood handles: Sturdy hardwood holds up over time. Angled for ergonomic comfort.
• Steel braces: Steel cross braces add critical strength and support.
• Steel axle: Solid steel axle stays true under heavy loads.
• Pneumatic tires: Air-filled tires absorb shocks and improve stability.
• Steel hardware: Rust-resistant hardware secures all components.

High-quality steel and plastic ensure the wheelbarrow won’t buckle or fail. And thoughtful ergonomic touches like the curved handles make a difference when moving heavy loads.

Can You Get Replacement Tires for Project Source Wheelbarrows?

The pneumatic tires on Project Source wheelbarrows eventually do wear out or get punctured from sharp objects. Thankfully, you can purchase replacement tire assemblies or full replacement wheels if needed.

Just search for the exact Project Source wheelbarrow model number to find the right replacement tires. They are readily available online and affordable at around $20 per tire. Many local hardware stores may also stock suitable replacement tires.

The process for swapping the tires is straightforward. You simply remove the hardware, pry off the old tire/wheel assembly, and bolt on the new one. Having a spare on hand makes it quick to get your wheelbarrow rolling again if a flat tire strikes at an inopportune time.

What Are Some Common Problems with Project Source Wheelbarrows?

Considering their affordable prices and mass retail availability, Project Source wheelbarrows are impressively rugged and problem-free for most homeowners. But here are a few potential issues to look out for:

• Flat tires: Sharp debris can puncture the air-filled tires. Keep an eye out for leaks.
• Bolts loosening: Moving heavy loads may cause hardware to shake loose over time. Periodically tighten.
• Rusting: Leaving the wheelbarrow outdoors exposed to weather could cause some surface rust. Wipe down with oil to prevent rust buildup.
• Cracked plastic tray: Dropping extremely heavy loads into a plastic tray can potentially cause cracks. Avoid overloading beyond capacity.
• Squeaky wheel: Lubricating axles with WD-40 can eliminate annoying squeaks that develop.
• Broken axle: Exceeding weight capacities may bend or snap axles over time. Upgrade to a heavier model if needed.

But in most cases, paying attention to proper care and maintenance will allow a Project Source wheelbarrow to serve reliably for many years. The warranty also provides backup for defects.

What Type of Routine Maintenance Do Project Source Wheelbarrows Need?

To maximize the lifespan of your Project Source wheelbarrow, I recommend following this simple maintenance checklist:

• Periodically check tire pressure and add air if needed. Keep tires inflated to capacity.
• Tighten any loose nuts, bolts, and knobs to prevent rattling and instability.
• Lubricate squeaky wheel axles with WD-40 or bearing grease.
• Watch for rust – wipe down with oil/grease to prevent excessive rusting.
• Avoid letting snow and rainwater pool in tray – flip wheelbarrow when not in use.
• Let wet wheelbarrow fully dry out before storing to prevent mold and mildew.
• Touch up any chips/cracks in paint with matching touch-up enamel.
• Check for damage and replace worn parts like tires or broken handles.

With proper care, a Project Source wheelbarrow should deliver years of reliable service. A few minutes performing regular maintenance goes a long way.

Are Project Source Wheelbarrows Good for Gardening Use?

Project Source wheelbarrows are absolutely great for gardening use, thanks to models like:

• 2-wheel garden carts: Excellent for maneuvering down garden paths, allowing easy turning. Lower profile to roll through garden beds.
• Smaller plastic trays: Lighter and easily controlled for gardening. Won’t scuff or scratch delicate plants.
• Drainage holes: Help avoid pooling of excess water/moisture in tray that could damage plants.
• ** front wheels:** Allow you to roll wheelbarrow up close to plants to easily load pots, soil, mulch and tools.

While contractor wheelbarrows work fine for gardening, the smaller and more maneuverable garden cart designs are ideal. They allow easy access between beds without damaging your hard work growing beautiful plants and vegetables.

Wheelbarrows with plastic trays are also a must for gardeners, since they won’t scratch wooden planter boxes or rust over time when exposed to moisture and dirt.

For avid gardeners on a budget, Project Source wheelbarrows are a great fit at a fraction of the cost of high-end garden carts. Just look for the 2-wheeled models advertised for garden use.

How Long Can You Expect a Project Source Wheelbarrow to Last?

With proper assembly, responsible use, and regular maintenance, a Project Source wheelbarrow should deliver 5+ years of reliable service.

The high-quality steel and plastic components are made to handle years of outdoor use and exposure. As long as you avoid exceeding load capacities and letting rust damage run rampant, the wheelbarrow shouldn’t fail prematurely.

Some users report getting 10+ years out of their Project Source wheelbarrow before needing to replace worn parts like tires, axles, or handles. And the 2-year warranty provides backup against early defects.

Going with the most heavy-duty model you can afford and taking care of it helps maximize lifespan. A basic plastic tray version may start to show wear after 3 years of frequent heavy loads. But a well-maintained steel tray wheelbarrow can last a decade or more.

What Sizes of Project Source Wheelbarrows Are Available?

Project Source wheelbarrows come in a range of tray sizes, plus some models with 1 or 2 wheels for different needs:

Plastic tray wheelbarrows:

• 4 cubic foot tray
• 5 cubic foot tray
• 6 cubic foot tray

Steel tray contractor wheelbarrows

• 5 cubic foot tray
• 7 cubic foot tray
• 8 cubic foot tray

Garden carts:

• 10 cubic foot 2-wheel design
• 5 cubic foot 1-wheel design

The 7 to 10 cubic foot steel tray and garden cart wheelbarrows offer the highest hauling capacities for serious projects. But the mid-range 5 to 6 cubic foot plastic trays meet many homeowners’ needs at a lighter weight and lower cost.

Consider how much material you need to move per load before deciding on tray size. Remember to account for the density and weight of what you’ll be hauling.

Where Can I Find Reviews for Project Source Wheelbarrows?

There are a number of places to read feedback from owners to help assess Project Source wheelbarrows:

• Lowes.com: Read customer reviews for specific Project Source wheelbarrow models. These provide helpful first-hand feedback.
• Independent review sites: Respected home sites like The Spruce and BestReviews offer unbiased wheelbarrow reviews and recommendations.
• Gardening forums: Check gardening sites and DIY forums to see real owners reviewing wheelbarrows for yard and garden use.
• Youtube: Watch video reviews from consumers documenting their experiences assembling and using Project Source wheelbarrows.
• Amazon: Even though not sold there, some comparative wheelbarrow reviews on Amazon include thoughts on Project Source models.

User reviews consistently praise Project Source wheelbarrows for their durability, ease of assembly, and smooth-rolling wheels. Look for feedback specific to how each model handles the types of loads you need to move.

What’s the Best Way to Clean a Project Source Wheelbarrow?

Keeping your Project Source wheelbarrow clean promotes long life and makes jobs less messy. Here are some tips:

• Remove solid debris with a small shovel or gloved hands. Avoid letting it dry and harden on.
• Use a garden hose to spray away remaining dirt, mud, gravel, etc.
• For tough grime, scrub with a stiff bristle brush and all-purpose cleaner or degreaser.
• For solid plastic trays, wipe down with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
• Rinse fully with clean water and let the wheelbarrow dry out before storing away.
• Check for rust – sand down and touch up with fresh primer/paint to prevent worsening.

Avoid power washing or excessive water pressure, as it can push dirt into crevices and damage paint over time. With frequent cleaning, you’ll keep your Project Source wheelbarrow looking like new for years to come.

Can Project Source Wheelbarrows Handle Concrete or Heavy Mixes?

The short answer is yes – a steel tray Project Source wheelbarrow can reliably handle concrete or heavy material mixes.

The key is choosing a model rated for at least 600lbs to provide enough of a buffer for the dense weight of concrete. Wet concrete can weight 150 to 200 lbs per cubic foot.

Before mixing or hauling concrete, also spray the steel tray with a concrete release agent. This will prevent bonding and make cleaning much easier.

When moving loaded concrete, take extra caution to avoid tipping and spilling. The weight shifts heavily to the front axle area. Tackle ramps and slopes slowly and deliberately.

Finally, immediately rinse out all concrete with water before it dries and hardens in the tray. Avoid letting it sit. A steel Project Source wheelbarrow has the durability to handle concrete with proper care. Just leverage its high weight rating.

The Takeaway: Why Project Source Wheelbarrows Are a Win for Home DIYers

After reviewing the many strengths of Project Source wheelbarrows for every need from gardening to concrete work, the bottom line is clear:

For home DIYers doing typical projects, these wheelbarrows deliver extremely impressive quality and features for the prices.

The durable construction, easy maneuverability, and helpful features like pneumatic tires and drainage holes make Project Source wheelbarrows a pleasure to use for all sorts of tasks. And the trusted quality from Lowe’s means they are built to last year after year.

So for homeowners on a budget who still want a professional-grade wheelbarrow that can handle residential projects with ease, Project Source models are very hard to beat. Just match the tray size and material to your expected needs.

With proper assembly and maintenance, you can feel confident trusting a Project Source wheelbarrow to Smoothly transport yard debris, soil, mulch, tools, and everything in between. Your home projects and gardening tasks will be smoother and faster thanks to a Project Source wheelbarrow tailored for you.