Lightweight and durable
Written: Apr 15 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Work horse wheelbarrow
Cons: None at all
The Bottom Line: Why would you need another?
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| aashtech's Full Review: True Temper Homeowner Wheelbarrow S5 |
I picked up the True Temper Homeowner Wheelbarrow S5 a few years ago, and it was an invaluable asset when Hurricane Fran came through and tore our state up. I lost three trees, my neighbor lost nine, and the chainsaws were roaring for days. The next step, of course, was to lug all that wood to the street. Our shoulders and backs were sore, but the wheelbarrow never once complained.
I've used it dozens of times since---with new firewood deliveries, moving loads of mulch, bringing in small trees, shrubs, and paving stones---and this is one of my most reliable partners I ever worked with. It holds more than I can carry and stands up to roofing shingles thrown from the second floor or firewood from the bed of a pickup.
I bought mine at Home Depot, but this is carried by almost every retailer you can name--Lowe's, Ace, Target, WalMart. To find the nearest vendor to you, go to the TrueTemper website (http://www.ames.com/) and choose the store locator. There are 19 places within five miles of my home, 62 within 25. You probably can't swing a dead cat without hitting one.
The store stocks pieces (which makes it easier to get the thing into your car.) Once home, installation is a snap with a socket or crescent wrench. I put it together in about ten to fifteen minutes and retightened everything up the second time I used it. Since then, it has stayed rock steady and ever-ready. No maintenance, just wash it down every so often. The handles are treated hardwood, and the finish is still glossy (for the most part, anyway.) The wheel is an air-filled 13"tire that also serves as shock absorber and muffler. This baby is easy to move around, turns well, and has good balance. I keep the tire well-inflated because I like the reduced friction and this lightens the load. The handles fall to a good height for me (I am 5'10") and comfortable width.
I store the tool in the garage, back behind my car, propped up against the wall. In some cases I need to get it out quickly so, rather than move the car, I just lift it out and carry it over the trunk. The wheelbarrow is light enough to do that.
There is nothing exciting to say about a wheelbarrow and nothing negative about this particular model. I can't remember the price I paid, but it wasn't much. The other writers quoted prices in the 30-40 range and that sounds reasonable. I know when I bought it I planned on getting five or so years out of, thinking it would rust or fall apart, but it shows no signs of wear.
My guess is it will still be puttering along after I'm not, so just use it to roll me out to the cemetary and pour me in. Just what a reliable old friend should do.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
aashtech
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Member: Steve
Location: Raleigh, NC
Reviews written: 108
Trusted by: 43 members
About Me:
Hack golfer and passable poker player.
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