Mechanical wheelbarrow showcases Kiwi ingenuity

Kaitaia man Steve Baldry has shown classic Kiwi ingenuity and invented a mechanical wheelbarrow which he has entered in the Fieldays innovation competition.

The idea came about because Steve and his family live up a steep path which you can access only by walking.

“We needed to get things up there. If anyone has got a need for it they’ll buy it.”

The mechanical wheelbarrow, which can also be used like an ordinary wheelbarrow, has a 500 watt motor.

“All the weights are over the wheel so it’s light at the back by the handles.

“It has a progressive handle throttle with regenerative braking going downhill and mechanical braking after that.

“You can pick it up, push the button and off it goes.”

Steve says the wheelbarrows he has sold so far are doing some “marvellous” things.

“There’s some track work being done with river gravel, it’s the only way they could get it down there.”

Along with this the wheelbarrows are perfect for lifestyle farmers for things such as firewood and all other daily household chores.

“They’re waterproof so you can hose it down if you’re worried about going through puddles or anything.”

The wheelbarrows operate by charge, so you just need to plug it in, power it up, and it should last for a day.

“It’s not only the uphill application, you can get into thick grass and cow hoof marks, it doesn’t matter, away you go, whereas a normal wheelbarrow would be useless.”

Steve imported several different hub motors until he found the one he wanted.

“The motor we chose is actually built to do a bigger job than what we use it for so they’re really strong.”

The mechanical wheelbarrows cost $1200 and you can buy them online at www.yardlab.co.nz