Craftsman Poly Tray Wheelbarrow

The Craftsman Poly Tray Wheelbarrow, model CMXMBBARP6DW, seemed like an ideal addition to my collection of gardening and landscaping tools. With its bright red poly tray and robust steel handles, it promised a blend of durability and ease of use that I was eager to put to the test. Unfortunately, my experience with this wheelbarrow was a mix of highs and lows, ultimately leading to some reconsiderations about its place in my tool shed.

Initial Impressions and Assembly

Upon first glance, the wheelbarrow's design is visually appealing and seemingly practical. The dual pneumatic tires caught my eye, as they promised stable maneuvering across various surfaces—a feature I found immediately useful when navigating uneven terrain in my backyard. The comfort grips on the handle ends were a nice touch, aiming to provide better control and reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use.

Assembly, however, was less straightforward than I had hoped. The unit arrived partially assembled, which at first seemed like a time-saver. But I quickly discovered that several nuts were only hand-tightened, and the wheels had a noticeable amount of side play. This oversight required me to remove all the nuts and bolts, replace them with lock nuts, and ensure everything was securely fastened. While this was a manageable task, it's not something I expected to do, especially considering the Craftsman name synonymous with quality and reliability.

Performance and Usability

Once assembled, the wheelbarrow performed admirably in its initial tasks. The dual-wheel design offered impressive stability, making it easy to transport loads of mulch, leaves, and topsoil without the fear of tipping over. As someone who doesn't possess significant upper body strength, I appreciated the reduced effort needed to balance and maneuver the wheelbarrow.

The poly tray's 6-cubic-foot capacity was sufficient for most of my gardening needs. It allowed me to carry substantial amounts of material, reducing the number of trips back and forth. However, this is where the positives began to wane.

Durability Concerns

After a few months of moderate use, cracks started to appear in the poly tray. Initially, these were small and seemed inconsequential, but they quickly expanded, making the tray unstable and less reliable. The tray seemed particularly vulnerable to impact from even moderate loads of gravel and dirt. This was a significant disappointment, as I had hoped the poly material would offer a balance between weight and durability. Instead, it felt like a compromise that leaned too heavily towards being lightweight at the expense of longevity.

Another issue I encountered was with the pneumatic tires. These tires, while providing excellent maneuverability, struggled to maintain air pressure. One tire consistently deflated, requiring frequent re-inflation during use. This issue was particularly frustrating during extended projects, where stopping to pump air into the tire disrupted workflow and added unnecessary hassle.

Customer Support and Aftermath

Frustrated with the performance, I contacted Craftsman customer support. To their credit, they were responsive and offered a one-time goodwill replacement for the cracked poly tray, even though I was slightly beyond the warranty period and didn't have the original receipt. This gesture was appreciated, but it also highlighted a significant issue: the tray's lack of durability wasn't an isolated incident.

The replacement tray arrived, and while it temporarily solved the problem, it didn't instill confidence in the product's long-term reliability. I couldn't shake the feeling that I might be facing the same issues down the line.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The Craftsman Poly Tray Wheelbarrow has a lot going for it on paper. The dual-wheel design provides excellent stability, the steel handles are sturdy, and the comfort grips make it easier to control. However, the major drawbacks—particularly the lack of durability in the poly tray and the unreliable pneumatic tires—cannot be overlooked.

For light-duty tasks, such as hauling leaves, mulch, and small plants, this wheelbarrow can serve adequately. But for more demanding tasks involving heavier materials like dirt, gravel, or firewood, it falls short. The frequent need for maintenance, coupled with the flimsy nature of the poly tray, detracts significantly from its overall value.

In conclusion, I would not recommend the Craftsman Poly Tray Wheelbarrow for heavy-duty use or for anyone looking for a long-term solution to their gardening and landscaping needs. The initial promise of stability and ease of use is undermined by the lack of durability and the inconvenience of frequent repairs. For those requiring a more robust and reliable wheelbarrow, investing in a metal-tray alternative may be a wiser choice.