Metal-Work Projects: Electric Wheelbarrow

SELF PROPELLED WHEELBARROW

Design Considerations:

Number of wheels: Will it be a standard one wheeled barrow, two wheels at the front, three wheeled trike configuration or a four wheeled quad wheelbarrow? Cost will increase with the more wheels included.
Steering: What method or system will be employed to steer the wheelbarrow? This could be a conventional lift and rotate type, a singular castor wheel at the rear, or a skid type in the case of having four wheels.
Propulsion method: How will the wheelbarrow be powered? It could be a small petrol engine, an electric motor from an old wheelchair or mobility scooter, or hydraulically powered. what implications are there for each method of propulsion, such as the fuel for each type of motor, extra parts such as batteries (deep cycle) and hydraulic motors, or battery chargers. Must ensure that there is enough torque and overall power to get the wheelbarrow moving and travel at a reasonable pace.

Drive type/system: How will the energy from the motor be transferred to the wheels, it could be via belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, or friction wheels? Will the axles be stub axles or one single rod and what implications will this have on steering the barrow? The speed of travel also needs to be considered for arranging the gearing of the drive system. The gearing ratios need to be matched to the intended travel speed for the barrow and so some calculations need to be made.
Drive controls: how will the propulsion system be controlled? ie. the accelerator or brake and the control systems for the motor such as the case for electric motors.
Brake: What will stop the wheelbarrow from rolling away when parked on a hill or for reducing its speed? It could be a magnetic brake in the case of using an electric motor, which will stop the motor and then the wheels from rotating. Another system would be required if using a different type of motor. Perhaps a retro fitted park brake could be fitted to the axle.
Bucket: Will you make your own bucket or fit a standard commercial bucket on the wheelbarrow? how will the bucket tip, will the whole wheelbarrow be tipped up or will only the bucket pivot for tipping?
Dimensions: Are there any specific dimensions that need to be considered? Such as the overall width of the wheelbarrow so that it can fit through a doorway, the height of the bucket to easily be loadable, or the height of the handles so that is is ergonomically comfortable to use.
Materials: What materials will be required to make the wheelbarrow? such as the metal required, the sizes, thicknesses to provide adequate strength for the load it will carry. The total lengths required for the construction of the wheelbarrow. Are there any other special materials required other than steel, such as plastics or paint.
Overall Design: Preferably once all of the parts have been sourced, the design can take place, this makes it easier to make dimensions and ensure everything fits together perfectly. When designing the wheelbarrow, simplest is best and is often the least expensive.