Powered barrows & carriers

Test Report

It looks utility, it sounds utility, but this box on wheels can certainly shift some load — and shift it swiftly.

The DR PowerWagon is designed to haul loads of up to 362kg over rough terrain. It is supported on three wheels – two main drive wheels at the front and a single 360?-rotating castor for easy steering from the rear. For maximum traction and manoeuvrability, the load is balanced over the two main wheels.
The unit’s electric start makes starting as simple as selecting neutral, giving it a little choke for a cold start and turning the key to fire-up the 6.75hp Intel OHV engine. Gears, reverse and first to fifth, are selected with the gearshift lever. The throttle is mounted on the handlebars to the right and the handbrake and locking lever are on the left.
Releasing the dump-bed lever allows the DR’s wooden bed to be tipped forward for unloading. It seems quite weighty, but needs to be strong to carry heavy loads. A moulded body option is offered.
Our reviewer starts the engine and selects third gear. He’s nearly running to keep up with the unladen PowerWagon. “It needs a speed restrictor,” he jokes.
At a fast walking pace, the other tester finds that there’s a bit of bouncing, quite a lot of rattle and a fair amount of noise, but having just arrived at the site, the tyres on the PowerWagon have been pumped hard for transport. We let some air out, which helps to reduce the bouncing problem. The noise and rattle are thought likely to subside when the unit is carrying a good weight of cargo.
Vibration figures give a maximum usage time of one hour and 58 minutes for the PowerWagon. The measured sound power level is recorded by the manufacturer as 79.5dB(A) and guaranteed sound power as 100dB(A).
We reckon this transporter could prove particularly useful for nursery work and for market gardeners wanting to move loads without risking strain to arms, shoulders and backs. There’s no doubt that it is competitively priced for the weight loading it carries.