How to Move Dirt Without a Wheelbarrow?

When it comes to moving dirt, there are a few different ways to go about it. You can use a wheelbarrow, you can use a shovel, or you can use your hands. Each of these methods has its own set of pros and cons. In this article, we will discuss each of these methods in detail and help you decide which one is best for your needs.

What’s Wrong with Wheelbarrows?

Wheelbarrows are great for a variety of jobs, but they can be quite cumbersome when it comes to moving dirt. If you’re not careful, you could end up spilling the load or struggling with a wheel that gets stuck in the mud. Also, wheelbarrows take up more space than necessary and aren’t always easy to maneuver around tight spaces. [1]

Wheels or No Wheels?

No wheels – for smaller chunks of dirt

If you don’t have a wheelbarrow, you can still move small chunks of dirt without one.

One option is to use shovels and buckets. Shovels are great for scooping up the soil, while buckets can be used for carrying the soil away from its original location. Buckets are typically the preferred method since they’re easier to carry than a full-size wheelbarrow when loaded up with dirt.

You could also get creative and make your own makeshift “wheelbarrow” out of plastic storage bins or other items that can hold soil. If you have access to an old wagon or cart, this could also work as long as it has enough space to accommodate the amount of dirt you’re trying to move. [1]

With wheels – for larger & heavier amounts of dirt

For larger and heavier chunks of soil or dirt, you might want to consider using a wheelbarrow alternative. One option is to use a cart or wagon with wheels. A garden cart works especially well if it has an enclosed bed that can keep the soil contained while you move it.

You could also try using a dolly or platform truck. Dollies are great for transporting bulky items – like bags of potting soil or boxes of shrubs – as they have flat beds that make loading easy. Platform trucks are similar but come with higher sides which can be helpful when carrying large amounts of dirt around your yard. [1]

When You May Need an Alternative to Wheelbarrow?

It can be difficult to move heavy quantities of dirt, mud, and debris around your work area or yard. A wheelbarrow is usually the most efficient tool for this job. But there are a few situations where using a wheelbarrow may not be possible or desirable.

For example, if you have a large amount of dirt that needs to be moved over uneven terrain, it may be more appropriate to use an alternative option such as pulling it in buckets. Or perhaps you don’t have access to a wheelbarrow or want to avoid having one on hand for whatever reason. [2]

Using a Tarp

Easy Steps to Use a Tarp (One-Person Job):

1. Measure the space you need to fill with dirt and get a tarp of the appropriate size;
2. Place the tarp in the area where you wish to move dirt, at least a few feet away from your destination spot; this is necessary as it will be difficult to drag a full tarp of heavy dirt across the ground later on;
3. Start shoveling soil onto the tarp, being sure to evenly distribute weight for easy dragging. Be aware that when the earth is wet or has stones mixed in, it can become too heavy for one person to lift or drag around easily;
4. Once it’s filled up, tie off any excess material so that nothing falls out while moving it around;
5. Lift the edges of the tarp and drag it towards your destination; be careful not to drop soil on the way;
6. Once you have reached your desired spot, untie the excess material, then slowly empty out the earth from the center of the tarp into its new place;
7. Finally, fold up and store away your tarp for future use;

Using a tarp is a great alternative to a wheelbarrow when removing dirt. It uses fewer resources than traditional moving tools, is easily accessible, and can be done by one person alone—meaning no extra help is needed! [2]

Steps for Two Persons:

1. Place the tarp in the area where you wish to move dirt, at least a few feet away from your destination spot; this is necessary as it will be difficult to drag a full tarp of heavy dirt across the ground later on;
2. Start shoveling soil onto the tarp, being sure to evenly distribute weight for easy dragging;
3. Once it’s filled up, tie off any excess material so that nothing falls out while moving it around;
4. Lift the edges of the tarp and have one person hold them firmly while the other drags from behind; make sure each person’s footing is secure as you are dragging;
5. Once you have reached your desired spot, untie the excess material, then slowly empty out the earth from the center of the tarp into its new place;
6. Finally, fold up and store away your tarp for future use! [2];

A Shoulder Yoke & Two Containers

This method uses your own strength so you can save energy by using the momentum of your body movement to move larger amounts of weight in one go. [2]

Wooden Transport Box

Wooden transport boxes are a great way to move dirt without a wheelbarrow. They’re sturdy, affordable, and easy to construct with materials that you can find at any hardware store. To build one, simply cut four pieces of wood into the shape of a box, and use screws or nails to attach them together. Once assembled, you can fill it with soil and easily transport it wherever you need to go. When finished, simply empty out the contents and disassemble the box for storage. [2]

Garten Trug

One option for removing dirt without a wheelbarrow is to use a Garten Trug. This is a German invention and the name literally means garden basket in English. The Garten Trug has two handles that are curved like an inverted U and connected by a plastic sheet on the bottom. They usually come in different sizes, from small ones that can hold just one shovel of soil up to large ones that can fit several shovels worth of dirt.

The main advantage of using this tool is that it allows you to move larger amounts of dirt at once, compared to smaller tools like spades or hoes. The plastic sheet on the bottom also acts as a sieve, so when you tip it over, some of the excess dirt will fall away. [2]

Polyethylene Snow Toboggan

If you need to move dirt but don’t have access to a wheelbarrow, a polyethylene snow toboggan can be an effective alternative. This large plastic sled is designed to carry loads of up to 400 pounds and is often used in rural areas as an affordable way of hauling firewood, hay bales, and other materials. When loaded with dirt, the toboggan will slide over grass or gravel with ease, allowing you to quickly transport soil from one place to another.

To use the toboggan for this purpose, simply fill it up using either a shovel or your hands depending on the size of the load. After loading it up, tie down any loose material and attach harnesses if needed before dragging the load over to its destination. [2]

Hand Cart with Containers

This setup is great for short-distance hauls on flat surfaces where you will only need to make minor adjustments as you go instead of having to constantly move around heavy loads like in a wheelbarrow. [2]

A Few Tips Before We Wrap Up

Before you get started with moving dirt without a wheelbarrow, it’s important to think about safety first. It’s not the safest job out there and it will require some effort.

Here are a few tips that can help make your job easier and safer:

1. Make sure you have the right tools for the job – shovels, rakes, pitchforks, buckets, tarps, or other materials that can help you move dirt efficiently;
2. Wear proper clothing and protection – closed-toe shoes, gloves, long pants, and a long sleeve shirt can help protect your skin from getting scratched or cut by sharp rocks or debris in the dirt;
3. Be aware of where you’re putting the dirt – keep any sharp objects away from where you’ll be moving the dirt and make sure that it won’t cause an obstruction or damage to anything around it;
4. Have someone help you – two people are always better than one, even if they are not necessarily physically helping to move the dirt. An extra set of eyes can help spot danger or potential problems before they become a bigger issue;
5. Take breaks when needed – moving dirt by hand can be exhausting, so don’t overdo it! Make sure to take breaks throughout the job and stay hydrated to make sure your body is in tip-top condition for hard labor [2];

FAQ

What can I use instead of a wheelbarrow?

If you don’t have a wheelbarrow, there are several alternatives that you can use to move dirt. These include buckets, sleds, pails, and even tarps.

Buckets are great for small amounts of dirt or debris as they can be easily carried by one person. If the load is heavier, two people may need to take turns carrying the bucket. For larger loads, sleds and tarps are much more efficient since they can hold more weight and be pulled rather than lifted. Pails can also be used if you want something smaller than a bucket which allows you to carry the soil in manageable amounts while still having enough capacity for larger jobs.

What is the easiest way to move dirt?

The easiest way to move dirt is with a wheelbarrow. It typically holds more weight than other alternatives and can be pushed or pulled to get soil from one place to another quickly and efficiently. However, if you don’t have access to a wheelbarrow, buckets, sleds, pails, or tarps may be used as well.

How do you carry soil?

There are several ways to carry soil depending on the amount you need to transport and your own strength. For small amounts, buckets or pails can be used for a single person to lift or carry. If the load is too heavy, two people may need to take turns carrying the bucket or use a sled or tarp which can be pulled.

How long does it take to move 5 yards of dirt?

The amount of time it takes to move 5 yards of dirt depends on the method used. If you are using a wheelbarrow, it can take as little as 15 minutes for one person to move the soil. On the other hand, if you’re using buckets or sleds it may take up to an hour or more depending on how much weight you need to carry and how far you have to move it.

Will 2 yards of dirt fit in a pickup truck?

Yes, two yards of dirt will fit in most pickup trucks. However, the amount of soil you can transport depends on the size and bed of your truck. For instance, a full-size pickup can typically hold up to three cubic yards of material whereas a mid or small-sized truck may only be able to carry two or one yard, respectively.  In any case, it’s best to check with your local truck dealer for exact measurements before hauling large amounts of dirt in your vehicle.

How much dirt is in a dump truck?

The amount of dirt in a dump truck depends on the size and type of dump truck. Generally, smaller single-axle trucks can carry up to 10 cubic yards of material while larger tri-axle models may be able to carry between 18 and 25 cubic yards. It’s best to check with your local dump truck rental company for exact measurements before you rent one.

What do 20 yards of dirt look like?

20 yards of dirt is equivalent to about seven pickup truckloads of soil. It’s usually enough material to cover an area that is 10 feet by 20 feet and 3 inches deep. That’s roughly the size of a two-car garage or a small backyard.

How much dirt can a 1/2 ton pickup carry?

A 1/2-ton pickup truck can generally carry up to one or two cubic yards of material, depending on the bed size. It’s best to check with your local dealer for exact measurements before hauling large amounts of dirt in your vehicle.

How much dirt does it take to raise 1 acre of 1 foot?

It takes about 2,000 cubic yards of dirt to raise an acre of land by 1 foot. That amount is equivalent to around 5,200 full wheelbarrows or 10,400 buckets of soil. In other words, it’s a lot of work and time to move that much material!  This is why it’s important to have the right equipment on hand when doing such a large job.

Useful Video: Trail Building 101: How To Move Dirt

Conclusion

Moving dirt without a wheelbarrow is possible with the right equipment. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can use a shovel, bucket, or even an ATV to efficiently move dirt from one place to another. Be sure to consider the size of the job, terrain, and accessibility when deciding which method is best for you. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to easily complete your project without relying on a wheelbarrow! Good luck!

You may also want to check out our other articles related to landscaping projects like How To Lay Pavers Without Boxes and How To Install Sod Without a Tiller. We have many more helpful guides that will make any outdoor task easier! Happy gardening!

References:

1. https://gardenandgrass.com/how-to-move-dirt-without-a-wheelbarrow/
2. https://gardeningaid.com/how-to-move-dirt-without-a-wheelbarrow/