Hi all,

Looking at getting a 3 wheeler - was intending on a tri-porter but have come across the Mk4S which looks to be similar (the same?) Other than having suspension, which I figure may be useful, and an additional bag.

Does anyone have any experience/knowledge of both barrows? Wondering if there are any downsides/compromises with the Mk4S as seems to have additional features for the same price. Does it have inferior build quality, worse pack down, smaller capacity, etc?

Cheers,
James.

In reply to Post #1
I can help with this as I had both barrows at the same time for a while. In summary dont bother with 3 wheels ... its a flawed system imo

Ive had a MK4s Deluxe (single wheel, similar to Evo with suspension etc) since 2010 and added the small rear wheels to that, but that wasnt very successful. When the Big Boy Triporter came out i really thought this was the answer and so bought one in 2016.

I really wanted to like the Triporter, but the truth is, it was more hindrance than help imo .... It is a monster, incredibly heavy and bulky and has a mind of its own on the flat surface, and pretty much unusuable on anything but a flat surface. The handle design is also awful. I kept it for a season and was happy to see the back of it.

Thankfully i kept my MK4S Deluxe and still use today (as a single wheel barrow) for larger loads, (i use Porterlite2 for evertything else) and would rather do 2 trips with this with a single wheel than one trip fighting with a Triporter style barrow

In reply to Post #2
Thanks for the feedback - I'm currently fishing a flat/paved venue (urban setting) so the three wheels are advantageous. Currently using my old CarpZone barrow with additional back wheels attached which I've found easier so I'm relatively sold on the three wheel set up I think..

Will have to have a look at the different sizes (MK4s, Triporter, Big boy) at The Big One on Saturday.

In reply to Post #1
Dont have direct experience with either of the barrows shortlisted but do have experienced of using 'fixed' rear wheels on other barrows . . . .and the answer is they are a complete waste of time IMO. Not only are they difficult to manoeuvre and add unnecessary stress to the frame and handles, as per Pauls experience when the barrow is loaded they don't really work on anything other than manicured paths etc - much easier to use standard legs.

If you are going to the show I highly recommend you speak with Dean on the Barrow Buddies stand (I think hes going to be there) . . . two sizes that fit to most barrows on the market - absolute game changer if you want rear wheels that actually work for, not against you . .

I had the MK4S quite a few years ago when it first came out - probably over 15 years ago. In a nutshell it was crap. First the arms twisted so I bought modified stronger ones and easier to lift the barrow as they were straighter. Then the frame twisted. It wasn't really strong enough for a full load. Then all the welds went rusty. The rear folding legs were too narrow and it often just fell over just standing there. They also seemed like you were about to hit your shins on them as they had a crossbar so you adopted a shuffling motion as if you'd shat your pants as you weren't confident of stepping out. Folding it down to fit in the boot was a mare as the wheel only partly folds down and sticks up taking up extra space and awkward to handle in confined space. Surprisingly the the front suspension worked remarkably well once you had it set up correctly. That was the only plus point on the whole barrow. Unless they've substantially upgraded it over the intervening years I wouldn't touch one with a barge pole. I did buy a set of CarpPorter rear wheels for it, use them once then took them off as they were only suitable for using on a snooker table. I was glad to see the back of the whole lot if I'm honest.

About 5 years ago I bought some bits of a Big Boy that someone was selling off. I got the main frame and front wheel for £20 so it was a no-brainier. I added straight,strengthened handles and cranked back legs off an old MK1 with big mud feet fitted. The only bit of the MK4S I liked was the suspension so I fitted these to it. So not really a Big Boy anymore but on the couple of occasions I've used it I got on with it well, but it's a big bugger.

Edit - Just noticed you actually mentioned the MK4S Evo. The original Evo ( Evolution) series was made of a strong alloy and was better made, and lighter and also had a brass plaque with the Evolution name on it. Not sure if this is still the case with matériels/better build quality.

Thanks both for your thoughts - I'm physically perfectly able to push a barrow so may just stick with a 1 wheeler and have a look at the Gox explorer, Avid and Porter Mk2 fat boy.

As an update - I had a look at the tri-porter (they didn't have the Mk4s Evo as said it was discontinued/being discontinued).

Thought the Tri-porter was bulky, heavy and didn't like the handle set up. Ended up with a MK2 Fatboy.