Unexpected Attention
"I didn’t expect this to blow up like it did," says Dylan. "With so much in the news, who’d think a wheelbarrow would gain traction?"
Finding the Inspiration
Dylan’s passion for machinery led him to this niche. "To almost feel comfortable enough in being uncool to just do this stuff." The idea began in a pub, with thoughts of strapping a scooter engine onto a wheelbarrow just for laughs. Little did he know, he was setting a world record.
- Modifications: Rebuilt to NORA 92 standards!
- Kill switch
- Paint marks on fastenings
- Hydraulic steering damper
Despite these adaptations, the wheelbarrow still wobbles. "The steering damper helps a bit, but the issue is slowing down," he explains, noting the lack of brakes on the go-kart wheels. Only the driven front wheel has its scooter brake.
Dylan is planning improvements for MkII:
- Brakes: A need for functioning brakes on all three wheels.
- Steering: Challenging due to his ski-jumper position.
- Aerodynamics: Above 50 mph, the barrow threatens lift-off.
- Weight: Stabilized with an extinguisher full of wet sand.
The next iteration will be mid-engined, with better weight distribution. Proudly, Dylan maintains its garden tool authenticity.
Dylan's creative flair doesn’t end with wheelbarrows. His workshop is filled with unique projects:
- Mad Max-style motorbike
- Ride-on mower with a 110bhp Honda engine
His endeavors support the DPJ Foundation, a mental health charity. He hopes for sponsors to aid his next build, especially after hearing that an Iowan competitor hit 55 mph, raising the stakes in the barrow battle.
Dylan's wheelbarrow adventure highlights a spirited pursuit of engineering creativity and fun. His upcoming powerhouse aims for impressive speeds, and sponsors might fuel the competition. Let the cross-Atlantic speed barrow battle begin!
Dylan Phillips has transformed a simple wheelbarrow into a record-breaking speed machine, driven by his unique vision and love for engineering.
