RAT Barrow is an Australian invention designed to improve material handling around the home and small farm.
‘RAT’ stands for Ride-on, Articulated, Tipping barrow. Its patent-applied design is a world first, giving the user a safe and stable ride with incredible manoeuvrability, for loads up to 200kg.
Peter Boulton invented the RAT Barrow for his wife Michelle.
They own and run a 300-head dairy farm in Gippsland. Peter and Michelle are also horse enthusiasts, spending a lot of time feeding horses — carrying buckets and pushing wheelbarrows.
Their property also has a large garden requiring constant maintenance, and the homestead has two wood fires that are the only heating.
The RAT Barrow’s frame is fully galvanised with UV stabilised poly tub and guards, which are completed with stainless steel fittings that mean a RAT Barrow will handle all the elements and last a lifetime.
RAT Barrow’s best feature is its simplicity. The key-start Briggs and Stratton engine with automatic choke and fixed throttle means a quick start every time — even on frosty mornings.
Tipping large loads is made easy by the balanced load, free-tip design.
Taking lawn clippings, horse manure or garden prunings from A to B has never been easier. And the RAT Barrow has no problem with heavier loads such as firewood, soil or sand and feed bags.
A sturdy tow hitch allows a RAT Barrow-designed trailer to be attached which also tips, doubling carrying capacity.
In 2013 the RAT Barrow was awarded the Bendigo Invention Award for Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability and in 2014 the Commonwealth Bank Award for Innovation in Agriculture. Peter also pitched the RAT Barrow on Shark Tank in 2018.
Peter’s vision was to take RAT Barrow to the people of Australia and hopefully the world. And since he wasn’t able to do it from his shed on his farm he has entrusted AgBoss with the design.
AgBoss will now manufacture the barrows in Albury and distribute them Australia-wide.
Try RAT Barrow for yourself at the AgBoss stand, S84.