kärra

Kärra is a Swedish term for a wheeled vehicle used to transport goods that is typically drawn by animals or pushed by people. The range encompasses simple hand carts, wheelbarrows, and larger cargo carts or wagons. In everyday language, many specific forms are named with kärra in compound words, such as skottkärra (wheelbarrow), lastkärra (cargo cart), and släpkärra (trailer).

Etymology and scope: The word kärra is rooted in the Germanic linguistic tradition and is used in Swedish to denote various types of wheeled load carriers. It functions as a generic label that covers different geometries, load capacities, and propulsion methods found across history and contemporary use.

Types and design: Skottkärra refers to a hand-pushed wheelbarrow, typically with a single wheel and a central frame. Lastkärra denotes a cargo cart or wagon used for transporting goods, often with a flat or recessed bed and two or more wheels. Släpkärra is a trailer designed to be towed by a vehicle, usually with a larger bed and multiple wheels. Kärra designs can feature wooden or metal frames, beds made of wood or metal sheets, and wheels ranging from wooden with iron rims to rubber-tired variants. Some have handles or a tow bar for pulling by hand or by vehicle.

History and use: Carts and wheel-equipped load carriers have ancient origins and were essential in farming, mining, and trade before motorized transport. Today, kärra remains common in gardens, construction sites, and small-scale logistics, where simple, versatile vehicle-based transport is still valuable alongside modern trucks and tractors. See also wheelbarrow, cart, wagon, and trailer.