Garden carts are essential for moving plants, soil, and landscaping supplies around your garden. This is a versatile and indispensable part of any gardener’s toolkit. It increases your efficiency and saves your back and time. There are tons of garden carts in the market, it may be hard to choose the right one. Here are some of our favorites to show the variety in performance and budgets. The following garden cart buying guide discusses all the important considerations and concerns you have. We’ve compared the features of a wide range of gardening carts in order to assist you in making your choice.
Best Garden Carts
- PATENTED DUMP FEATURE - Quick-release for easy unloading
- EASY TO USE - Innovative design for simple assembly, superior maneuverability and ground clearance
- TOUGH AND DURABLE - 40-inch long x 26-inch wide heavy-duty, rust-proof poly bed and 13-inch pneumatic tires
- VERSATILE HAULING - 2-in-1 convertible handle can be pulled by hand or towed behind a tractor/ATV, making it easy to haul up to 1200 pounds
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
- Easy to unload
- Durable and rust-proof poly tub
- Pneumatic tires for all terrain
- Large loading capacity
- Convertible handle
- Assembly is not easy for some people. But most people find it easy.
2. MAC SPORTS WTC-111 Outdoor Utility Wagon
- LARGE CAPACITY - Sets up in seconds, No assembly required! Outside Dimensions Approx: 35" x 20" x 23" Inside Dimensions Approx: 32.5†x 17.5†x 10.5â€
- CONVENIENT COMPACT STORAGE - Wagon folds to only 8" thick! Folded size approx. 29.5" x 20" x 8" and includes a convenient carry case. Weighs 24.5 Lbs.
- LIGHTEN THE LOAD! - The heavy duty frame allows loads up to 150 lbs., and the Durable 600D Fabric can be easily cleaned. UV
- FUNCTIONAL FEATURES include an adjustable handle for effortless transport and 2 Mesh Cup holders to keep your beverages secure
- EASY TRANSPORT - Perfect for hauling gear to outdoor sporting events, concerts, trips to the park or beach and great for use around the house. Please note that it is not made to transport children
- Versatile for outdoor use and yard work
- Foldable for compact storage and transport
- Easy to use without need to assemble
- Adjustable handle with soft grip
- Unpleasant smell reports. It’s better to leave it outdoor for several days.
- It’s for lightweight use.
3. VIVOSUN Steel Garden Utility Wagon Dump Cart
- Super Capacity: The cart itself can hold up to 800 pounds, so you can transport anything you want without concern; Transporting large quantities with less effort and efficiency is no longer a problem if you have this cart; In order to extend its lifespan, it is not recommended for long-term heavy load
- Durable Material: This long-lasting cart is both sturdy and durable; The full-iron mesh bed is hard to damage, and the hinges between each track are welded firmly; Additionally, the powder-coated surface increases friction and fortifies the cart; With ensured quality, you don't have to be afraid of having to buy a new one when it breaks down after a few uses
- Removable Sides & Dumping Function: Just gently remove the mesh sides and it will be a flatbed trailer, which greatly increases the carrying capacity and is perfect for moving heavier items; Watching the goods dump down like a waterfall by the detachable dumping function makes your annoying and tedious unloading process a pleasure instantly
- Adjustable& Removable Handle: The 180° rotatable handle enables you to adjust the angle of the handle freely to your needs, which not only makes hauling items an easier task, but also reduces the pressure on your spine and are more ergonomic for the human body; The detachable handle allows you to hang the handle box behind the tractor and you will gain a handy helper
- Noise-reducing Pneumatic Tires: Clever caster design with excellent shock absorption and noise reduction; Four 10" pneumatic tires make the movement of the cart more even and balanced; The tread pattern of rubber tires has good elasticity and impact resistance, which can increase the friction with the ground and adapt to various harsh road conditions
- Easy to hauling items with the convertible cart
- Removable sides for utility or flat bed
- Rotatable and removable handle
- Increased balance on rough garden terrain with the pneumatic rubber tire
- It’s suitable for long-term heavy load even though it can bear large capacity up to 800 pounds.
4. Suncast LC1250D 15-Gallon Capacity Poly Rolling Lawn Cart
- 2-WHEEL ROLLING CART: Lightweight rolling lawn cart with a 15.5-gallon capacity
- VERSATILE USE: Use both indoors and outdoors to transport groceries from the car, laundry up the stairs in your home or dirt and mulch throughout your yard
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from heavy-duty resin plastic, this utility cart is built to last for years of quality use
- TELESCOPING HANDLE: Handle extends for comfort and compatibility across most users
- IDEAL SIZE: Measures 20" x 22" x 34" for convenient use without taking up too much space
- Easy to move gardening stuff and groceries
- Lightweight but well-built construction
- Great for small projects
- The wheels could be larger for better shock absorption.
5. WORX WG050 Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart / Wheelbarrow / Dolly
- [200 LBS = 17] The Turbo Lift design provides leverage to transport tremendous loads, making 200 lbs feel like approximately 17 lbs.
- [8 DIFFERENT CARTS IN 1] It quickly transforms from a lightweight wheelbarrow into a yard cart, bag holder, dolly, extended dolly, cylinder carrier, rock/plant mover & trailer tote
- [FLAT-FREE TIRES] Always get a smooth ride with these rugged tires that will never need inflating
- [CLEVER DESIGN] The innovative two-wheel placement makes all eight functions possible by shifting the fulcrum, and thus the center of gravity, to the optimum place for each job
- [DO IT YOURSELF. DO IT BETTER. DO IT WITH WORX.] WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards, so you can build a cost-effective tool collection that’s been designed to last
- [INCLUDES] Aerocart, Cylinder Holder, Bag Holder, Plant Mover Strap, Rock Mover Mesh
- Multi-purpose and easy to convert from wheelbarrow to dolly
- Well built structure with flat-free tires
- Easy storage
- A bit small for large garden work.
6. Gorilla Carts GCR-4 Poly Yard Cart
- 30 in. x 24 in. impact-resistant poly bed is built to handle the toughest jobs and working conditions
- 10 in. pneumatic tires to easily roll over any terrain
- Unique push or pull design for easy movement and maneuverability with a low center of gravity for great stability
- Quick and easy assembly so you can get right to work with foldable handle for compact storage
- 300 lbs. maximum load capacity
- Stable movement with low center
- Simple push or pull design
- Foldable handle for space-saving storage
- It takes some effort to assemble the cart.
7. Gorilla Carts GOR1001-COM Heavy-Duty Steel Utility Cart with Removable Sides
- Removable steel mesh sides for added versatility when carrying larger loads
- Utility Cart exterior dimensions – 56.14" L x 24.9" W x 44.1" H | Bed dimensions – 49†L x 24.5†W | Weight – 61.5 | Weight limit – 1,000 lbs. | CU FT Capacity – 7 | Tire (Pneumatic) Size – 13†| Bore size – 5/8â€
- Padded 2-in-1 convertible handle can be pulled by hand or towed
- New frame design allows for quick and easy assembly while offering improved maneuverability, rigidity, and ground clearance
- 1-year limited warranty
- Removable sides allow for easy loading and unloading larger loads
- Easy to convert the utility cart into a flatbed
- Handle can be pulled by hand or towed.
- The capacity is less than the advertised 1000 pounds. But it’s still a strong cart.
What to Consider When Buying Garden Carts?
Garden cart types
There are many types of garden carts, each one suited for a specific type of work. Below are the features of some common garden carts and the tasks they are best suited for. Most carts serve one or two purposes. But there are also some multifunctional models, they can serve as a utility cart, flatbed cart, and dump cart at the same time.
Utility carts
Also referred utility wagons. They typically have four wheels, a steel flatbed, and four verticle sides. Their sides tend to be flexible and removable for easy loading and unloading piles, such as rocks, soil, fertilizer, plants, and wood, without falling off. When you are trying to use the cart to move large-sized loads, like boxes, or bags, you can take the sides down. Utility wagons are strong enough to transport heavy loads in the yard. They can be operated manually or attached to a riding mower.
Dump Carts
A dump cart has four wheels and a hinged flatbed or tub that can tilt independently from the frame. The tub can be made of plastic or metal. It is similar to a dump truck. They allow for easy loading of large amounts of bulk materials such as soil, rocks, fertilizer, and weeds. These carts are also ideal for dumping yard waste and sand. The smooth plastic dump beds are easy to empty and do not clog with branches or other fine materials. If you want to use it for larger items such as rocks and firewood, it’s best to choose a heavy-duty metal mesh dump wagon.
Foldable carts
Foldable carts are easy to store in small spaces, hence, they are great for people who need them occasionally, want to take them as a portable tool in the car, or have limited storage space. The best folding carts are made from lightweight, durable materials. Their frames are usually made of metal pipes, the sides are made of durable fabric, and the tires are just like other high-quality garden carts. The majority of foldable carts fall under the light-duty category.
Flatbed carts
Flatbed carts are flat platforms on wheels. However, some utility carts with side panels may be converted to flatbeds. You can easily move bags of soil or sands or plant trays from flatbeds. Flatbeds can also be used to transport larger items such as lumber and fence posts. However, they require straps to keep the load from falling off, especially when rolling over rough terrain.
Electric carts
Electric carts are self-propelled walk-behind carts. They have power, forward/reverse and speed controls on the handgrip. These carts have extra power to lift heavier loads and can be equipped with either powered or manually operated dump beds. They have rechargeable batteries to power the electric motor. They last for between 45 minutes to 3 hours.
Hand trolley
Hand trolleys, also known as hand trucks, are upright, two-wheeled carts for transporting heavy loads or precise placement. A few have a second set of wheels, or casters, on the back to help with bulky items being moved across paved surfaces. Gardeners use a hand cart to move large trees and boulders. Hand trolleys are suitable for transporting large appliances and crates in the workshop or garage.
Garden carts with seats
Some garden carts come with seats so you can sit down and move around the yard with tools. Some models have a handle while others have no handle. These carts are ideal for people who have poor backs or require extra support while working in the garden.
Material
Steel
Garden carts may have a steel frame, steel handle, and/or steel mesh sides. The steel is usually galvanized or powder-coated to resist weather conditions. Because garden carts are used outdoors. Garden carts made from coated steel are durable but may get scratches in use. This turns out to rust easily once the cart gets wet. Therefore, a steel cart needs to be maintained to prevent rust.
Some carts come with removable mesh sides on the base. You can remove the sides to create a flat load bed. This is useful for long or large items. You can cover them with plastic sheeting to prevent liquids or loose material fall through the holes. Some models come with a fabric lining.
Fabric
Four-wheeled folding gardening carts are made from steel and fabric. And some utility wagons have a fabric interior layer for carrying loose materials. These carts are compact and easy to store but they lose the ability to carry heavy loads. Although the fabric is usually very resilient, it can be punctured or torn like its smaller counterparts. Fabric thickness is measured in denier (D), so we recommend 600D or higher for garden use. Also, the fabric should resist UV damage and mold. Fabric parts must avoid sharp objects, direct sun exposure, and rain.
Plastic
Polyethylene carts (often called poly tubs) are extremely durable. Deeper models can hold sand, muddy or wet items and not spill the contents. You can also clean them with a hose. Look out for UV resistance, just like the fabric models. While the color may fade over time, polyethylene will not disintegrate like unprotected plastics.
Wheels
Two wheels
Two wheels garden carts usually consist of a plastic resin bucket, a long handle, and a pair of wheels. These carts are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. They are suitable for lightweight use for smaller yards. Since the buckets are waterproof, they can hold loose and wet garden materials.
The two-wheeled cart can tip over uneven garden terrain if not properly filled. Some models have two wheels and two standing legs, look more like a wheelbarrow but have a low center of gravity, so they are not easy to tip over.
Three wheels
You can find three wheels on electric carts, two wheels for powered drive axles, and one swivel wheel for steering. They offer the same stability and steering abilities as four-wheeled garden carts.
Four wheels
Most people looking for a garden cart will want the extra capacity of a four-wheeled model. Compared to two-wheeled and three-wheeled models, these carts are easy to maneuver heavy loads with the best stability over the rough garden ground.
They come in two versions: a folding model with fabric sides and a solid-steel frame supporting either a steel mesh side or ethylene tub.
Tire types
There are pneumatic tires, flat-free tires, or plastic tires for garden carts.
Pneumatic tires, also known as inflatable tires, provide a smooth ride on rough garden rocky terrain. Because they can absorb some shock in movement. It is easier to pull or push heavy loads through the terrain because of its smooth ride and large diameter. However, you need to inflate the tires regularly.
Although flat-free tires look similar to pneumatic tires, they are made from solid rubber. They are not punctured or softenable, but they offer a smoother and quieter sliding. They are suitable for terrain and situations similar to pneumatic tires.
Plastic wheels on garden carts can withstand ligh use. They work well on smooth lawns and paved surfaces. They are similar to flat-free tires but they can be difficult to maintain and are easy to use. However, plastic can crack and warp in extreme temperatures.
Capacity
The size of smaller, bucket-type gardening wagons is often given in gallons. However, larger models are rated in pounds. The capacity of the steel-framed garden carts can range from 300 to 1000 pounds. They can move heavier loads like rocks, soil, fertilizer, and sand.
However, the 1,000-pound weight of these carts is too heavy for most people. Heavy-duty models are designed to be pulled behind a lawn tractor. Top models come with convertible handles that allow you to either haul it by hand or attach it to a vehicle.
Folding gardening carts may not be as strong as the solid steel frame models, but they can handle around 100 pounds, such as sports gear, leaves, plants, and gardening tools.
This is the absolute maximum. It’s best to carry much less weight than the maximum capacity. Because long-term heavy loads can lead the cart to bend or break.
You should consider reducing the weight of the cart if you are dragging it over rocks. This puts additional stress on the frame as well as the wheels.
Whether you need to transport heavy or light items, it is important to verify the dimensions of the garden cart you are considering.
How to Use Garden Carts Safely and Properly?
- Bend your knees, not your back when loading and unloading any heavy items with your arms.
- Never try to load up to the maximum capacity. Otherwise, your garden cart will be broken.
- Do not overload your lawn cart. If you have too many items to transport, go on one more trip.
- Load with balance. Place items as even as possible. Heavier items at the bottom, and lighter ones at the top.
- Pay attention to an incline. If you have to transport items up and down a slope, reduce the weight of each load. Bricks, logs, or chocks are helpful in stopping on an inclined road.
- Fasten the loads. No matter what you are transporting, make sure the loads will not fall off.
- Read the user manual or consult the manufacturer about how to connect your garden cart to your lawn tractor or other machines.
- Clean the grit and dirt build-up in wheel bearings and other joints. Maintain all the steel parts with a multipurpose oil. These can extend your garden cart’s service life.
- Verify the size of your tires if you want to replace the tires of your garden carts. Usually, you can purchase tires and other parts from the same retailer that sold the cart.
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