When selecting a garden cart, it’s essential to consider its ability to withstand frequent use, heavy payloads, and varied terrain. A reliable cart should be able to handle daily tasks with ease, even when faced with rough ground or oversized loads. In this regard, the choice of wheels, load capacity, and durability become crucial factors to evaluate.
Ultimately, finding the perfect garden cart requires striking a balance between these key features to meet your specific needs and ensure optimal performance.
The 5 Best Garden Carts
When it comes to finding the perfect yard cart, there are numerous options available on the market. Our top pick is the Gorilla Carts Poly Yard Dump Cart, which stands out from the rest due to its durable construction and impressive capacity. Another popular option is the WORX Aerocart Wheelbarrow/Yard Cart/Dolly, a versatile tool that can be used for both heavy-duty hauling and precision gardening tasks.
For those looking for a more rugged solution, the Rubbermaid Commercial Big Wheel Cart is a great choice. Those with a trailer in tow may want to consider the Polar Trailer 8376 Utility Cart, while those on a budget might prefer the Suncast 2-Wheel Resin Multi-Purpose Cart.
Our Top Pick for the Best Garden Card
Our top recommendation for a reliable garden cart is the Gorilla Carts Poly Yard Dump Cart, which boasts impressive load capacity thanks to its sturdy construction, making it suitable even for heavy-duty use. The padded handle and smooth-rolling wheels ensure effortless pulling, while the option to attach it to an ATV or lawn tractor provides added versatility. Despite its robust design, this cart glides smoothly over uneven terrain, reducing strain on the user.
A quick-release dump feature simplifies unloading heavy loads, taking pressure off the operator. Available in various sizes and capacities, you can choose a cart that meets your specific needs without compromising on durability. Check current prices on Amazon.
Choosing the Right Garden Cart
Types of Garden Carts
Utility carts for your garden come in various forms, each designed to tackle specific tasks. One type is the utility wagon or cart, characterized by its open and/or removable metal sides. These carts are ideal for hauling plants, fertilizer, wood chips, and dirt, offering greater versatility due to their removable sides, which allow you to move bulky loads with ease. The long handle makes it easy to pull the cart, making it a great option for tasks that require some elbow grease.
Another type of utility cart is the dump cart, which can take on various forms, such as a wagon or wheelbarrow design. The distinguishing feature of these carts is their ability to dump their load, making them suitable for hauling grass, fertilizer, soil, or firewood. This added functionality not only saves you some back strain but also increases your overall efficiency.
Flatbed garden carts, on the other hand, lack sides altogether, making them perfect for transporting large or irregularly shaped objects. They function similarly to utility wagons and offer a simple solution for tasks that require moving non-standard sized loads. Lastly, foldable garden carts are designed with portability in mind. These carts feature fabric sides and an accordion metal frame that allows them to be collapsed when not in use.
While they have a lower load capacity compared to their metal-framed counterparts, they offer a convenient solution for small gardening tasks or those who need to store their cart in a compact space.
Load Capacity
When considering the ideal garden cart for your needs, think about the scale of the loads you typically move and how far they need to travel. Carts designed for smaller loads under 600 pounds are significantly different from those built for larger loads exceeding 1200 pounds in terms of construction and cost. If you frequently transport loads exceeding 650 pounds, a heavy-duty cart with a substantial load capacity is essential.
These carts will feature larger tires and reinforced bodywork, making them heavier than their smaller counterparts. Look out for models featuring removable sides if the shapes of your typical loads are irregular. Some larger garden carts can even be attached to lawn tractors or ATVs. For lighter loads under 650 pounds, focus on a cart with a wide and deep bed that accommodates your average load size and type. High-sided designs also ensure contained loads.
If you won’t be towing the cart behind a vehicle, ensure the load is weighted for easy transport and dumping.
Tires
When it comes to garden carts, the type of tire can make a significant difference in terms of performance and durability. Lightweight models often feature plastic tires, which may have tread or not at all. For casual use in a grassy yard with small loads, these tires are likely sufficient. One major advantage is that they’re immune to punctures from sharp rocks or hardware in the driveway or yard.
However, for those who need to haul heavy loads over rougher terrain like gravel or rocky surfaces, larger pneumatic tires are essential. Pneumatic tires are constructed with reinforced rubber and filled with air, allowing them to absorb some of the shock and vibrations associated with navigating uneven ground.
Bed Construction
When it comes to building the foundation of your garden cart, material choice is crucial. Steel bed constructions offer unparalleled strength and durability, making them ideal for heavy-duty use. While they do pose a risk of rusting and may not perform well with acidic loads like animal waste, their robustness makes them a popular choice among gardeners. On the other hand, polyethylene beds bring scratch- and dent-resistance to the table, as well as improved weather resistance.
However, they may be heavier than their steel counterparts. Plastic bed constructions, while lighter and easier to maneuver, are generally smaller in size and may be prone to cracking over time. Ultimately, understanding the characteristics of each material can help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect bed construction for your garden cart.
User Strength
When considering a heavy-duty cart, it’s essential to evaluate your physical capabilities and assess whether you can comfortably handle its weight, even when loaded, especially when traversing rough terrain. The first step is to check the cart’s own weight and then estimate your average load size. This will give you an idea of whether you’re physically equipped to manage the cart’s demands.
If you possess a tractor or quad, you may find garden carts that can be pulled with ease, thereby eliminating human strength as a limiting factor. However, without such aid, it’s crucial to opt for a lightweight cart if physical limitations are a concern.
5 Best Garden Cart – Reviews
Gorilla Carts Poly Yard Dump Cart
The Gorilla Carts Poly Yard Dump Cart boasts an impressive load capacity of 1,200 pounds, accompanied by a quick-release dump feature that enables effortless unloading. The vertically positioned bed facilitates easy emptying, while the convertible handle allows for seamless attachment to an ATV, further enhancing portability. Pneumatic tires ensure smooth navigation across challenging terrain.
This cart’s 40-inch x 25-inch rust-proof bed boasts a substantial 6-cubic-feet capacity and weighs approximately 58.6 pounds. A sturdy steel frame supports the robust polyethylene bed, which is weatherproof and resistant to various corrosive materials. The Gorilla Dump Cart comes backed by a reliable 1-year warranty. On the plus side, it features an easy-attach convertible handle, vertical dump, high load capacity with high sides, and wheels that move effortlessly.
However, some users may experience complicated assembly, poor customer service, and lack of brakes.
WORX Aerocart Wheelbarrow/Yard Cart/Dolly
The WORX Aerocart Wheelbarrow/Yard Cart /Dolly boasts an impressive level of versatility, setting it apart from most garden carts. Its basic model can be used as a wheelbarrow with two front wheels, but it also has the ability to double as a dolly or wagon, thanks to the optional wagon kit that allows for handle-pulled transportation. This cart’s usability extends beyond gardening, making it suitable for moving heavy furniture around the house or in outdoor settings like a small hobby farm.
With a load capacity of 300 pounds, you’ll be able to manage smaller tasks with ease. The device features two extendable arms that can be folded out to accommodate tall and bulky loads, such as large potted plants. The frame and bed are constructed from durable stainless steel. The Aerocart’s strengths include its versatility, the inclusion of four accessories (mesh rock lifter, potted plant mover, cylinder holder, and bag holder), load control, and ease of conversion and assembly.
However, it does have some limitations, including a relatively small load capacity and a narrow, shallow bed. You can check the price on Amazon to see if this product fits your needs.
Rubbermaid Commercial Big Wheel Cart
The Rubbermaid Commercial Big Wheel Cart boasts a unique design that sets it apart from other garden carts. The cart’s large, plastic wheels are designed to withstand rough terrain without puncturing, ensuring seamless movement around your yard. The 2-wheel configuration provides added stability, reducing the risk of tipping or losing control.
This feature is particularly beneficial when handling small loads, such as carrying bricks or pavers, which can be a challenge with traditional wheelbarrows. With a load capacity of 200 pounds, this cart is well-suited for light-duty tasks around the home. The sturdy built-in handle simplifies dumping and makes it easier to maneuver the cart in tight spaces.
Overall, the pros of this product include its good stability, solid construction, easy pushability, and high-density polyethylene material that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. However, the small load capacity may be a drawback for some users, as well as potential difficulties navigating very rocky terrain or steep slopes.
Polar Trailer 8376 Utility Cart
The Polar Trailer 8376 Utility Cart boasts a durable polyethylene tub that resists scratches and dents, making it an excellent choice for various applications. Its rugged design, featuring 20-inch spoked pneumatic tires, allows it to navigate even the most challenging terrain with ease, from collecting leaves to hauling game off a mountain.
Weighing in at just 49 pounds, this utility cart is surprisingly lightweight and effortless to push around, while its impressive load capacity of 400 pounds (with a volume of 10 cubic feet) makes it perfect for handling heavy tasks. The ergonomic wide handle offers ample room for adjusting your grip, providing optimal comfort during use.
While some users may be put off by the wheel quality or customer service, this cart’s numerous benefits, including its maneuverability, ability to traverse rough terrain, and ease of assembly and dumping, make it an attractive option for many.
Suncast 2-Wheel Resin Multi-Purpose Cart
The Suncast 2-Wheel Resin Multi-Purpose Cart is a versatile and practical solution for various household tasks. With its spacious 15.5-gallon bed, this cart can handle heavy loads of up to 15.5 gallons, making it perfect for gardeners, elderly individuals, or those with limited strength. Weighing only 6.94 pounds, the cart is remarkably lightweight and easy to maneuver, even when fully loaded.
One of its standout features is the telescoping handle, which can be collapsed during storage to save space. The hard plastic wheels are designed for durability and can navigate various terrain types, including grass, concrete, or uneven yards without issue. This multi-purpose cart is suitable for general use around the house, making it an excellent choice for hauling items like grass clippings, leaves, or yard debris.
In addition to its practical applications, this cart also excels as a grocery hauler, allowing you to transport your essentials with ease.
The pros of this product include its lightweight design, easy-rolling wheels, sturdy construction, and affordability. However, it’s essential to note that the load capacity may be limited when compared to other carts on the market, and when empty, the cart can potentially tip backward due to its lightweight nature.
Our Top Pick for the Best Garden Card
When it comes to choosing the best garden cart, our top recommendation is the Gorilla Carts Poly Yard Dump Cart. This exceptional product boasts a robust construction that can withstand heavy use, thanks to its impressive load capacity. The ergonomic padded handle and smooth-rolling wheels make it effortless to pull, while also offering the option to attach it to an ATV or lawn tractor for added versatility.
Despite its sturdy build, this cart glides effortlessly over rough terrain, minimizing the strain on the user. A quick-release dump feature simplifies unloading heavy loads, taking the hassle out of the process. Available in various sizes and capacities, you can select a cart that suits your needs and still reap the benefits of durable performance.
