Those who take their gardening seriously know just how tiresome it can be to lug around fertilizers and other bulky items you need to make your garden the best it can be. Whether you are looking to be more efficient, alleviate back pain, or simply make your favorite hobby that much more enjoyable, then finding the best garden cart for you will be worth your while.
What Exactly is a Garden Cart?
These carts are exactly what they sound like, wheeled carts you pull by a handle to help you carry heavy equipment. However, not all of these yard carts are made equal.
Different Types of Carts
Depending on what you want to use yours for, there are a variety of models to choose from. Each has their own set of benefits, making them unique.
The Utility Wagon
This one is set up very similar to child’s toy wagon. It has four wheels on the bottom and enclosed sides to contain things like compost, fertilizer, and more. A handle makes hauling heavier loads simpler, and they often have removable sides that make hauling awkwardly shaped loads easier.
Different models are made to carry a different amount of weight. For instance, the Groundwork heavy duty utility cart can safely carry up to 1200 pounds with its steel frame. Gorilla carts, from the same company that makes Gorilla Glue, are also known for their ability to haul incredibly heavy loads.
The Garden Dump Cart
These carts look similar to a wheelbarrow. While they do offer the same ability to haul heavy loads, they also allow you to dump the load (hence the name). This comes in handy when carrying soil, fertilizer, wood chips and other loose gardening items.
The Flatbed
These models are very similar to the utility wagon save one aspect; they have no sides. If you plan on carrying things like soil in bags, then this is your cart. They are also incredibly useful for transporting things like tree trunks or logs.
The Foldable Cart
Looking to save space in the tool shed? A foldable cart is a storage friendly model that usually features fabric sides and a metal frame. This makes them easily collapsible but also lessens the amount of weight they can carry.
Aspects to Consider
Now that you know what types of models are available, it’s important to consider what features a cart possesses. This can help narrow your search even further, allowing you to find the perfect cart for your gardening needs.
Carrying Capacity
The main reason for buying one of these gardening tools is to carry weight. So, what is it that you will be carrying around the most? Next, consider how much weight the items you want to carry will add up to.
Carts usually carry anywhere between 500 to 1000 pounds, with several models capable of hauling even more weight. Remember, more is better. Picking a cart that can carry a little more than you need is always a good idea.
Tire Type
Lighter load carts tend to have plastic tires, some with tread and some without. These work well on lawns and do not run the risk of punctures. Plus, they weigh a lot less than other kinds of tires.
Heavier duty models tend to feature rubber tires filled with air, like a standard car tire. If you plan on dragging yours over rocky or very bumpy terrain, then this might be the better option for you. Their tread can tackle most surfaces, and the air in the tire allows the cart to carry heavier loads.
Bed Material
This one also depends on what you will be hauling around. Steel frames can handle the most, while plastic beds can handle the least. Steel frames can rust if not treated and might be damaged by acidic substances in compost.
Plastic frames are lighter but can be cracked and broken from wear and tear as well as sun exposure. There are also polyethylene beds that act as the mid-range material, although they are more resistant to rainy weather.
Your Strength
The more a cart can haul, the heavier it is going to be. If you are going to have a hard time pulling yours around, then it defeats the purpose of making gardening easier. Always look at the weight and consider whether you will be able to operate the cart along with the added weight of what you want to carry.
The Best Garden Carts
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to pick the right cart even after you’ve narrowed down what you are looking for. That’s why we waded through hundreds of products and thousands of reviews to pull out the five best carts on the market.
This garden dump cart by Gorilla can carry around up to 1,200 pounds and comes in either a 25 inch or 32-inch bed. It weighs in at 58.6 lbs., and features either 13 or 15-inch wheels, depending on the model size.
One of the unique features of this product is the quick release dumping feature. This allows you to empty the contents without having to lift the unit up. By pressing a button, the bed flips up and dumps out what’s inside.
The steel frame adds to its durability, but a more useful feature is the D shaped handle. This handle can be hooked up to an ATV or tractor so the cart can be pulled around even easier.
Pros
- Carries a ton of weight.
- Durable construction.
- Easy dumping feature.
Cons
- It is heavy. You might need that tractor.
- Some users found it difficult to put together.
This model is a little more unique in design. The Suncast lawn cart works similar to a wheelbarrow, but instead, this model features a longer handle that carries a tub-like bed.
The tub looks kind of a like a Rubbermaid container and can carry 15 and a half gallons, which is roughly 161 pounds depending on the contents. The construction is a durable resin that also helps to keep this model lightweight. It weighs in at 10 lbs.
Pros
- Unique design can carry liquid as well as supplies.
- Lightweight.
- Easier to store.
Cons
- Only two wheels.
- Wheels are small and plastic.
When it comes to maximum weight capacity, Gorilla tends to outdo the rest. This cart can also carry 1200 pounds but features the utility cart style build with removable sides. It is constructed from steel and comes in either yellow or black.
One of the exciting features found on this model is the removable bed. While that might seem counterproductive, it can come in handy when hauling tree trunks with bumps or branches that would otherwise make it sit unevenly.
The 13-inch tires sit underneath the bed, offering higher ground clearance for rougher terrain. The padded handle is also able to be towed around like the other Gorilla model.
Pros
- Huge weight capacity.
- Durable construction.
- Removable sides and bed.
Cons
- Steel is not treated.
- Some had trouble putting it together.
Those looking to save space might benefit the most from this collapsible cart by Mac Sports. It features a large bed (32.5” x 17.5”) and folds up to just 8” thick for easy storage.
The steel frame this product features allows it to carry up to 150 pounds. However, one of the more thoughtful features this product offers are the two mesh cup holders situated in the front. Being able to carry water or soda around comes in handy on hot day.
Pros
- Space saving for storage.
- Steel frame helps hold more weight.
- Cupholders are a nice touch.
Cons
- Can only carry 150 pounds total.
- Fabric can be damaged from sharp loads such as chopped wood.
Best Choice offers a garden cart with a seat, which some people prefer. These types of carts do not have the carrying capacity that their counterparts do, but provide a portable work station that you can sit down at.
This particular model features pneumatic wheels, which are ideal for tougher terrains and landscaping. Another great feature is the front-end basket that can hold tools. Most seated carts only feature the underside carrier for dirt, seeds, or other equipment.
This model holds up to 300 pounds and offers a powder coated steel frame that adds to its durability. The finish also makes it water and rust resistant, which is hard to find on nearly any garden cart. As an added bonus, the seat does swivel.
Pros
- Swivel seat for easy gardening.
- Two ways to carry equipment.
- Pneumatic wheels.
Cons
- Cannot carry large loads due to seat.
- 300-pound capacity might not be enough for yourself and equipment.
Our Top Pick
After weighing the pros and cons of each model, we’ve chosen the clear winner to be the Gorilla Carts GOR866D. Here’s why.
The enclosed sides allow you to carry absolutely anything without worrying about spilling it while the quick-dump feature makes emptying its contents a breeze. Its weight capacity is one of the highest on the markets. Plus, you can attach it to a tractor or ATV to carry incredibly heavy loads.
Each size model features a large bed capable of carrying nearly anything, while the wheel sizes allow you to head over harsh terrain. It also offers plenty of ground clearance for the same effect.