We found that this all-around solid cart was well-suited to hauling hefty loads up to 400 pounds. Foldable carts are helpful for those who only need a cart occasionally or those with little storage space because they conveniently store away in small spaces. Flatbeds also allow the user to load oversize items like lumber or fence posts. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. After testing all the various functions and accessories, we decided if we could only have one moving vehicle, either a cart, a dolly, or a wheelbarrow, wed choose the Aerocart because it serves all those functions. It became challenging to maneuver the front wheel axle and guide the cart with approximately 300 pounds of bricks in the bed. Electric carts and motor-assisted wheelbarrows can help gardeners with limited mobility, strength, and/or stamina. Some include a secondary set of wheels or casters on the back that help move bulky items across paved surfaces. These carts are suitable for hauling limited quantities of soil, mulch, plants, and/or garden tools. The hand controls feature a power switch and an accelerator trigger, and the cart also has the option of moving forward or in reverse. As far as we could tell, the cushion seemed to be mainly for aesthetic purposes. A cart that can go over rough terrain (pneumatic tires), with a heavier load (steel frame), and unload easily (dump cart) is more versatile than a cart without these features. Garden cart tires may be pneumatic, flat-free, or plastic. It holds up to 176 pounds and folds down to just 7 inches thick for easy storage.Plus, it comes with solid tires that wont go flat, and it features two handy beverage holders on the front. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you still want more info about purchasing or using a garden cart, read on for answers to some commonly asked questions. Plus, it comes at an attractive price point. Hauling soil or mulch requires bulk volume, while moving a large tree may require greater mobility or precision. Just for fun, we did haul a cat around because he jumped in and refused to get out. In addition to use as a garden cart, this foldable model would be well-suited for grocery shopping, where the user could fill it with groceries, pull it to the car, and then fold it up and carry it in the trunk. It features 7-inch, hard wheels with ball-bearing assembly for smoother movement. When unfolded, the bed measures 36 inches by 22 inches by 15 inches, offering ample room for hauling away yard waste or carrying plants and gardening supplies. We ran the SuperHandy near-non-stop hauling firewood, and after 3.5 hours, the battery indicator was still showing a quarter of a charge. While any of the carts in this lineup are well suited for handling various gardening, landscaping, and outdoor loads, for the most help in moving heavy pots and materials, its tough to beat the SuperHandy Utility Service Cart. The durable polyethylene bed wont rust, and its designed not to crack or warp. A 1.25- to 1.5-inch-diameter handle is about the right thickness for most gardeners to maximize grip and control, and minimize hand fatigue. Note that a carts capacity refers to its load weight, which is different from its hauling weight (also called pulling weight). Regardless of the over-ambitious capacity claim, we found this Gorilla to be a sound garden cart that offered a lot of hauling ability at a reasonable price. Most garden carts are manually operatedusers push or pull them where needed. As an example, some four-wheel wagons feature handles with a bent shaft so it can rest in an upright position against the front of the wagon when not in use. But electric carts are becoming more popular to assist on heavy projects, and they are well suited for gardeners with less strength or stamina. While we deemed that fairly accurate, we would recommend spreading the weight over the entire bed rather than carrying a single heavy object that might poke through the canvas. It comes with a high-impact polyethylene tub, designed not to rust, crack, or warp. The handle position should be high enough to push or pull comfortably. There are various types of garden carts that are suited to different kinds of hauling, including some that are motorized. Quality models are easy to maneuver and offer plenty of carrying capacity. This Polar Trailer Utility Cart is a rugged general-purpose yard cart. We loaded the bed with about 400 pounds and took offit powered along with ease. This Vivosun also featured a thin, flat cushion that fits inside the bottom, but after easily feeling the bottom steel bars underneath, we decided that the cushion doesnt provide enough padding for a child to ride in. Get the Vivosun garden cart at Amazon or Walmart. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. When we unboxed the Polar Trailer Utility Cart, the first thing we noticed was its extra-large, 20-inch wheels. Four-wheel pushcarts use two independent swivel wheels instead of a steering axle. A utility wagon is a general-purpose, heavy-duty garden cart. Garden carts may have two, three, or four wheels. Pneumatic (i.e., inflatable) tires give a cushioned ride over uneven terrain. Light-duty garden carts have weight capacities of 200 pounds or less. The side panels detach for use as a flatbed cart, and theres a handle for dumping the contents. Get the Polar Trailer garden cart at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, and Omni Outdoor Living. It comes with a host of accessories, including a brace for holding lawn bags, a rock/plant mover, an in-bed organizer, and a fold-down plate for using the Aerocart as a dolly. For sheer versatility, we like the Worx Aerocart that adjusts to perform various functions, including as a dolly, a cart, a pot mover, and more. When the cart is not in motion, the handle should rest in a safe position. Dolly would be better with a strap to secure items, 600 pounds puts too much pressure on front steering axle, Large, 20-inch wheels for easy maneuvering, Folds to compact size for easy storing or transporting. Electric carts are self-propelled, walk-behind carts with power, forward/reverse, and speed controls located on the handgrip. The SuperHandy is self-propelled and holds loads up to 500 pounds. The Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart is a top all-around performer made to carry and dump soil, gravel, and mulch loads. These materials perform well in all types of weather but require some maintenance. We would recommend storing this cart in a garage or shed rather than leaving it exposed to the elements. Whether youre looking for a light-duty cart you can fold for easy storage or a beefy, self-propelled model, chances are the best garden cart for your needs will be in this lineup. They use rechargeable batteries that mostly offer about 3 hours of run time per charge, depending on the weight of the load and the slope of the terrain. That gave us another reason to not pile in too much weight. Many plastics are susceptible to damage from temperature extremes and long-term sun exposure, so carts made of this material should be stored in a garage or shed when not in use. This is a light-duty cartits not designed for carrying heavy and/or sharp objects that might poke through the canvas, such as sharpshooter shovels or chainsaws with sharp blades. Two-wheeled hand trucks with a weight capacity of 750 pounds or more are best for positioning large trees or moving heavy materials, such as cords of firewood and landscape boulders. The cart is a convenient place to temporarily hold soil while digging planting holes, rather than covering up the grass or staining the sidewalk. Metal mesh dump beds work well for larger items like rocks or firewood. When shopping for a garden cart, look for rugged materials such as a heavy-gauge steel frame, powder-coating to resist corrosion, and ultraviolet-protected plastic. In the U.S., a trolley means a streetcar, but in other countries, this term could refer to either a small wagon or a cart. Both materials are strong and durable, but poly weighs less, resists dents and scratches, and is UV protected. When the Black+Decker cart arrived, we were surprised that the package was so smallabout 10 inches by 10 inches by 25 inchesbecause wed been receiving much larger and heavier packages. The 10-inch pneumatic tires rolled smoothly over rough ground, while a padded handle grip provided comfort and better control while pulling. Steel-framed carts are matched with either steel or polycarbonate beds. Poly Garden Dump Cart. I Set Up an Obstacle Course for the Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Garden D We Tried the WORX Aerocart: Is the Multipurpose Cart Worth It? Additionally, we inspected each carts construction to ensure the necessary durability to withstand outdoor elements and occasional garden mishaps. A garden cart is a two- or four-wheel vehicle that gardeners use to carry tools and supplies around the yard. Gorilla lists this cart as having a 600-pound capacity, but after testing we found that a more realistic limit would be half thatabout 300 pounds, tops. Get the SuperHandy garden cart on Amazon or Great Circle. Whether on a wagon, pull cart, pushcart, or hand truck, the handle should be comfortable and functional. Garden carts come in different shapes and sizes, each type suited to a particular kind of work. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Like other quality garden carts, the best foldable models are made of tough, lightweight materials. A carts versatility is often equal to its capability. A garden cart is handy for more than hauling tools and supplies. We moved an estimated 200-pound load with ease. We took it over flat ground, then up and down slopes, and it chugged along smoothly. We loaded them down with the gear gardeners, landscapers, and DIYers would typically haul around. We found the canvas bed to be surprisingly strong, and while we didnt test whether it would stand up to the manufacturers claim of holding 176 pounds, we did load it with over 100 pounds, and it still pulled smoothly. Flatbeds make for easy removal of loads like bagged soil or trays of plants because such supplies simply slide on and off without dealing with the obstacles of raised sides. We easily assembled the Gorilla cart in about 15 minutes, using a few basic tools, including a Phillips screwdriver, pliers, and an adjustable wrench. The SuperHandy was designed to haul loads up to 1,000 pounds and hold up to 500 pounds in its bed. We carefully inspected them for quality, durability, and functionality. Most will have a low center of gravity and a flat bottom for added stability. For example, a motorized cart designed to hold up to 500 pounds in its bed may be capable of pulling a load up to 1,000 pounds. We felt the listed maximum load was pretty close to what the cart would carry in all cases except the Gorilla Dump Cart. Gardeners often find their garden cart to be more useful than their wheelbarrow. A garden cart lets you haul loads of between 200 and 1,200 pounds or more. Its suitable for moving gravel, firewood, and a variety of garden supplies and tools. Hauling weight indicates the power the vehicle is capable of generating when pulling a load on a wheeled trailer. The smooth ride and large diameter make it easier to push or pull heavy loads through the landscape. Heavy-duty carts with capacities of 350 to 500 pounds are a good choice for hauling rocks, bricks, and bags of concrete. However, when we unboxed the cart, we were pleased to find high-quality canvas fitted on a collapsible steel frame. Light-duty carts may be made entirely of plastic or a combination of plastic and steel and be capable of carrying up to 200 pounds across reasonably smooth terrain. A garden cart is a wagon with two or more wheels used to tote garden tools or materials, such as earth, stones, and plants. Despite differences in word origins, American gardeners and tool makers now use the terms wagon and cart somewhat interchangeably. Get the Worx garden cart on Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart. Sealed lead-acid (SLA) and lithium-ion are commonly available battery types, both offering fast recharge times, long run times, and full power throughout the life of the charge. Electric carts use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to power their motors. A rubberized grip adds traction and cushion for control and comfort. The electric motor drives the wheels and, in some cases, raises a dump bed. The cat, at least, approved! The telescoping handle extended to 38 inches, which allowed us to pull the cart without bending. SuperHandy DC Li-Ion Powered Utility Service Cart, Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart / Dolly / Wheelbarrow, Gorilla Carts 600 lb. Find out what happened in our hands-on tests, and discover both the pros and cons of each model. We used similar testing procedures with all the carts to provide fair and uniform results. Its shape, with high sloping sides and a small tilted bottom, is best suited for hauling and dumping bulk material. We tested a variety of garden cartsboth light-duty and heavy-duty modelsto see if they lived up to the manufacturers claims. The strongest carts have steel frames and rubber tires. We also modified the cart by attaching the Aerocart Wagon Kit (sold separately), which allowed us to use the cart in four-wheel mode. It can function as a mobile gardening workstation, holding large and small tools and even a trash can. The Black+Decker makes an excellent garden cart where storage space comes at a premium. Users should not have to operate the cart while bent over or lifting extra high on the handles, nor should the user be at risk of kicking the cart while operating. A garden cart can help those with limited strength, mobility, or stamina continue doing yard work. For long days working in the garden, a thick handle with a cushioned grip is helpful. A hand trolley, or hand truck, is an upright two-wheel cart that is used for heavy loads and precise placement. Most foldable carts are in the light-duty category. Plus, it could open up the world of gardening and landscaping to those who might not have the ability to push or pull a loaded-down cart. The Black+Decker cart folded out with just a pull on its two end frames and formed a decently sized canvas bed measuring 31 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 22 inches high. Get the Gorilla garden cart on Amazon, Walmart, or Lowes. Users can invest in additional accessories to further expand its usefulness. Assembly was straightforward and took no more than 15 minutes. Its leg supports were solid and sturdy, and the bar handle gave us the ability to grip it where it felt best for our purposes, rather than having to grasp individual handles. We also noticed that the ball-bearing assembly made for easy rolling. The manufacturer rates the Aerocart with a maximum 300-pound capacity, and we saw no reason to think that wouldnt be possible, since the steel frame certainly seemed capable. They are designed to make it easier to unload large quantities of bulk material like soil, leaves, weeds, and garden debris. Smooth plastic dump beds empty cleanly, without snagging on branches or other fine material. Then we took them over rough terrain and down slopes, really pushing them to their limits to deem how well they handle. Wipe steel components clean after use and repaint scratches to avoid rust. The electric motor runs on rechargeable batteries that last between 45 minutes and 3 hours per charge. Its 10-cubic-foot bed also has ample room for hauling yard debris, such as fallen leaves and twigs. We noted the ease and length of time for assembly of those carts that required being put together. Dump carts are four-wheel carts with hinged beds that tilt independently of the frame, like a dump truck. The SuperHandy garden cart is a versatile self-propelled vehicle great for hauling hefty loads and cumbersome items. Straight, shafted handles easily fall down and can create a tripping hazard. A garden cart lets you keep gardening tools and supplies close by as you move around the yard. Four-wheel carts are less articulate but more stable than two-wheelers. Traditionally, a wagon refers to a vehicle with four wheels and a single handle at the front, a design that intends for it to be pulled. Like the other collapsible cart we tested, the Vivosun came folded upand in a handy tote bagbut was easy to expand by pulling the front and back of the steel frame apart. We pulled and pushed the carts (except the self-powered SuperHandy), and we noted how easy it was to maneuver them in tight spots. Our favorite part of this cart was the wheels and tires, but we wished they would have been coated to resist rust and corrosion, since we discovered a bit of rust on the wheel rims after leaving the cart out in the rain. Every cart was pushed to its limits. We tested garden carts of various types, and to qualify for a spot in this lineup, each had to excel in its specific category. Like flat-free tires, they are convenient and low maintenance, but plastic is subject to cracking and warping in extreme temperatures. With its solid steel undercarriage and strong, alloy steel sides and bottom, the SuperHandy was the beefiest cart on the list at 138 pounds. They suit situations and terrain similar to those pneumatic tires are useful in. They may or may not include a braking system. One of the nicest features was the third wheel, set on a caster, which allowed us to swivel the cart in any direction easily, even making sharp turns with a full load. It is lightweight, durable, and offers plenty of carrying capacity. Also, factor in how much weight the cart can carry. After charging the 48V lithium-ion battery pack, we installed them in the protective case and started testing. When it comes to versatility, the Worx Aerocart shines. A wheelbarrow is shaped like a half-barrel with one or two wheels in the front and two straight handles in the back. Like many carts, it required some assembly, but the instructions were easy to follow, and it took less than 30 minutes to put it together. They have a powered drive axle for the two front wheels and a rear swivel wheel centered near the back to allow for steering. Hand trolleys are also useful in the garage or workshop for moving large crates and appliances. They may have a fixed bed and sides, or they may feature a dump bed that tilts to empty its contents. To test all the Aerocarts multiple functions, we moved heavy pots using the hook-on harness, hauled a large load of firewood with the firewood sling (sold separately), and used the carts extendable arms to move a table saw. Use it to haul anything from tools and plants to bricks, soil, and garden debris. However, the somewhat thin handle could have been sturdier. Impressive! Run time per charge averages about 3 hours, typically adequate for most users to work all day. The oversized, pneumatic tires gripped the turf without slipping, but if we had our druthers, wed opt for the convenience of solid rubber to keep from having to add air when tires get low. Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Wheelbarrow / Yard Cart / Dolly, Vivosun Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon. The front axle also swiveled easily when we moved the telescoping handle from side to side, making the cart easy to turn and maneuver. Grease the wheels regularly and keep tires properly inflated for best performance. Plus, we could store it upright along a garage wall where it didnt take up a lot of floor space. For our testing purposes, both two- and four-wheel devices are referred to as carts. They are used for all types of hauling, from tools and equipment to bagged soils, plants, and more. These were the most oversized wheels, by far, of any of the carts we tested, and they made it easy to maneuver the carteven when it was fully loaded. Still, its a great option for pulling around standard gardening hand tools, plants, potting soil, and supplies. Flatbed carts are basically flat platforms on wheels, though some convertible utility carts have side panels that may be removed to function as flatbeds. A garden cart can help with just about any yard work. Two-wheel carts offer easy steering, whether pulled or pushed because they can pivot without moving forward or backward. We probably had almost 300 pounds on it at one point, and the weight didnt seem to wobble the handling in the least. Some feature removable sides to convert into a flatbed for oversize loads. Gardeners tend to use a hand trolley to move large trees or landscape boulders into place. Versatility is an important consideration because while a garden cart might be purchased for a specific upcoming project, other potential uses may pop up in the future. We chose the most popular carts available, both light-duty and heavy-duty. Assembly was straightforward, taking about 15 minutes, and right off the bat, we were impressed with the carts solid, no-flat tires. Below are descriptions of six basic types of garden carts and the tasks for which they are best suited. Utility wagons may operate manually, include an electric motor, or attach to a riding lawnmower. Electric carts vary in travel speeds and performance on difficult terrain. However, since the carts offered different functions and various load limits, we also had to adapt the tests to suit each model. In general, garden carts offer more stability than wheelbarrows that have only a single wheel, which makes them prone to tipping under heavy loads. Get the Black+Decker garden cart at Amazon. Flat-free tires appear similar to pneumatic tires but they are made of solid rubber. Most three-wheel carts are electric. Those looking for a garden cart that folds for easy storage yet holds a good amount of dry leaves or other types of yard debris might want to check out the Vivosun Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon. By Mark Wolfe and Glenda Taylor | Updated Apr 27, 2022 10:18 AM. We loaded each cart to the brim; although unable to weigh the contents of each load, we estimated the weight and determined whether we felt the cart could carry the manufacturers maximum capacity. Four-wheel pull carts have a fixed axle in the rear and a steering axle in the front, connected to the pull handle. Its typically better to err on the side of caution and overestimate the weight capacity needed. Product specs stated that the canvas bed holds up to 176 pounds. The handle controlled the front axle and wheels, which made it simple to turn the cart and maneuver it in tight spots. We analyzed the quality of the materials and checked the essential parts, including the carts undercarriage, axles, wheels, and handles, for any signs of weakness. They have steering ability and stability comparable to four-wheelers. A cart has two wheels and one or two handles, either at the front or the rear; depending on the design, its built to be either pushed or pulled. It conveniently carries garden supplies and equipment to the project site and hauls debris away. As we tested, we awarded points based on a rubric; at the end of the testing, we added the points and used them to help determine the best categories and awards for each model. Garden carts often have low, vertical sides and wide flat bottoms. They provide added power to move heavier loads, and some include either powered or manual dump beds. All in all, the SuperHandy proved to be an excellent garden cart for hauling heavy items, such as bricks, firewood, large potted plants, or anything else that would be too cumbersome to pull or push by hand. Garden carts have a low center of gravity for stability that resists tipping while loaded. Plastic wheels are used on light-duty garden carts and work best on paved surfaces and smooth lawns. A garden cart typically has between two and four wheels and a low center of gravity. The low stance makes it convenient to load and unload heavy items like bagged soils, landscape boulders, or large trees. Despite the quick-release lever that unhooks the bed for dumping, we noticed that users would still have to physically lift the front of the bed to dump it. The benefit is that they never puncture or get soft, but the ride is not as smooth.