Lawn mower cart wheels. Garden Carts

Garden Carts

Whether you’re hauling soil in the yard or the kids to the park, our steel, garden, utility and dumping carts can carry the load. From the wheels to the handle, every cart is designed to take the strain off of you while getting the job done.

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CARTS FAQ

Replacement parts can be found on our parts page or by calling customer service between 8 am and 5 pm CST Monday-Friday. (800) 867-6763.

Stake out sides and how to use them are shown in the manual as an option to expand the capacity of your cart.

You can submit a warranty claim online or by calling customer service at (800) 867-6763. Please have a copy of your receipt, model number and lot number (located on a whte sticker found on the frame of your product) ready for expedited service.

Unfortunately, we do not have the bearings for wheels available as they come pressed into the hubs. We do offer replacement wheel assemblies that include the entire wheel, tire, tube, rim and bearings.

Because we use locking nuts, the nut will thread easily onto the bolt until it reaches the lock ring, at which point it will feel like it has seized. Really crank on the hardware with the assembly tools you are using — it will not damage the hardware. Once the bolt breaks through the lock ring, it will become easier to tighten again. Please do not use impact wrenches as they can strip the bolts.

How to Make a DIY Yard Utility Cart

Ever since I got a riding lawn mower, I’ve been waiting for the chance to do something really cool with it (other than cut the lawn, of course).

We had recently went to a farm to go strawberry picking, and they shuttled us to the field in a hayride. I joked to Eileen that I should build our own hayride to pull the family around the backyard.

But then I got thinking how useful a DIY wagon cart would be, especially for my yard work (and previous yard work – like the boardwalk we just made).

So, as many great inventions once started with a mere joke, so did my next project.

I was going to build my own lawn tractor cart. The following tutorial will show you exactly how to make a wagon too – complete with simple wagon steering.

Planning the DIY Utility Wagon

I was really excited about my DIY garden cart. Aside from the original purpose of a wagon ride around the yard, it could really help me save time in many other tasks (particularly when refuse pickup day comes, and I had to haul 10 heavy bags of grass clippings to the curb).

I looked at many commercial lawn mower wagons, trailers, and utility carts in the past, so I had a pretty good idea of how to make a wagon.

In the past, I had once considered buying a wagon utility cart but never got around to it because of the cost and small sizes they came in. If you’re wondering how to make a wagon, keep reading for all of the wooden wagon construction steps. It’s really quite simple.

The actual construction of the DIY wagon was not going to be that hard. It was just a platform with a fence.

Since the DIY wagon was completely custom-made, the wheel system needed to be built from scratch. I had a rough idea of what the wagon steering assembly entailed. But I still how to figure out exactly how to to make an axle for the wagon.

Wheels would need to be mounted to an axle, which would be mounted to the base of the wagon.

Even though I knew this, I still had lots of questions, such as what would prevent the wheels from sliding off the axle, or the axle from flying off the wagon?

How to Make a Yard Utility Cart

I did a lot of research on wheels, axles, and bearings and gained some exceptional knowledge on wheeled machines. I made my list of materials and started my wooden wagon construction.

How to Make an Axle for a Wagon

In learning how to make an axle for a cart, the following steps will show you the materials you need and how to put the wagon axle together. First, each axle consisted of some pillow blocks, washers, shaft collars, end caps, and wheels.

Materials for Building the Wagon Steering Axle

My homemade wagon steering axle system would be comprised of the following:

4 pneumatic tires
4 locking pillow blocks (explained below)
2 axle rods
4 locking shaft collars
4 axle rod plastic caps
a number of spacing washers

Pillow Blocks for Building the Wagon Steering Axle

A pillow block is a support pedestal used to mount a spinning axle to a flat surface. It contains a bearing that lets the axle spin independently of the mount.

The ‘locking’ feature of the pillow block is just a screw that you tighten that prevents the axle from sliding out of the bearing.

The pillow block housing comes with attachment holes to let you bolt it onto a surface (in my case, the underside of the wagon).

Here’s a picture of one of the pillow blocks I used (The bearing on top fits into the blue housing below, and the axle rod slides into the bearing):

Spacing Washers for Building the Wagon Axle

In learning how to make a wagon, it’s essential to understand how the wheel parts go together.

First, the two locking pillow blocks are secured to the wagon. Then the axle is inserted into the pillow blocks and locked into place with the block screws.

Before the wheels can be put on the axle, some spacing washers need to go on first.

It’s generally a good idea anyway to use washers to separate spinning parts, but I needed them specifically to enforce a minimum distance between the pillow blocks and the wheels.

If I didn’t put a small distance between the two, then the pillow block mounting bolts would be too close to the edge of the wagon, and risk splintering the wood, or worse, ripping right out the side during usage.

Wheels, Spacing Washers, and Shaft Collars for the DIY Wagon

So after the spacing washers were put on, the wheel comes on.

After the wheel comes another spacing washer, and then a locking shaft collar.

This is essentially a fat ring that you slide onto the axle rod and becomes immovable once you tighten a screw on it. It’s a lot like the locking mechanism on the pillow block.

The shaft collar is the key part needed to prevent the wheel from sliding off the axle.

Shaft collars come in a variety of flavors. I chose to go with a 2 piece clamping collar. This type of collar comes with two half circles that screw together to form a ring.

I chose this type because compared to other types of shaft collars, it provided a larger amount of force to the axle to prevent it from moving.

Here’s a picture of the shaft collar I used:

End Caps for Building the Wagon Steering Axle

Finally, after the shaft collar comes the axle rod plastic cap. This is just a cap that you hammer onto the edge of the axle. However, it really has 3 purposes.

First, the axle rod has some sharp edges on both ends, so I didn’t want it digging into things and doing damage.

Second, it provides an additional layer of locking protection to prevent the wheel from sliding off. Albeit the locking shaft collar will do its job just fine, but it never hurts to have something extra to reinforce it.

Finally, it finishes off the wheel setup giving it a nice aesthetic look.

I did a lot of shopping around online and found the best to come from Zoro.com and Amazon.

Also, I got some great deals on Amazon for 10” pneumatic tires and some ⅝” bore pillow blocks.

The rest of the parts came from Zoro. Additionally, I made sure that all the parts fit on the axle size I was using, which was ⅝”

Here is a picture of the assembled wheel structure (see what a nice finishing touch the end plastic caps give):

Here’s a close-up of the pillow block and the spacing washers:

How to Make a Wagon Chassis

With the wheels for the lawnmower trailer completed, I could FOCUS now on the wagon platform.

This step of the DIY wagon was going to be a piece of cake.

Chassis Materials

The lawnmower trailer wheels were going to be mounted on 1 ft blocks of 4 x 4s. Those blocks would be attached to a rectangular frame made of 4 x 4s.

I planned on using pressure-treated wood for these foundational 4 x 4s. They were going to be underneath the DIY wagon and exposed more to insects.

Any structural damage to the foundation would be catastrophic so pressure-treated wood seemed a necessity.

However, knowing that people would be riding in the utility wagon at some point, I didn’t want them in close proximity to the chemicals used in PT wood, so the DIY wagon floor and above would be regular wood.

Also, I did plan on using deck stain on the lawnmower trailer to protect it from water and weathering.

On top of the frame would be some 2 x 8 planks for the floor of the wagon.

Attached to the perimeter of the wagon would be a fence made of 2 x 4s.

Finally, the rear of the garden cart would have a swinging gate to allow easy access into the wagon.

Here’s my TinkerCad design of the vision I had in mind:

Chassis Design

In building your own lawnmower cart, the rectangular frame underneath the DIY wagon needs to be strong, as it will comprise a majority of the foundation.

So I used half-lap joints to secure the corners of the frame (see my mailbox post where I used a center lap joint).

I made repeated cuts with my circular saw to get a rough cut of the joints.

Then I used my chisel and hammer to clean up the cut and smoothed it down with a sander.

Here’s a picture of a half-lap joint in the process of being made (for efficiency and consistency, I clamped two 4 x 4s side-by-side to get 2 joints cut at the same time):

Here’s a picture of the lap joints completed, and the rectangular frame is ready to come together on the DIY utility cart:

To connect the joints securely on the DIY wagon, I used wood glue and lag bolts.

I also wanted the lag bolt heads flush with the surface of the frame, so I used a Forstner bit to carve out smooth holes to countersink the bolts.

Here’s a picture of the completed frame of the DIY cart bolted together with glue:

Forstner bits are awesome. I just added them to my tool collection and have been using them in a lot of recent projects.

Here’s a close-up of the holes they made for the bolts:

To complete the foundation, I attached the 1 ft blocks that the wheel axles would be fastened to.

They needed to be firmly attached, so I used wood glue and two 6” bolts to make a strong connection.

Here’s a picture of one of them:

Making the Wagon Floor

Next up was the floor of the lawnmower trailer. I used 2 pieces of 2 x 8s for the center and 2 pieces of 2 x 10s for the ends.

I attached them to the 4 x 4 frame with some countersunk deck screws.

Here’s a picture of the attached floor while building the wagon:

Attaching the Wheel Axles

In learning how to make a wagon, the moment of truth came.

It was time to attach the wheel axles to the frame of the DIY wagon. I bolted the pillow blocks tightly and flipped the frame over.

Would the frame roll smoothly… (drum roll please).

Here’s a picture of the attached wheels and frame on the lawnmower trailer:

Here’s an underneath close-up of a pillow block mounting to the frame:

I could stop right now and have a gigantic skateboard, but the fun was only beginning. It was time to build the wagon fence and gate.

Building the Fence and Gate on the Lawn Mower Trailer

This part of the DIY wagon project was really easy.

I just cut a number of 2 x 4s. Some were attached to the 4 x 4 foundation frame to serve as posts, and the rest were used as cross pieces screwed into the posts.

For the swinging gate on the homemade wagon, I used some 1 x 3 wood leftover from a previous project.

I made the wagon’s rectangular gate frame with some holes using my trusty Kreg hole jig, and some wood glue.

Here’s a picture of the wagon gate in progress:

Here’s a picture of the DIY wagon with the finished fence and gate (it looks great, doesn’t it?):

Attaching The Hitch To The Lawn Mower Trailer

Prior to starting work on the utility cart, I had done some research on how to actually connect it to the mower.

I found a contraption that let me attach a 2” diameter hitch ball to the back of the mower.

I also found an adjustable tow bar that would bolt onto a sturdy metal vehicle bumper (like some Jeeps). This would be perfect for my wagon.

I could bolt the connection to my DIY wagon, and attach the other end to the hitch ball on the mower. In theory, it sounded good, so I hoped it worked in practice.

Here’s a picture of the hitch and tow bar linking the utility cart to the riding lawn mower (the tow bar can be easily detached on either end when not in use):

How I jerry rigged atv wheels to fit my small yard cart!!

Now it was time to test the riding lawn mower and the DIY wagon together. I started up the riding mower and slowly let the brake go.

It started pulling the DIY trailer without hesitation!

I was worried the engine would struggle, but it did not. I did a few laps around the yard and my lawnmower was pulling the DIY trailer perfectly.

The First Ride On The DIY Wagon

Now, I just needed a test subject.

After all, what’s the fun in pulling around an empty wagon?

Eileen was on the phone, and I was anxious to try out the DIY wagon with someone. Then I looked at the house and who did I see looking out at me but my dog Zeus.

Here’s a picture of me testing out the lawnmower trailer with my first test subject:

I later applied some deck stain to the non-pressure treated wood, and the utility cart was completed.

Since learning how to build a wagon, I’ve given many rides in the backyard. I’ve also hauled many bags of refuse to the curb in minutes with this DIY wagon, saving a lot of time.

It does take a few minutes to hook up the wagon to the mower though. So I don’t always use it attached.

Although, it works just fine as a stand-alone utility wagon when I don’t feel like hooking up the hitch.

Now for some pictures of the DIY wagon hard at work.

This was taken when I needed to move a lot of equipment into my storage shed from the garage.

What would have normally taken me several trips, took just one with the utility trailer:

Here is the DIY wagon hauling 10 bags of refuse to the curb.

I used to use my wheelbarrow, but that would only hold 2 bags at a time. It pales in comparison to the wagon. This DIY cart holds so much more, as you can see (below):

Finally, here’s a glamour shot of the DIY cart functioning as it was intended: as a riding lawn mower tractor trailer.

TIME AND COST OF BUILDING THE DIY GARDEN CART

The total cost of my DIY wagon project was around 120. The garden cart was one of my most fun projects to date, and best of all, it was completed in just a weekend.

If you are looking for some help with the yard work or a fun fall ride, follow this tutorial on how to make a wagon that functions as a utility cart, wagon, or trailer, and you’ll be up in running in no time!

Utility Cart 3 Year Update

The wagon has held up great. It’s amazing how much the wagon holds, in comparison to my old wheelbarrow. It’s also perfect for loading up things from the garage that need to go out to the shed in the yard.

The tires on the wagon lasted several seasons. However, they started to lose air after last winter and cracked.

Instead of simply replacing them though, I felt like it was a good opportunity to upgrade the wagon.

Since I found myself pushing the wagon around the yard more than I thought I would, I decided to swap out the front wheels with ones that swiveled in the front.

I was thrilled with the upgrade, as it made pushing and turning the wagon by hand very easy. If you are going to push your garden cart around by hand, I definitely recommend starting out with front wheels that swivel.

Комментарии и мнения владельцев

Hi there, Many thanks for this great little project I’m going to have a go at this! How does it go towing around corners when both axels are fixed, that is the lead axel does not swivel allowing the cart to follow the tractor?

Hi! I was a little worried about this too at first, but when pulling with the mower, it makes no difference. If I’m pulling the wagon manually with my hand, having a swivel wheel would make a big difference, as you have to pick up the front to turn. However, when it’s connected to the mower, which is my primary use for it, it’s not an issue at all. Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions

Hi, the floor of the wagon is 48″ x 34″ The fence is approx 2ft tall. For all the details, check out the tinkercad design of the wagon at https://tinkercad.com/things/0xduHUCitTq

Your utility cart/wagon looks great and should be a very useful addition to your property… so many ways to use and play with such a cart.

We made a similar lawn mower cart out of a bunch of extra parts laying around when we bought our place. It has been so insanely handy! Thanks for sharing on the Clever Chicks blog hop.

So useful and very resourceful, my husband has done something similar using an old frame, a cart is very handy if you have a lot of land. #CreativeMondaysf

Yes, definitely! It has saved a lot of trips back and forth. That’s awesome your husband made one with an old frame – very creative

Garden carts are handy for moving various outdoor supplies, plants, and tools. We tested today’s top models to see how accommodating they truly are—find out which ones earned a well-deserved spot on our lineup!

By Mark Wolfe and Glenda Taylor | Updated Apr 12, 2023 2:45 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

A garden cart is a wagon with two or more wheels used to tote garden tools or materials, such as earth, stones, and plants. In general, garden carts offer more stability than wheelbarrows that have only a single wheel, which makes them prone to tipping under heavy loads.

We tested a variety of garden carts—both light-duty and heavy-duty models—to see if they lived up to the manufacturer’s claims. We loaded them down with the gear gardeners, landscapers, and DIYers would typically haul around. Then we took them over rough terrain and down slopes, really pushing them to their limits to deem how well they handle.

Additionally, we inspected each cart’s construction to ensure the necessary durability to withstand outdoor elements and occasional garden mishaps. Quality models are easy to maneuver and offer plenty of carrying capacity. Most will have a low center of gravity and a flat bottom for added stability. Whether you’re 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.

BEST OVERALL:SuperHandy DC Li-Ion Powered Utility Service Cart
RUNNER-UP:Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Wheelbarrow / Yard Cart / Dolly
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Gorilla Carts 600 lb. Poly Garden Dump Cart
BEST UTILITY:Polar Trailer Utility Cart
BEST COLLAPSIBLE:BlackDecker Collapsible Wagon
ALSO CONSIDER:Vivosun Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon

How We Tested the Best Garden Carts

We used similar testing procedures with all the carts to provide fair and uniform results. However, since the carts offered different functions and various load limits, we also had to adapt the tests to suit each model. 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 manufacturer’s maximum capacity. We felt the listed maximum load was pretty close to what the cart would carry in all cases except the Gorilla Dump Cart.

We noted the ease and length of time for assembly of those carts that required being put together. 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. We pulled and pushed the carts (except the self-powered SuperHandy), and we noted how easy it was to maneuver them in tight spots.

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.

Our Top Picks

We tested garden carts of various types, and to qualify for a spot in this lineup, each had to excel in its specific category. We chose the most popular carts available, both light-duty and heavy-duty. We carefully inspected them for quality, durability, and functionality. Every cart was pushed to its limits. Find out what happened in our hands-on tests, and discover both the pros and cons of each model.

SuperHandy DC Li-Ion Powered Utility Service Cart

The SuperHandy garden cart is a versatile self-propelled vehicle great for hauling hefty loads and cumbersome items. 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 side panels detach for use as a flatbed cart, and there’s a handle for dumping the contents. The hand controls feature a power switch and an accelerator trigger, and the cart also has the option of moving forward or in reverse. With its solid steel undercarriage and strong, alloy steel sides and bottom, the SuperHandy was the beefiest cart on the list at 138 pounds. 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.

After charging the 48V lithium-ion battery pack, we installed them in the protective case and started testing. The SuperHandy was designed to haul loads up to 1,000 pounds and hold up to 500 pounds in its bed. We loaded the bed with about 400 pounds and took off—it powered along with ease. We took it over flat ground, then up and down slopes, and it chugged along smoothly.

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. 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. Impressive!

The oversized, pneumatic tires gripped the turf without slipping, but if we had our druthers, we’d opt for the convenience of solid rubber to keep from having to add air when tires get low. 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.

Product Specs

Materials: Steel
Wheel type: Pneumatic rubber tires
Maximum load capacity: 500 pounds (1,000 for hauling)
Self-propelled design is easy to maneuver around the worksite or yard
Cart swivels easily, even when loaded to its 1,000-pound capacity Simple-to-operate controls on the handle; a linear throttle as well as a FWD/REV
Moves heavy loads with ease; perfect for both DIY and professional use

Get the SuperHandy garden cart at Amazon.

Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Wheelbarrow / Yard Cart / Dolly

When it comes to versatility, the Worx Aerocart shines. 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.

Assembly was straightforward, taking about 15 minutes, and right off the bat, we were impressed with the cart’s solid, no-flat tires. To test all the Aerocart’s 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 cart’s extendable arms to move a table saw. We also modified the cart by attaching the Aerocart Wagon Kit (sold separately), which allowed us to use the cart in four-wheel mode.

The manufacturer rates the Aerocart with a maximum 300-pound capacity, and we saw no reason to think that wouldn’t be possible, since the steel frame certainly seemed capable. We moved an estimated 200-pound load with ease.

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, we’d choose the Aerocart because it serves all those functions. Plus, we could store it upright along a garage wall where it didn’t take up a lot of floor space.

Product Specs

Materials: Steel frame, canvas straps
Wheel type: Solid, plastic wheels
Maximum load capacity: 300 pounds
Multiple functions; can be used as a dolly, wheelbarrel, and yard cart
No-flat wheels are suitable for long-term or heavy-duty use
Non-slip hand grips are comfortable for the user to hold while in use
Fold-down legs for stability and easy storage

Get the Worx garden cart at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Gorilla Carts 600 lb. Poly Garden Dump Cart

The Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart is a top all-around performer made to carry and dump soil, gravel, and mulch loads. The durable polyethylene bed won’t rust, and it’s designed not to crack or warp. Plus, it comes at an attractive price point.

We easily assembled the Gorilla cart in about 15 minutes, using a few basic tools, including a Phillips screwdriver, pliers, and an adjustable wrench. Gorilla lists this cart as having a 600-pound capacity, but after testing we found that a more realistic limit would be half that—about 300 pounds, tops. It became challenging to maneuver the front wheel axle and guide the cart with approximately 300 pounds of bricks in the bed. 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. That gave us another reason to not pile in too much weight.

The 10-inch pneumatic tires rolled smoothly over rough ground, while a padded handle grip provided comfort and better control while pulling. 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.

Product Specs

Materials: Heavy-duty plastic bed, steel frame
Wheel type: Pneumatic
Maximum load capacity: 600-pounds (We recommend no more than 300 pounds.)
Rust-proof bed can withstand exposure to moisture and gardening products
Dumping ability integrated into the design for added versatility
Large, 10-inch tires are perfect for maneuvering on multiple terrain types
600 pounds can put too much pressure on front steering axle
No automatic dumping; requires the user to lift the model manually

Get the Gorilla garden cart at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

Polar Trailer Utility Cart

This Polar Trailer Utility Cart is a rugged general-purpose yard cart. It comes with a high-impact polyethylene tub, designed not to rust, crack, or warp. It’s suitable for moving gravel, firewood, and a variety of garden supplies and tools. Its 10-cubic-foot bed also has ample room for hauling yard debris, such as fallen leaves and twigs.

When we unboxed the Polar Trailer Utility Cart, the first thing we noticed was its extra-large, 20-inch wheels. These were the most oversized wheels, by far, of any of the carts we tested, and they made it easy to maneuver the cart—even when it was fully loaded.

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. We would recommend storing this cart in a garage or shed rather than leaving it exposed to the elements.

We found that this all-around solid cart was well-suited to hauling hefty loads up to 400 pounds. We probably had almost 300 pounds on it at one point, and the weight didn’t seem to wobble the handling in the least. 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. Assembly was straightforward and took no more than 15 minutes.

Product Specs

Materials: Steel frame, high-impact polyethylene tub
Wheel type: 20-inch, solid rubber spoked wheels
Maximum load capacity: 400 pounds
Large, 20-inch wheels are built for easy maneuvering
Ample room in tub for tools, plants, accessories, and more
Easy to guide and dump; ergonomic design is built for maximum user comfort

Get the Polar Trailer garden cart at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Omni Outdoor Living.

BlackDecker Collapsible Wagon

The BlackDecker makes an excellent garden cart where storage space comes at a premium. It is lightweight, durable, and offers plenty of carrying capacity. It holds up to 176 pounds and folds down to just 7 inches thick for easy storage.Plus, it comes with solid tires that won’t go flat, and it features two handy beverage holders on the front.

When the BlackDecker cart arrived, we were surprised that the package was so small—about 10 inches by 10 inches by 25 inches—because we’d been receiving much larger and heavier packages. However, when we unboxed the cart, we were pleased to find high-quality canvas fitted on a collapsible steel frame.

The BlackDecker 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. The telescoping handle extended to 38 inches, which allowed us to pull the cart without bending. The handle controlled the front axle and wheels, which made it simple to turn the cart and maneuver it in tight spots.

We found the canvas bed to be surprisingly strong, and while we didn’t test whether it would stand up to the manufacturer’s claim of holding 176 pounds, we did load it with over 100 pounds, and it still pulled smoothly.

This is a light-duty cart—it’s not designed for carrying heavy and/or sharp objects that might poke through the canvas, such as sharpshooter shovels or chainsaws with sharp blades. Still, it’s a great option for pulling around standard gardening hand tools, plants, potting soil, and supplies.

Product Specs

Materials: Steel frame, canvas bed
Wheel type: Solid plastic, 7-inch tires
Maximum load capacity: 176 pounds
Heavy-duty canvas bed is ideal for light- to medium-duty gardening tasks
Telescoping handle provides added user-friendliness and adjustability
Collapsible design allows for easy storage in the off-season

Get the BlackDecker garden cart at Amazon.

Vivosun Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon

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. 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.

Like the other collapsible cart we tested, the Vivosun came folded up—and in a handy tote bag—but was easy to expand by pulling the front and back of the steel frame apart. We also noticed that the ball-bearing assembly made for easy rolling. The front axle also swiveled easily when we moved the telescoping handle from side to side, making the cart easy to turn and maneuver. However, the somewhat thin handle could have been sturdier.

Product specs stated that the canvas bed holds up to 176 pounds. 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.

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 doesn’t provide enough padding for a child to ride in. Just for fun, we did haul a cat around because he jumped in and refused to get out. The cat, at least, approved! As far as we could tell, the cushion seemed to be mainly for aesthetic purposes.

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.

Product Specs

Materials: Metal frame, canvas bed
Wheel type: 7-inch, solid tires
Maximum load capacity: 176 pounds
Large capacity canvas bed is ideal for maneuvering multiple tools, accessories, plants, and more
Folds to compact size for easy storing or transporting
Telescoping handle and smooth steering for ample versatility

Get the Vivosun garden cart at Amazon or Walmart.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Garden Cart

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. Also, factor in how much weight the cart can carry. It’s typically better to err on the side of caution and overestimate the weight capacity needed.

Types of Garden Carts

Garden carts come in different shapes and sizes, each type suited to a particular kind of work. Below are descriptions of six basic types of garden carts and the tasks for which they are best suited.

Utility Wagon

A utility wagon is a general-purpose, heavy-duty garden cart. Use it to haul anything from tools and plants to bricks, soil, and garden debris. Utility wagons may operate manually, include an electric motor, or attach to a riding lawnmower. They may have a fixed bed and sides, or they may feature a dump bed that tilts to empty its contents. Some feature removable sides to convert into a flatbed for oversize loads.

Dump Carts

Dump carts are four-wheel carts with hinged beds that tilt independently of the frame, like a dump truck. 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. Metal mesh dump beds work well for larger items like rocks or firewood.

Flatbed Carts

Flatbed carts are basically flat platforms on wheels, though some convertible utility carts have side panels that may be removed to function as flatbeds. 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. Flatbeds also allow the user to load oversize items like lumber or fence posts.

Foldable Carts

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. Like other quality garden carts, the best foldable models are made of tough, lightweight materials. Most foldable carts are in the light-duty category.

Electric Carts

Electric carts are self-propelled, walk-behind carts with power, forward/reverse, and speed controls located on the handgrip. They provide added power to move heavier loads, and some include either powered or manual dump beds. The electric motor runs on rechargeable batteries that last between 45 minutes and 3 hours per charge.

Hand Trolley

A hand trolley, or hand truck, is an upright two-wheel cart that is used for heavy loads and precise placement. Some include a secondary set of wheels or casters on the back that help move bulky items across paved surfaces. Gardeners tend to use a hand trolley to move large trees or landscape boulders into place. Hand trolleys are also useful in the garage or workshop for moving large crates and appliances.

Material

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. 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.

The strongest carts have steel frames and rubber tires. These materials perform well in all types of weather but require some maintenance. Wipe steel components clean after use and repaint scratches to avoid rust. Grease the wheels regularly and keep tires properly inflated for best performance.

Steel-framed carts are matched with either steel or polycarbonate beds. Both materials are strong and durable, but poly weighs less, resists dents and scratches, and is UV protected.

Capacity

Light-duty garden carts have weight capacities of 200 pounds or less. These carts are suitable for hauling limited quantities of soil, mulch, plants, and/or garden tools. Heavy-duty carts with capacities of 350 to 500 pounds are a good choice for hauling rocks, bricks, and bags of concrete. 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.

Note that a cart’s capacity refers to its load weight, which is different from its hauling weight (also called pulling weight). Hauling weight indicates the power the vehicle is capable of generating when pulling a load on a wheeled trailer. 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.

Wagon vs. Cart vs. Trolley

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. A cart has two wheels and one or two handles, either at the front or the rear; depending on the design, it’s built to be either pushed or pulled. 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. Despite differences in word origins, American gardeners and tool makers now use the terms wagon and cart somewhat interchangeably. For our testing purposes, both two- and four-wheel devices are referred to as carts.

Handle

Whether on a wagon, pull cart, pushcart, or hand truck, the handle should be comfortable and functional. For long days working in the garden, a thick handle with a cushioned grip is helpful. 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. A rubberized grip adds traction and cushion for control and comfort.

Comparing Gorilla Carts. Which Size Dump Cart Is Better??

The handle position should be high enough to push or pull comfortably. 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. When the cart is not in motion, the handle should rest in a safe position. 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. Straight, shafted handles easily fall down and can create a tripping hazard.

Tire Type and Number

Garden cart tires may be pneumatic, flat-free, or plastic. Pneumatic (i.e., inflatable) tires give a cushioned ride over uneven terrain. The smooth ride and large diameter make it easier to push or pull heavy loads through the landscape.

Flat-free tires appear similar to pneumatic tires but they are made of solid rubber. The benefit is that they never puncture or get soft, but the ride is not as smooth. They suit situations and terrain similar to those pneumatic tires are useful in.

Plastic wheels are used on light-duty garden carts and work best on paved surfaces and smooth lawns. Like flat-free tires, they are convenient and low maintenance, but plastic is subject to cracking and warping in extreme temperatures.

Garden carts may have two, three, or four wheels. Two-wheel carts offer easy steering, whether pulled or pushed because they can pivot without moving forward or backward. Four-wheel pull carts have a fixed axle in the rear and a steering axle in the front, connected to the pull handle. Four-wheel pushcarts use two independent swivel wheels instead of a steering axle. Four-wheel carts are less articulate but more stable than two-wheelers.

Most three-wheel carts are electric. They have a powered drive axle for the two front wheels and a rear swivel wheel centered near the back to allow for steering. They have steering ability and stability comparable to four-wheelers.

Manual vs. Electric

Most garden carts are manually operated—users push or pull them where needed. But electric carts are becoming more popular to assist on heavy projects, and they are well suited for gardeners with less strength or stamina. The electric motor drives the wheels and, in some cases, raises a dump bed.

Electric carts use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to power their motors. Run time per charge averages about 3 hours, typically adequate for most users to work all day. Electric carts vary in travel speeds and performance on difficult terrain. They may or may not include a braking system.

Motor

Electric carts and motor-assisted wheelbarrows can help gardeners with limited mobility, strength, and/or stamina. 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. 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.

Versatility

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. Hauling soil or mulch requires bulk volume, while moving a large tree may require greater mobility or precision.

A cart’s versatility is often equal to its capability. 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.

The Advantages of Owning a Garden Cart

A garden cart is handy for more than hauling tools and supplies. It can function as a mobile gardening workstation, holding large and small tools and even a trash can. It conveniently carries garden supplies and equipment to the project site and hauls debris away.

Garden carts have a low center of gravity for stability that resists tipping while loaded. The cart is a convenient place to temporarily hold soil while digging planting holes, rather than covering up the grass or staining the sidewalk. The low stance makes it convenient to load and unload heavy items like bagged soils, landscape boulders, or large trees. A garden cart can help with just about any yard work.

A garden cart lets you keep gardening tools and supplies close by as you move around the yard.
A garden cart lets you haul loads of between 200 and 1,200 pounds or more.
A garden cart can help those with limited strength, mobility, or stamina continue doing yard work.

FAQs

If you still want more info about purchasing or using a garden cart, read on for answers to some commonly asked questions.

Q. What is a garden cart?

A garden cart is a two- or four-wheel vehicle that gardeners use to carry tools and supplies around the yard.

Q. What is the difference between a wheelbarrow and a garden cart?

A wheelbarrow is shaped like a half-barrel with one or two wheels in the front and two straight handles in the back. Its shape, with high sloping sides and a small tilted bottom, is best suited for hauling and dumping bulk material. A garden cart typically has between two and four wheels and a low center of gravity. Garden carts often have low, vertical sides and wide flat bottoms. They are used for all types of hauling, from tools and equipment to bagged soils, plants, and more.

Q. Do I need a garden cart?

Gardeners often find their garden cart to be more useful than their wheelbarrow. There are various types of garden carts that are suited to different kinds of hauling, including some that are motorized.

Sources:

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