5 Best Garden Carts – Easily Managed

By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: August 15, 2023
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There are many different types of garden cart on the market to make your gardening easier. We’ve explored all of this variety to help you to choose the best garden cart for you and your unique needs. Different garden carts are designed with different uses in mind.

We’ve reviewed 28 models in total, and included the top picks in this option, providing garden cart reviews to show you which model might be most appropriate for your own unique needs. This article shows our top five. The Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart is our editor’s choice. It has quality wheels that can withstand even tough conditions. The Gorilla Cart also has a huge capacity so you can cart around garden waste, plants or any other substances you need with ease.

Our reviews are based around the vital features of garden carts including their size and capacity, the materials used to make them, the tires and handle, and the overall quality of the cart. We also look at the type of cart. Some are designed to dump waste, others are for utility, some are even self-propelled. Our research has been presented as a simple overview table, where we briefly mention the top five products and what they are best for. We’ve then provided individual detailed reviews, and finally a buying guide to help you to make the best choice of garden cart, and learn a little more about what you can do with your cart. They’re far more versatile than wheelbarrows and often easier to use.

Quick Summary

Top 5 Garden Carts Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7342 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.9
Features
  • Type: dump
  • Material:rust-proof poly bed
  • Carrying capacity: 600 lbs
  • Tires: pneumatic, 10 in
  • Handle: pivot
  • Dimensions: 36 x 20 x 19.5 in

More features: 1-year warranty; padded handle

The Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart is one of the cleverest designs of garden cart. It is fantastic for those who need something hard-wearing but also very flexible and easy to use. The rust-proof polly bed, and rust-proof wheels, provide a great basis for a garden cart that should last you many years.

This is a dump style cart, so you can dump out the contents easily. It’s great for carrying compost or garden waste, ready to drop wherever you want.

The cart itself weigh 31.5-pounds which is fairly hefty. This does mean a high-quality cart, though. It is also easy to move around, the tires are pneumatic and the handle pivots for easy dragging around the yard. The handle is also padded for your comfort, great if you are dragging heavy loads like rocks.

A one year warranty is included so you can rest assured of the quality during this time.

There’s a little assembly required, but the frame is pretty easy to put together, and the wheels easy to attach.

The excellent build quality means this is our garden dump cart review goes to the top of our “best of” list.

    Why is it special?
  • Really easy to dump loads, the cart tips with a patented dump system
  • Pneumatic, high-quality tires
  • Pivoting handle with comfy handles
    What are the flaws?
  • More expensive than some other models
  • Requires some assembly
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8750 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.7
Features
  • Type: utility
  • Material: steel
  • Carrying capacity: 400 lbs
  • Tires: pneumatic, 10 in, 5/8 in axle diameter
  • Handle: pivot
  • Dimensions: ‎73 x 18 x 22 in

More features: Folding/removable sides, padded handle

If you are looking for the best value garden cart, the Sunnydaze Utility Steel Garden Cart could be your answer. It is similar to the Gorilla Cart that is our editor’s choice in many ways, with exceptional 10 in pneumatic tires, that do a great job over pretty much any terrain.

The capacity is a bit lower at 400 lbs, but it is made out of high-quality steel and should last you a long time if treated right.

One of the best features of this cart is the fact that it has folding and removable sides. It’s a utility-type cart, but you can turn it into a flatbed model by folding down the sides. It’s ideal for moving plants around as well as mulch, rocks, soil and anything else you could need. The removable sides also mean you can fit larger loads on.

Pivot steering is included which means you can maneuver around pretty easily.

The Ironton Steel Utility Cart can be a little tough to assemble if you aren’t very handy, but most people find that it isn’t too painful and that the quality on offer makes up for this.

    Why did it make our list?
  • 400 lb capacity in spite of relative lightweight design
  • Clever folding sides
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Assembly required and not the easiest to build
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3040 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.5
Features
  • Type: dump
  • Material: heavy-duty resin plastic
  • Carrying capacity: 15.5 gal
  • Tires: with metal axles, 7 in
  • Handle: regular, telescoping
  • Dimensions: 20 x 22 x 34 in

More features: waterproof

Just because you’re looking for the best garden cart two-wheel wheelbarrow replacement or simple dumping garden cart, doesn’t mean you are happy spending a lot of money. You don’t need to either, there are products like the Suncast 2-Wheel Resin Multi-Purpose Cart with Handle that can help with your gardening, but still not cost you the earth.

In spite of being affordable, this has a large 15.5 gallon capacity. It’s great for liquid (it’s waterproof) or for wet mulch or just about anything else you could need in your garden.

The 7 inch tires are decent, but not amazing. They may get a little bit battered over the years. The easy, telescoping handle makes it simple to drag the cart around even when it is full.

The main material this is made out of is just a heavy duty plastic, this is one of the reasons it is affordable.

Another bonus of buying a cart like this is the fact that it is easy to assemble. You do not have to use any tools, and the assembly can be done in just a few minutes.

Though this isn’t the very best, most rugged cart on the market, it is fantastic for the price tag.

    What makes it special?
  • Very easy to assemble
  • Waterproof
  • Large capacity
  • Telescoping handle, easy to pull
    What cons did we find?
  • Wheels aren’t the best quality
  • No option to use this as a flat bed cart
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9734 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.2
4
Best Lightweight Cart

KINTNESS Garden Cart

Features
  • Type: foldable
  • Material: alloy steel
  • Carrying capacity: 600 lbs
  • Tires: pneumatic, 10 in
  • Handle: flexible
  • Dimensions: 35 x 19.5 x 21 in

More features: removable mesh side

A big, heavy cart doesn’t suit everyone perfectly. You might be looking for a lightweight model that is easy to drag around the yard. The KINTNESS Garden Cart may be ideal for you. In spite of being lightweight, it isn’t a flimsy product.

The pneumatic tires are good quality and their large 10-inch design helps you to tilt the cart and drag it around with ease. It’s made of alloy steel. The carrying capacity is 600 lbs. It is quite a large model, and it is good for transporting bulky items around the yard.

If you want to transport a big item, simply remove the mesh sides and utilize it as a flatbed trailer to accommodate bigger freight. When transporting larger weights, detachable sides add flexibility.

The handles may be readily relocated to enable more freedom of movement and ease of use. It is a non-slip, ergonomically-designed handle that is secure to use and protects your hands while you pull goods. It also keeps the overall appearance while allowing you to pull things more easily.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Lightweight considering the large size
  • Removable mesh side
  • Flexible handle
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Not sturdy
  • Loose wheels
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8261 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
Features
  • Type: dump/self-propelled (optional)
  • Material: plastic, reinforced steel frame
  • Carrying capacity: 3.7 cu ft
  • Tires: not specified
  • Handle: regular, with quick-release lever
  • Dimensions: 53 x 25 x 44.5 in

More features: up to 3 hours (180 minutes) run time with the 2.0Ah Briggs & Stratton 82V Lithium ion battery (optional feature); fold away steel hitch for towing at speeds of up to 6 mph; 2-year warranty

The Snapper XD SXDUC82 82V Cordless Self-Propelled Utility Cart is the best garden cart for a variety of reasons, and the main thing we like about this model is all the added extras on offer. This is quite a big and bulky cart, but it does have a bonus of the fact it is self-propelled, this means it can easily tow at speeds of up to 6mph. This assisted cart means that if you have trouble carrying large loads then you can still get a suitable cart.

It has a 3.7 cubic feet carrying capacity. This is more than enough for taking big loads of rubble or compost around in the yard. A lever also makes it easy to dump stuff from the cart.

The electric, lithium ion battery is great for up to 3 hours of use at a time. It takes a while to charge, but this isn’t a problem if you plan ahead.

The cart is quite expensive due to all the extra features, but if you have a physical disability or struggle with carrying items around the garden, this can do a lot of the work for you.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Easy to push, as it is self-propelled
  • Large capacity
  • 3 hours battery life
  • Quick release lever for dumping the contents easily
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Quite expensive due to the motor and extra features


Things to Consider

Reading a buying guide before you make any choice on the best garden cart can avoid making the wrong decision. Our guide has focused more on dumping and folding models rather than garden hose cart reviews, as these tend to just be for carrying a hose around the yard.
There are actually a lot of different designs and functions of a garden cart. They all do slightly different things, and you have a lot to consider before you purchase a cart to make sure you get the option best for you.

Features to consider while buying the best garden cart

The following features are those we have used to compile our garden cart reviews. These areas should all be considered when you are looking to find the right model for you. Some will be more important based on your own specific needs.

Consider the area and construction of your garden, your strength and garden cart usage

5 Best Garden Carts - Easily ManagedIf you have a relatively small garden and don’t plan to do a lot of gardening, you may not need to buy the biggest cart. Likewise, if you have any disabilities or aren’t the strongest, you might need to think about how easy it is to drag around. For instance, the Snapper XD SXDUC82 82V Cordless Self-Propelled Utility Cart doesn’t require a strong user. It is self-propelled.

You should consider the layout of your garden as well before you make your purchase. If you have gravel, soft grass or hard surfaces in your yard. Think about the quality of the tires you will need and whether they can handle the ground in your back yard.

Type of a garden cart

There are a number of different types of garden cart. They all have their own specific features and functions.

A dumping cart is simply designed for carrying and… well, dumping the contents out. This is great for fertilizer and compost, or rubble, but may not be ideal for plants or delicate items you need to protect.

Flatbed garden carts are a good choice if you need to keep the items level. If you are taking plants around the yard or other items that need to be kept upright, this could be a good option. Flatbed carts also let you take more, as you can have things that overflow on the edges, you’re not restricted by the sides of the cart.

Material

5 Best Garden Carts - Easily ManagedWhat material is the garden cart made out of? Some of the cheaper options are made out of plastic. This is quite common, but they are still good choices, so the Suncast 2-Wheel Resin Multi-Purpose Cart with Handle is durable enough in spite of just being made out of plastic.

Some of the more hard-wearing options include steel or at least steel frames. You can rely on these to last you a lot longer. When buying a cart that includes metal, make sure it is rustproof. Rust can be terminal to your garden cart and if it gets wet this can be much worse.

Carrying capacity

Think about how much capacity you need your cart to have. You shouldn’t overfill the cart, so stick to the capacity specified. Our editor’s choice, the Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart, has a huge capacity of 600 lbs, this means you can carry lots of heavy items such as rubble. Think about how easy it will be to drag things around, too. If you are taking 600lb uphill, then it can be a big challenge.

Small yards don’t need a 600lb capacity. You may well opt for something smaller, such as a 300lb option.

This will still let you carry plenty of what you need in your yard. Always check the carrying capacity of your cart and think about whether this is enough for the items you need to transport.

Tires

Heavy duty tires are a fantastic feature. The Ironton Steel Utility Cart is an example of a garden cart with fantastic pneumatic tires which are very hard-wearing. Think about the surfaces you need to carry your garden cart along. If you are dragging across rubble, for instance, you need a really hard-wearing tire design. Pneumatic tires can also give you a little bit of extra suspension and make for a smoother ride.

Handle

5 Best Garden Carts - Easily ManagedWhat sort of handle is on your garden cart? Are the handles padded to allow for easier, more comfortable pulling? Also, think about whether it has a pivot mechanism. Pivot handles are simple to change directions and make it much easier to drag your items around the yard. The handle should also be conveniently placed so you don’t have to worry about reaching down too low.

Dimensions

This is a self-explanatory feature. How big do you need the cart to be? If you have a small garden then you might need to think about storage, and a massive cart is really hard to store. On the other hand, smaller carts can mean more trips back and forth to retrieve your stuff. Always look at the dimensions before you make a garden cart purchase, this means you’ll be able to get some idea of how much space it takes up and how much you can carry.

Prices

How much are you looking to spend on your garden cart? There are so many options on the market at different prices. The level of features makes a huge difference. For instance, if you are looking for an electric powered cart then the cost could be $500 or even more. It isn’t cheap to get a garden cart for a cheap price if you want it to self-propel.

However, you can get good quality garden carts under $50. If you just want a basic model that can carry items around your yard, you can pick up a cheap garden cart.

Extra features

Different models of cart include different features to try and stand out from the other options on the list. There isn’t that much that can be added to a garden cart, but some of the options on the market do have little extra features (or big ones) to add to the offer.

You can buy electric garden carts with motors, such as the Snapper XD SXDUC82 82V Cordless Self-Propelled Utility Cart. This is a very different design to the models you have to drag yourself.

Other features include removable sides that can allow for simple and easy loading, and quick dump release levers that let you tilt the cart with ease to dump the contents quickly with minimal effort. All carts have something slightly different to offer.

 

FAQ

Can I use a garden cart on a construction site?

There is nothing to stop you from using a garden cart on a construction site if it is hard-wearing enough. All you need to do is check that it is made out of the high-quality materials necessary for an industrial site like this. Also, check the capacity, if you are carrying bricks or other building materials you will probably need a very high capacity.

Do electric powered garden carts exist?

Yes, there are electric garden carts on the market that can help people who have disabilities or aren’t strong enough to drag around a lot of stuff in your garden. There’s no shame in struggling with 500lb of garden materials, so the self-propelled options are fantastic. If you want to make the gardening tasks a little bit easier, this can be one way to improve the experience.

Our verdict

Our editor’s choice is the Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart. This brand is known for the exceptional quality. This is a hard-wearing and well-built garden cart with a very big capacity of 600lbs. It also has a fantastic pneumatic set of wheels that can cope with all sorts of ground coverages. We’ve rated it 9.9/10.

Next up is the Ironton Steel Utility Cart which has a steel build for excellent additional sturdiness. The fantastic wheels are similar to the Gorilla model above. The folding and removable sides give an excellent added level of functionality and flexibility. We’ve rated it 9.7/10.

Our budget pick is the Suncast 2-Wheel Resin Multi-Purpose Cart with Handle, it may not last quite as long but it is made out of a sturdy plastic and has a great 15.5 gallon capacity. This could be the best garden cart option if you want something that doesn’t cost a great deal of money but still helps you to shift large amounts in your garden. We’ve rated it 9.5/10.

9,9
Total Score
Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart - Editor’s Choice
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