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10 Best Garden Carts of 2024

Updated
Transport any materials around your garden with these carts.

Lugging items around the garden by hand can be exhausting, dangerous, and ineffective.

Investing in one of the best garden carts can change your gardening habits, taking them from overwhelming to fun and productive.

I’ve done the hard research to assemble a list of the 10 best garden carts for you. Researching customer reviews, expert advice, and product descriptions, this list will match you with the best option, whether you want something super large, electric, or heavy-duty.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Gorilla Carts Garden Dump Cart
Best Dump Garden Cart
Gorilla Carts Garden Dump Cart
  • Comfortable padded straight handle
  • Quick to assemble
  • 600-pound capacity
Product Image of the Whitsunday Folding Utility Wagon
Best for Seniors
Whitsunday Folding Utility Wagon
  • Aluminum alloy frame, extra durable
  • Desktop included to use as table
  • 360-degree wheels
Product Image of the Gorilla Carts Steel Garden Cart
Best Four-Wheeled Garden Cart
Gorilla Carts Steel Garden Cart
  • Easy to maneuver with 10-inch wheels
  • Converts from utility to flatbed
  • 400-pound capacity
Product Image of the Gorilla Carts Steel Utility Cart
Most Durable Garden Cart
Gorilla Carts Steel Utility Cart
  • Transforms from utility to flatbed
  • Two-in-one push & pull handle
  • 1000-pound capacity
Product Image of the Vivosun Collapsible Wagon
Best Foldable Garden Cart
Vivosun Collapsible Wagon
  • 176-pound capacity
  • 360-degree rotating wheels
  • Adjustable handle locks into place
Product Image of the Agri-Fab Max Utility Tow Cart
Large Capacity
Agri-Fab Max Utility Tow Cart
  • 750-pound capacity
  • Pneumatic tires handle various terrain
  • Wheel bearings have grease zerks
Product Image of the ZeHuoGe Collapsible Utility Cart
Best Budget-Friendly Garden Cart
ZeHuoGe Collapsible Utility Cart
  • Adjustable handle to suit various heights
  • Two mesh cup holders
  • Made with waterproof oxford cloth
Product Image of the Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Home Utility Yard Wheelbarrow Garden Cart w/Built-in Stand for Lawn, Gardening, Construction - Green
Best Two-Wheeled Garden Cart
Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Rover
  • Comfortable ergonomic handle design
  • 330-pound capacity
  • Cart only weighs 26 pounds
Product Image of the Intradin Machinery Co Landworks
Best Electric Garden Cart
Intradin Machinery Co Landworks
  • Works at a slope of up to 15 degrees
  • Five hours of run-time per charge
  • Works on all terrains
Product Image of the VivoHome Mesh Steel Garden Cart
Best Heavy-Duty Garden Cart
VivoHome Mesh Steel Garden Cart
  • 180-degree swivel handle
  • 1,100-pound capacity
  • Pneumatic tires resist puncture

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we understand the importance of reliable garden carts, and our expert analysis is designed to help you make an informed decision. Our experienced team conducts thorough research, hands-on testing, and assessment to compare various garden carts’ performance, design, and criteria. We evaluate products from a user’s perspective, identifying key decision-making factors such as durability, wheel quality, and weight capacity. Our data-driven reviews provide first-hand evidence to rank and measure carts against industry benchmarks, ensuring you receive the most accurate information to choose the best garden cart for your needs.



The Best Garden Carts of 2024

After hours of researching and analyzing garden carts, genuine customer reviews, expert advice, and my own experience, I have created an accessible list. Rounding up the 10 best garden carts, you’ll find a handy description of each product, pros, cons, and specific details so you can find the right one for you.

Here are 10 great garden carts for all kinds of backyard jobs.

Gorilla Carts Garden Dump Cart

Best Dump Garden Cart

Dump carts are the best when dealing with heavy loads because it’s easier than ever to empty the contents. This particular dump cart has a patented quick-release dump ability. You can quickly load and unload the contents.

The four-wheel design makes it easy to navigate this cart, even when it’s packed to the brim and you’re on various terrains. This is also an excellent option for your garden or doing commercial jobs.

It has a capacity of 600 pounds, so you can do any job using this cart. Whether you’re moving dirt, mulch, rocks, or other items, this cart is there to see you through!

And don’t worry about the cart chipping, breaking, or rusting. The durable poly material means it was built to withstand your hard jobs.

Pros

  • Padded straight handle is easy and comfortable to hold.
  • Quick to assemble.
  • 600-pound capacity; fantastic for residential or commercial use.
  • Very stable design thanks to the four 10-inch wheels.
  • Quick-release dumping system.
  • Poly tub is rust-resistant and easy to clean.

Cons

  • The tools included for assembly do not work. Customers recommend buying your own nuts and bolts.
  • Some customers found the tires cheap and easy to burst.

Product Specs

Type Dump cart
Material Plastic
Number of Wheels Four
Capacity 600 pounds
Weight 32 pounds

Our Ratings

Load Capacity
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Maneuverability
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

When I first started using this product, I immediately noticed how much easier it was to maneuver compared to a traditional wheelbarrow. This cart is lightweight, yet sturdy enough to hold everything I need for my yard work, from hauling rocks to large bags of potting soil. The solid wheels and easy turning make it a breeze to pull around, and I especially appreciate the dump feature for loose dirt or mulch. Assembling the cart was straightforward, especially when following the instructional video on the website and using the right tools. Although it's helpful to have a second person during assembly, it's not entirely necessary.

Whitsunday Folding Utility Wagon

Best for Seniors

For seniors, I wanted to recommend something lightweight and easy to use. This cart is only 27 pounds, so before you even add anything, it’s light and easy to maneuver. It has a capacity of 200 pounds, which makes it much more manageable to use.

Besides that, the adjustable handle and 360-degree swivel wheels mean it’s a breeze to maneuver. The rubber wheels can rotate 360 degrees, so you’ll never get stuck transporting something from one place to another.

I also love that it’s foldable. It’s easy to collapse to a very compact size, so you can pop it in the trunk or a closet. It even comes with a storage bag!

Top Tip

If you want something with a bigger capacity but don’t think you’ll be able to handle the weight, a senior’s next best option is an electric cart.

Pros

  • Aluminum alloy frame for added durability.
  • The 360-degree wheels make it super easy to maneuver.
  • Easy to collapse so that you can store it anywhere.
  • Desktop included so you can use it as a table.
  • Sixty-gallon or 200-pound capacity.
  • Included breaks so you can park it, even on hills.

Cons

  • Handle is prone to breaking, especially if you leave it in the rain or overload the cart.
  • Quite pricey for what you get.

Product Specs

Type Foldable utility cart
Material Aluminum and cloth
Number of Wheels Four
Capacity 200 pounds
Weight 27 pounds

Our Ratings

Load Capacity
3 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Maneuverability
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

Love this Whitsunday collapsible cart with a tabletop! The cart is spacious and sturdy, easily accommodating chairs, coolers, and other items for outdoor events like wine fests and craft fairs. The tabletop feature is versatile, allowing for additional storage and transportation. However, some minor issues like the pull handle missing and a lingering odor upon arrival were experienced, but these did not outweigh the overall functionality and convenience of this product.

Gorilla Carts Steel Garden Cart

Best Four-Wheeled Garden Cart

Regarding a four-wheeled garden cart, this utility cart is one of the best options on the market.

The design is extremely durable and sturdy. Built with steel construction and removable mesh sides, the body itself is ready for anything up to 400 pounds. It has four 10-inch pneumatic tires that provide stability and practicality over different terrain types.

I also think you’ll love the handle, which is comfortable and ergonomic for pulling the cart around.

What’s great about this is that you can remove the sides, turning this utility cart into a flatbed cart. This creates more versatility for various objects you may want to transport.

I also recommend this for professional landscapers as well as casual gardeners. This will definitely come in handy!

Pros

  • Easy to assemble, making it ready for use as soon as possible.
  • Thanks to the handle and 10-inch wheels, it’s easy to maneuver.
  • Converts from a utility cart to a flatbed cart; multipurpose.
  • It has a generous 400-pound capacity.
  • Straight pull handle is comfortable to use.
  • One-year warranty.

Cons

  • Not made for slopes, making it dangerous when going up or downhill.
  • Wheels aren’t very high quality and often lose air.

Product Specs

Type Utility and flatbed cart
Material Steel
Number of Wheels Four
Capacity 400 pounds
Weight 36.6 pounds

Our Ratings

Load Capacity
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Maneuverability
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with this product has been fantastic, as it's both sturdy and easy to maneuver, even with heavy items on it. I've used it for various tasks, such as hauling groceries, garden plants, and even pressure-treated lumber. The assembly process was simple and didn't require many tools, and the fact that the sides can drop makes it versatile for different types of loads.

Gorilla Carts Steel Utility Cart

Most Durable Garden Cart

When you spend a lot of money on a garden cart, it’s definitely a priority to get something durable that will last a long time. This cart has a one-year warranty, but it should last longer than that. It has a 1000-pound capacity which reassures you that no matter what you haul on this cart, it can handle it.

The metal cart is very heavy-duty with a new and improved durable frame. This one is built to tackle any kind of maneuvering job.

Besides that, it’s a utility cart with the option to transform it into a flatbed cart. This gives you flexibility if you find yourself moving an item that is too big for the utility frame.

I must call out the handle too, which is padded, making it super comfortable to pull behind you. But — what’s even better — is that you can actually attach this to a tow bar and lug it around that way!

Pros

  • It’s a sturdy rigid steel frame that’s durable and easy to maneuver.
  • It transforms from a utility cart to a flatbed cart.
  • Two-in-one handle that can be used for pulling or towing.
  • It pulls up to 1000 pounds worth of stuff.
  • Thirteen-inch pneumatic tires for tight-turning steering.

Cons

  • The sides are pretty flimsy and easily bend.
  • Wheels might have difficulty holding air.

Product Specs

Type Utility and flatbed cart
Material Steel
Number of Wheels Four
Capacity 1000 pounds
Weight 61.3 pounds

Our Ratings

Load Capacity
5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Maneuverability
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

My experience with this product has been mostly positive, as it is sturdy and well-designed. Assembly was straightforward, although having a workbench and a full set of wrenches is essential for this process. The cart's suspension and tight turning radius make it easy to maneuver in various spaces, even with heavy loads. However, I did find the wheels to be slightly disappointing, as they are not made of solid rubber and needed to be inflated. Despite this minor drawback, the cart has proven to be durable and efficient in handling tasks such as carrying pavers, bags of sand, and garden soil.

Vivosun Heavy Duty Collapsible Wagon

Best Foldable Garden Cart

There are a few foldable garden cart options on our list, but here’s another awesome one. Foldable carts are great if you’re low on storage and perhaps live in a rainy place. You won’t want to leave your garden cart outside in case the weather ruins it.

This garden cart is made of high-quality 600D Oxford cloth and PVC. This combination makes it durable, waterproof, and resistant to tears. Another great detail is that it’s very easy to disassemble, which means it’s a breeze to clean.

Customers appreciate the adjustable handle, which you can rotate as you go. That means the handle won’t drop, and you can lock the height. This gives you total control over your wagon.

One more thing: the 360-degree front wheels make it smooth and easy to navigate this wagon, no matter what direction you’re going in.

Pros

  • 176-pound maximum capacity, which is generous for a folding cart.
  • 360-degree rotating wheels for easy maneuverability.
  • Adjustable handle that locks into place, giving you ultimate control.
  • It’s quick and easy to fold and store.
  • Four color options.
  • Durable and waterproof Oxford fabric.

Cons

  • Handle is quite flimsy. A few customers reported it breaking after a few uses.
  • Not the most durable; some customers reported breakage after a few months.

Product Specs

Type Foldable utility cart
Material Metal frame with Oxford fabric
Number of Wheels Four
Capacity 176 pounds
Weight 23.9 pounds

Our Ratings

Load Capacity
3.5 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Maneuverability
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

Got this wagon recently and I've found it quite versatile for various tasks. It's been a big help with hauling groceries, garden supplies, and even giving my grandkids a fun ride. The wagon is spacious and easy to set up, fold, and store, but it could use some improvements like a braking mechanism and better steering. Cleaning it might be a bit challenging, and a canopy accessory would be a nice addition for sun protection.

Agri-Fab Max Utility Tow Cart

Large Capacity

This garden cart has one of the largest capacities, around 750 pounds. But it’s also got generous dimensions, giving you more room for larger loads. It measures 32.5 by 49 by 12 inches.

Wondering how you’ll lug this heavy-duty cart around? Well, good news. You can attach it to the back of a vehicle, thanks to the tow function.

It has a universal hitch that can attach to any lawn tractor. Just remember that it doesn’t have a handle, so you need a lawn tractor to maneuver it.

Besides that, it has a foot pedal for dumping the contents easily, which takes some stress off you.

Another great detail is the durability. It has a steel bed with a sturdy finish that’s scratch-resistant. It will last a long time, serving you for years to come.

Pros

  • Three-year warranty.
  • 750-pound capacity for heavy loads.
  • Pneumatic tires can handle various terrain types.
  • The wheel bearings have grease zerks for durability.
  • Great for firewood, gravel, sand, and more.
  • Attach it to a lawn tractor via the universal hitch.

Cons

  • No handle; you need a lawn tractor to use this.
  • The metal is quite thin, so may easily bend.

Product Specs

Type Utility dump cart
Material Steel
Number of Wheels Two
Capacity 750 pounds
Weight 102 pounds

Our Ratings

Load Capacity
5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Maneuverability
3 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

I recently purchased this trailer and found the assembly process to be straightforward and manageable. Despite some minor bends on the sheet metal edges, the trailer is sturdy and well-constructed, with a solid steel axle and strong bracing. I've used it for various tasks like hauling debris, firewood, and dirt, and it's proven to be a reliable and cost-effective investment.

ZeHuoGe Collapsible Utility Wagon Cart

Best Budget-Friendly Garden Cart

If the price of garden carts makes your stomach turn, then check out this one from ZeHuoGe. It’s less than half the price of the standard utility cart, which will surely make you smile! And your bank account will thank you.

This is a collapsible utility wagon cart. It has a lower-end capacity of 150 pounds, so be careful what you put in it. It’s better for light-duty work or transporting your toddlers around for the day if you’re at a theme park or festival.

The great thing about it is how easily it folds up. This makes it easy to pop in the back of the car before a day trip and fold it up in the cupboard when you return home.

The materials are high quality, too. It is built with a steel frame with a waterproof Oxford cloth surrounding it that’s both easy to clean and durable.

Extra Detail

The wheels are made for hard roads and beaches, so be careful on other terrains, such as grass, as it won’t move as easily.

Pros

  • Adjustable handle makes this suitable for people of various heights.
  • Two mesh cup holders to keep your drinks steady.
  • Use it for various uses such as shopping, beach trips, or day trips.
  • Waterproof Oxford cloth for long-lasting life.
  • Low price point.
  • Fold and unfold in seconds.

Cons

  • The wheels don’t work as well on terrains other than level hard ground.
  • Handle doesn’t stay upright.

Product Specs

Type Foldable utility cart
Material Steel frame and Oxford cloth
Number of Wheels Four
Capacity 150 pounds
Weight 22.05 pounds

Our Ratings

Load Capacity
2 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Maneuverability
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Community Feedback

Got this product to help with carrying groceries, plants, and even trash bags. It's a durable and collapsible wagon that fits conveniently in my car trunk. The only downside is the thin wheels, making it less suitable for sandy beaches.

Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Yard Rover

Best Two-Wheeled Garden Cart

If you want a two-wheeled option, look no further than the Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Yard Rover. This is pretty much your classic garden cart, just like the grandparents would have had!

Upon arrival, it’s super easy to assemble this cart, so you can put it to use in no time at all. You’ll enjoy using it, thanks to the air-filled wheels that make it super easy to balance, maneuver, and lift. I appreciate the looped handle that makes it easy to both push and pull around your yard.

As for the main tray, it has a rust-resistant five cubic foot poly material body. This allows a 330-pound capacity which is generous enough for typical residential use.

Another bonus? It only weighs 26 pounds which is much lighter than other wheelbarrows. So before you even fill it up, it’s very easy and comfortable to use.

Pros

  • A comfortable ergonomic handle design makes it easy to use.
  • The wheels make it easy to balance and maneuver.
  • 330-pound capacity is generous for typical residential use.
  • The cart only weighs 26 pounds, making it nice and lightweight.
  • Easy to assemble.

Cons

  • The tires may go flat a few times a year.
  • The product is quite flimsy, so it may not be super durable.

Product Specs

Type Hand trolley
Material Steel polyurethane rubber
Number of Wheels Two
Capacity 330 pounds
Weight 26 pounds

Our Ratings

Load Capacity
3 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Maneuverability
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Intradin Machinery Co Landworks Utility Cart

Best Electric Garden Cart

Electric garden carts are ideal if you’re carrying around heavy loads or you aren’t keen to do even more manual labor. This makes it easier to maneuver and takes some of the weight off your shoulders.

This model is great for any terrain, thanks to the sturdy wheels and the electric motor. It has 360-degree swivel wheels to allow it to maneuver in tight spaces without getting stuck.

While it is a utility cart, it can easily transform into a flatbed cart, giving you more flexibility with the items you want to maneuver.

Speaking of working load, this has a generous maximum 1000-pound capacity which is excellent for commercial and residential jobs.

Pros

  • Works at a slope of up to 15 degrees.
  • Up to five hours of run-time per battery charge.
  • Works on all terrain, including loose dirt and wet grass.
  • Eco-friendly and smog-free design.
  • Turns into a flatbed easily.
  • Levers and switches are accessible and easy to reach.

Cons

  • Cart sides are a bit cheap and flimsy.
  • Many customers reported that the cart arrived without all the necessary parts.

Product Specs

Type Utility and flatbed trolley
Material Alloy steel
Number of Wheels Three
Capacity 500-1000 pounds
Weight 137 pounds

Our Ratings

Load Capacity
5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Maneuverability
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

Love this product despite the initial shipping mishaps and damage. The cart is powerful and makes tasks on my property much easier, saving time and reducing the strain on my back and wrists from using a traditional wheelbarrow. The mesh sides may be flimsy, but the overall performance and excellent customer service from the manufacturer make this cart worth the investment.

VivoHome Mesh Steel Garden Cart

Best Heavy-Duty Garden Cart

You really can’t beat the incredible heavy-duty design of the Vivohome mesh steel garden cart. With an exceptionally generous capacity of 1100 pounds, this is built for any job imaginable. Thanks to its high capacity, I can confidently recommend this for both commercial and residential use.

The frame is made from heavy-duty iron, which is durable and built to last. It’s also corrosion-resistant, so even if you leave it out overnight, it should be able to withstand the elements.

It includes user-friendly silent tires that are also made to travel across various terrain types. They are wear-resistant, so they’ll withstand months of repeated use across whatever grounds you walk across.

Another feature is that it’s a utility cart with sides, but you can easily remove these to create a flatbed cart if you have larger items.

Pros

  • Ergonomic handle with a 180-degree swivel for ease of use.
  • 1100-pound capacity, which is more than many other options on the market.
  • Pneumatic tires resist puncture and are very quiet to operate.
  • Detach the sides taking this from a utility cart to a flatbed.
  • Decent price point.
  • High-quality and durable iron mesh bed.

Cons

  • The connection points are not sturdy and may buckle under pressure.
  • Some customers reported that the frame arrived bent, broken, or warped.

Product Specs

Type Utility and flatbed trolley
Material Iron
Number of Wheels Four
Capacity 1100 pounds
Weight 38.6 pounds

Our Ratings

Load Capacity
5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Maneuverability
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

If you're looking for a versatile and sturdy cart, this product is a great option. I've used it to transport heavy tools, fieldstones, and even soil with ease. The assembly was simple and it rolls quietly and smoothly. One minor issue I encountered was the pins holding the sides falling out occasionally, but a zip tie easily fixed that. I noticed the paint chipping and fading over time when left outside, but it didn't affect the cart's functionality.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Type Material No. of Wheels Capacity Weight
Gorilla Carts Garden Dump Cart Dump Garden Cart Dump cart Plastic 4 600 lbs 32 lbs
Whitsunday Folding Utility Wagon For Seniors Foldable utility cart Aluminum & cloth 4 200 lbs 27 lbs
Gorilla Carts Steel Garden Cart Four-Wheeled Garden Cart Utility & flatbed cart Steel 4 400 lbs 36.6 lbs
Gorilla Carts Steel Utility Cart Durable Garden Cart Utility & flatbed cart Steel 4 1000 lbs 61.3 lbs
Vivosun Heavy Duty Collapsible Wagon Foldable Garden Cart Foldable utility cart Metal frame with Oxford fabric 4 176 lbs 23.9 lbs
Agri-Fab Max Utility Tow Cart Large Capacity Utility dump cart Steel 2 750 lbs 102 lbs
ZeHuoGe Collapsible Utility Wagon Cart Budget-Friendly Garden Cart Foldable utility cart Steel frame & Oxford cloth 4 150 lbs 22.05 lbs
Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Yard Rover Two-Wheeled Garden Cart Hand trolley Steel polyurethane rubber 2 330 lbs 26 lbs
Intradin Machinery Co Landworks Utility Cart Electric Garden Cart Utility & flatbed trolley Alloy steel 3 500-1000 lbs 137 lbs
VivoHome Mesh Steel Garden Cart Heavy-Duty Garden Cart Utility & flatbed trolley Iron 4 1100 lbs 38.6 lbs

Types of Garden Carts

The world of garden carts is a versatile one. Let’s look at the four main types of garden carts, so you know which one will suit you best.

Utility

Utility carts are the best ones for big jobs. They usually have a very large capacity, sometimes going up to 1100 pounds!

They have four high sides to keep everything contained. But these are usually removable if you need to clean the cart or carry around something extra large.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty, made for big jobs.
  • Super high capacity, sometimes going up to 1100 pounds.
  • Four sturdy sides keep everything contained.
  • Great for soil, compost, fertilizer, and other heavy items.

Cons

  • Not very budget-friendly, costing around at least $100.
  • If the wheels aren’t high quality, it’s challenging to maneuver.

Flatbed

Flatbed carts are basically a flat surface on wheels. They’re similar to utility carts but without the high sides.

These are good for moving longer and larger flat items like pallets, planks of wood, or other bulky items that can’t be contained on utility carts.

Some flatbed carts have the option to add side panels, so you get the best of both worlds. Either way, these are very easy to clean.

Pros

  • Superb for bulky items like wood or tree stumps.
  • Easy to transport due to the four wheels and long handles.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Option to add side panels.

Cons

  • Very expensive, averaging at least $150.
  • Lack of sides means items may fall out.

Dump

Dump carts look like regular wheelbarrows, but like dump trucks, they can tilt to dump the cart’s contents. This makes it easy to unload big and heavy loads. Just make sure to do it with things that can’t break or get damaged, such as soil, leaves, debris, and other such items.

In this domain, you’ll find both plastic and metal dump carts. Metal is more durable but heavier and more difficult to clean. Plastic is easier to clean and lighter but may break under more pressure.

Pros

  • The dump carts tilt on the frame, making it easy to unload it.
  • There are many options for less than $100.
  • You can find both metal and plastic, with metal being very durable.

Cons

  • Plastic dump carts may break easily.
  • If you’re not careful with what you put in the cart, you could break the item when you unload it.

Foldable

Foldable garden carts are usually made of cloth or fabric over a metal frame. These fold up or collapse, saving you storage space.

These usually have a lighter capacity, so aren’t ideal for heavy-duty jobs, but you’ll find these are great for lightweight materials or even small children. Lots of parents transport their kids around theme parks or festivals in these foldable carts. We took our son in one for a festival; he loved how comfy it was!

Pros

  • Versatile; you can use them for items and children!
  • Cloth material makes it quite comfy for kids.
  • Foldable, saving you storage space.
  • Lightweight, so you can easily transport them.

Cons

  • More difficult to clean due to the cloth sides that aren’t removable.
  • Lower capacity than other carts.

How To Choose the Best Garden Carts

Here are some important details to consider when shopping to make sure you get the right one for you.

Type

There are four main types: utility, flatbed, dump, and foldable. Consider the pros and cons of each and decide which one sounds right for you.

You’ll also find electric or manual garden carts. Electric ones take the stress off you when you maneuver the cart. It makes it easier to move heavy loads or makes it easier for people that aren’t as strong.

Material

You’ll find metal, plastic, and cloth garden carts. Metal is the most durable, though it isn’t as easy to clean.

Plastic is cheaper and easy to clean, but it may break under stress. Cloth garden carts usually cover a metal frame, but keep in mind the cloth itself isn’t usually removable and may stain more easily.

Wheels and Tires

You will find garden carts with four, three, two, or one wheels. Four is sturdy and means you don’t have to balance it while you’re pushing.

Three-wheel carts operate a bit like a tricycle. They stand still when you put them down, but when you maneuver them, you’ll have to put some effort into keeping the cart balanced.

Two-wheeled garden carts can be found in various shapes and sizes and don’t require as much balance when you’re pushing them. Unfortunately, they aren’t as sturdy as four-wheeled options.

One-wheel carts are referred to as wheelbarrows and require a bit of balancing when maneuvering. They stand independently if you have two legs at the back.

Consider if the wheels are 360-degree rotation, which will make it slightly easier to maneuver.

Lastly, consider the thickness of the wheels. The wider they are, the easier it will be for them to navigate over different terrain types.

Handle

The handles vary massively on garden carts. You’ll find long adjustable handles which take the strain off your back since you don’t have to bend over. You’ll find bar handles that are comfortable and easy to hold but are better for pushing than pulling.

Finally, some carts have two separate handles on either side of the cart to help with balance. It’s down to personal preference, but you should consider your height, as taller people often prefer the long adjustable handles.

Capacity

The capacity of a garden cart usually ranges from about 100 pounds to 1100 pounds. This simply refers to how much weight the cart can hold.

If you’re doing heavy-duty jobs, aim for something higher. If you’re going to be transporting your kids around events, make sure it can handle the weight of them.

Budget

Garden carts usually range from around $50 up to $750 if you choose an electric option. If you’re choosing a manual option, $300 is usually the maximum you’ll pay. If you want to save money, consider a plastic model, as these are significantly cheaper.

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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!