Best Garden Carts of 2022

What is a garden cart?

A garden cart is a wheeled vehicle that can be either pulled by hand or towed behind a lawn tractor or zero turn mower. It can have either two or four wheels, and, depending on its type, it can be made of either wire mesh, metal, polycarbonate, or even canvas.

This type of vehicle is usually used for hauling heavy materials, including dead vegetation, harvested fruit and vegetables, compost, mulch, gardening tools, and so on. Typically, 4 wheel garden carts also double as camping or beach carts.

Garden cart vs. wheelbarrow. Which one do you need?

Garden carts and wheelbarrows perform basically the same functions, but there are some important differences between the two.

• Wheelbarrows: Are gardening vehicles consisting of a poly or metal cart with sloping sides and a curved bottom fixed on a metal frame. They have one or two front wheels and rear handles, and they are usually pushed rather than pulled.
• Garden carts: Consist of a cart with straight sides and flat bottom fixed on either two or four wheels. Unlike wheelbarrows, garden carts are usually pulled by hand rather than pushed. Some of the best garden carts can also be attached to motorized lawn care vehicles, such as lawn tractors, and towed behind.

How to choose?

Even if they perform the same tasks, garden carts and wheelbarrows are quite different. Here are a few things to consider before choosing one over the other:

• Your needs: What do you need the vehicle for? Carrying around dead vegetation or some mulch? A wheelbarrow could be your best bet, as long as the load is lower than 200 pounds. For heavier loads or heavier duty tasks, pick a garden cart.
• Maneuverability: Despite having only two wheels, wheelbarrows are easier to maneuver due to their push behind design. However, a garden cart might be a more suitable option if you have a bad back and can’t lift heavy loads.
• Terrain: Garden carts are easier to maneuver on uneven, bumpy terrains, but they are more difficult to control on slopes.

Different types of garden carts

So, you just realized that you need a garden cart and not a wheelbarrow. All you have to do now is figure out which is the best garden cart for you from the various kinds available on the market.

• Hand trolley: The smallest type of garden carts, hand trolleys, are two wheel garden carts designed to help you move small objects, such as fire logs or garden tools, faster and easier. However, they are not suitable for carrying soil nor bulky or very heavy objects.
• Garden tool cart: Similar to a hand trolley, a garden tool cart can have two or four wheels and is designed specifically for helping you haul the garden tools around your property.
• Garden hose reel cart: As their name suggests, these carts are designed to hold garden hose reels. They are very helpful when you have to water a large garden, as you won’t have to hold the hose reel in your hands.
• Yard dump cart: Usually made of poly, this type of garden cart is designed for trash and debris. Obviously, it can serve many other purposes, such as carrying soil, mulch, compost, and other loose materials.
• Garden wagon: Also dubbed as a garden utility cart, a garden wagon is similar to the dump cart, but it can be made of either poly, metal, or wire mesh. This type of cart usually has four wheels and is designed for hauling heavy loads, including construction materials, lumber, fences, and more.
• Flatbed garden cart: Similar to a garden wagon but without sidewalls or reels. It is ideal for hauling bulky items.

What load capacity should a garden cart have?

Garden carts can have load capacities between 200 and 1,500 pounds, so the wisest thing to do is to consider your needs before buying.

• If you need a garden cart mostly for yard cleaning tasks in spring and fall, a two wheel cart with a load capacity of about 200 pounds
• Amateur gardeners who need a cart for occasional yard cleaning, crop harvesting, and other gardening tasks – such as carrying fertilizer, mulch, or compost – rarely need a cart with a load capacity of over 600 pounds.
• The best gardening carts for heavy-duty tasks, including carrying construction materials, lumber, and other heavy or bulky items, have a load capacity of at least 1,000 pounds.

Pneumatic vs. no-flat garden cart tires

Another important decision to make before buying regards the type of wheels your garden cart comes with. There are two choices, pneumatic and flat-free tires.

• Flat-free tires: Have a high rolling resistance, but you’ll never have to worry about damage or punctures. However, due to their rolling resistance, they will make it near impossible to haul heavy loads on difficult terrains.
• Pneumatic tires: Are softer, thus have a lower rolling resistance. Sure, they can get flat, and you might have to repair or change them frequently, but they are your best choice if you want to haul really heavy loads or if you have a difficult terrain.

With some exceptions, flat-free tires usually equip light-duty, domestic-use garden carts, while most heavy-duty models come with pneumatic tires.

Wire mesh or poly cart?

At first glance, it may seem a preference. However, you should really consider the material the cart is made of before buying. The vast majority of models are made either from wire mesh or polycarbonate, as both materials add negligible overall weight.

• Wire mesh carts: Are ideal for bulky items and heavy loads but not ideal for loose materials, including soil, mulch, wood chips, compost, or fertilizer. These carts usually have removable side reels that allow you to transform them into flatbed carts.
• Polycarbonate carts: Have no holes; thus, they are perfect for hauling loose materials. However, they don’t have removable sides, so they are not suitable for very bulky items. Furthermore, the polycarbonate is easier to damage than the wire mesh.

What features should a garden cart have?

Besides all the above, there are a few other important features you should look for in the best garden cart:

• Maneuverability: When loaded, garden carts can be really heavy, that’s why you should make sure the model you like is well balanced and easy to maneuver.
• Tow-behind ability: Some of the best garden carts have convertible handles that allow users to either pull it or attach it to a riding lawn mower or other garden vehicle. If you need the cart for heavy-duty jobs, consider this feature.
• Motor: While most garden carts can be pulled or pushed manually, some are equipped with motors that propel them.
• Versatility: Some garden carts can also be used as wheelbarrows, dollies, garden seats, and so on. If versatility is important to you, the best idea is to invest in such a model.
• Ergonomic handle: If you decided to go for a traditional garden cart, make sure that it comes with an ergonomic handle.
• The number of wheels: Last but not least, invest in a four-wheel garden cart if you want to avoid lifting heavy loads.

Best Garden Cart for the Money

Best value

Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Garden Dump Cart with Steel Frame

Best for most gardens

The quick-release dump feature ensures no-fuss unloading of the cart.

Check price on Amazon