10 Best Garden Cart Reviews And 16 Simple Buying Checklist
Are you a passionate gardener? Or do you have some scattered plants lying around in your back yard that you are committing to take care of every day? Either way, you must be familiar with the hassle of carrying around all your gardening tools to and from the garden all day. This is where garden carts come in.
Our review about the best garden cart will help you understand what factors you need to consider before buying a cart, and how those can make your gardening experience much better. It also has a detailed review of the top 10 garden carts, which will help to narrow down your choices.
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Utility Wagon | 5 out of 5 | |
 | Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Garden Dump Cart | 5 out of 5 | |
 | WORX WG050 Aerocart 8-in-1 All-Purpose Wheelbarrow/Yard Cart/Dolly | 4.5 out of 5 | |
 | Sandusky Lee CW3418 Muscle Carts Steel Utility Garden Wagon | 4 out of 5 | |
 | AMES 1123047100 Buddy Lawn and Garden Cart | 4.5 out of 5 |
10 Best Garden Cart Reviews
Here is a detailed list of the best garden carts that we have picked for you, along with their pros and cons.
1. Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Utility Wagon
The Mac Sports utility wagon is the best yard cart out there, and for very good reasons. This cart is lightweight in itself at only 22.5 pounds, but it has quite a large weight capacity of 150 pounds. Although we recommend not loading the cart up to the maximum weight since that can create maneuverability issues.
However, it works great as long as you load it under 130 pounds. One of the best things about this model is its durability. You can use this for years without any wear or tear on its steel frame and fabric sides. Plus, its collapsible feature makes it super easy to assemble.
You just have to stretch it out, unlike other garden carts where you may need to integrate different parts together every time you want to use them.
Something that we liked most about this device is how convenient it is to store. Since it is a collapsible folding wagon, you can fold it away until it is only 8 inches thickness. This makes it super easy to carry in your car or store in your home until further use.
And the handle is attached directly to the front center wheels, making pulling and turning the wagon a very easy task. Another thing that sets this wagon apart from other ones in the market is its wheels.
Instead of four wheels on the corner, this model has two wheels in the center and two cornerback wheels. This contributes to better steering, while the width of the wheels makes it easier to navigate on sand and mud. The width helps to absorb in heavier loads on uneven grounds too.
Pros:2. Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Garden Dump Cart
The Gorilla GOR40PS dump cart is quite a unique kind of garden cart and has various interesting features. First of all, its patented quick releasing dump feature helps you to unload all your contents using a single mechanism, making the whole process a lot easier.
Therefore, this cart is best suited for carrying around garden waste, dead leaves, soil, fertilizer, etc.
Unlike other traditional carts that use a push handle, this cart has a handle that allows you to pull the cart behind you. This makes the whole process of maneuvering the cart a whole lot easier. Using this pulling mechanism, you will find that it is easier to never drop any of the contents or tilt the whole cart over.
And the rotating power of the pneumatic wheels helps to give an easy user experience too. Another great thing about this cart is that it is very easy to assemble. It does not require much attaching of separate parts every time you use it, which helps save your time.
Along with this, it has a rustproof bed, which means that you do not need to maintain it too frequently and that it will stay in a pristine condition for a long period of time. The best thing about this model is that it is a very cheap garden cart. In fact, it has the lowest price point for its kind.
While you might be able to get a wheelbarrow at the same price, you will have to deal with the disadvantage of one wheel coming along with it. But this cart with all its unique features and user-friendly advantages at this price is definitely a great value for money.
Pros:3. WORX WG050 Aerocart 8-in-1 All-Purpose Wheelbarrow/Yard Cart/Dolly
If you know someone who owns the WORX aerocart and keeps on bragging about it being the best garden cart they have ever used, believe them. This cart has so many wonderful features that will make your life easier, that at one point, you will start questioning whether this is just a scam.
Good for you – it is not. So let’s delve into the details. This garden cart can be transformed to fulfill 8 different functions. In short, just reassembling some of its parts will help you to get a traditional wheelbarrow, dolly, extended dolly, plant mover, rock mover, trash bag holder, trailer mover, and cylinder carrier – all in one.
To get these many functions out of a single device without the hassle of storing each one is like a dream. One of the best things about this model is that it has a huge weight capacity of 300 pounds, yet pushing it around is very easy.
It is mainly due to its turbo lift design and long handles, which provide enough leverage to make even 200 pounds feel like you are carrying around only 17 pounds. Needless to say, this is a great feature for you if you are guilty of overloading.
Lastly, this machine has two wheels that are placed in such a way to provide you with stability even on rocky grounds. The whole device is made out of quality material, so it will stay in its prime condition for a really long period of time.
Another great thing about this model is that it requires almost no maintenance. Since rust might be an issue, keep it indoors, and you’ll be fine.
Pros4. Sandusky Lee CW3418 Muscle Carts Steel Utility Garden Wagon
The Sandusky Lee utility wagon is quite popular among users due to its user-friendly features. First of all, it has a weight capacity of 400 pounds. This makes transporting large items to and from your garden much easier, as you do not have to make frequent trips.
And this is great for users who have to travel a large distance each time they want to transport something in their cart. One of the best things about this model is that it fights rust in multiple ways. It is made out of quality materials like steel mesh, which is rust-resistant, so you do not have to worry about it getting rusted in a few years.
Also, the powder coating finish also provides added durability, making sure that your wagon stays in good shape for years to come. Another great thing about this machine is its unique handle. The handle is shaped like the letter D and can be used to both push and pull the cart.
It offers the user flexibility and helps to move the wagon easily wherever you want it to. The pneumatic rubber tires also provide a great advantage, as they can help you move the cart on rough terrains without any problem.
If we are asked to list the absolute best thing about this wagon, it would be its sides. The sides are removable and can be folded, making this wagon serve as a flatbed when you need it to.
This means that you can access the things inside better, clean it in a proper way, and load it with things that are not possible to load on a traditional utility wagon in the first place.
Pros:5. AMES 1123047100 Buddy Lawn and Garden Cart
The Ames Buddy lawn cart is quite a conventional design and has many user-friendly features. It is quite popular in different households, due to the different functions it can provide. And it doubles up as a home use cart along with a garden cart.
Instead of just carrying things around from one place to another, you can also use this to store things safely in one place.
Featuring large wheels which have a diameter of 7 inches, this cart is very easy to move around. It also has a large storage space and has a 2 cubic foot capacity.
However, the wheel has always got your back. So no matter how much weight you load inside this model, as long as it is within the weight limit, it will hold up nicely.
One of the unique things about this model is its lid. The lid is quite sturdy in nature, and can also double as a lid in case you want to put some things on top of the handle. The lid might also be great when you are storing fertilizer or waste in the cart and simply do not want the odor seeping into every corner of the house.
Either way, it is a great addition. Along with all these, this model is pretty easy to maneuver even on the rough ground due to its handle. The handle makes it easy to pull and push the cart around and turn sharp corners.
On top of that, the high-quality materials that this cart is made of makes it easy to transport huge loads without putting extra pressure on the user.
Pros:6. Tipke 2100 Marine Fold-It Utility Cart
The Tipke Marine utility cart is great for both gardening and carrying tools in the marine environment. This means that you can use it to carry tools for your boating adventures or for your gardening and also use it to carry soil, compost, fertilizers, etc. while you are gardening and need something to gather these all up.
Despite being only 33 pounds in weight, which means that it has a very lightweight body, this cart can carry up to 350 pounds of weight at once. This is quite a great feature as it means that you do not need to spend a lot of time hauling equipment and gardening waste to and from the house.
One of the best things about this machine is its foldability. When you are not using it, you can fold it up and store it away neatly, which will require less than 2 square meters of space. The cart also features a retractable handlebar, which you can put in the lock position to keep the folded cart in place.
When you need to use the cart again, just put the handle forward, and you are good. Since this is made for use in the marine environment, it is made with aluminum, which is rust and corrosion-resistant. This helps to keep the device in great shape for years, even if it is exposed to saltwater numerous times.
Another plus point of this model is that it is equipped with pneumatic tires, so you can use it on uneven rocky grounds without any problems at all.
Pros:7. Timber Ridge Camping Wagon Folding Garden Cart
Timber Ridge folding cart has some of the finest garden cart reviews, due to their amazing features. This model can support up to 150 pounds of weight and have a huge storage space of 4.5 cubic feet, which means that they can accommodate really large amounts of load at any one time.
This reduces the number of trips you need to make for carrying things around. The tires of this model are quite unique. Their tread and width can make rotating the whole cart a really easy job. And the wheels are also really great for pushing the cart along rough terrains and sands.
Although this might not be the best wheel for sand, you might consider getting the wheels changed if you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach. One of the best things about this model is definitely its collapsible feature. This feature enables it to be folded away neatly, and the lock system in the handle helps to keep it that way.
Due to this easy storing system, you can easily carry it everywhere with you. It is also very easy to assemble, so you do not have to waste much time getting it ready before every use.
Other great features of this model include cup holders to hold your beverage. This is great if you are using this cart for trips to the park, beach, or lakeside. It also features a telescopic handle, which makes pushing the machine a lot easier. All these features make this a great cart to enjoy and use.
Pros:8. BXL Heavy Duty Utility Wagon
BXL Heavy Duty utility wagon is known as one of the best wagons out in the market, and for good reasons. First and foremost, its heavy-duty frame allows it to carry up to 130 pounds of weight, which makes it a great option for carrying around during camping and trips.
However, it might not be suited for carrying sand, fertilizer, and so on in large quantities.
The best thing about this model is that it can be folded away in a compact way. This allows you to take up very little space, making it easier for you to carry it around for various needs. Despite having the ability to carry 130 pounds of weight, the body of the model itself is very light, at only 29 pounds.
This also makes it a convenient option to carry around. Since this model has a 600D nylon interior lining, it can be cleaned very easily. This is great if you want something that you can use roughly but put back in its previous condition through cleaning.
Aside from the lining, this model has very large wheels, which set it apart from other models. This also means that you can use this machine on sand and grass without worrying. One of the best features of this model is the extra detachable bags that it comes with.
Among these, there is a storage bag, which is great for storing any equipment. There is also a cooler bag, and you can keep your chilled beverages there to keep it cool while going out for a stroll. These bags can be connected to the side of the cart, making the whole process quite convenient.
Pros:9. Best Choice Products 4-Wheel Mobile Steel Rolling Garden Cart
If you are an avid gardener and spend hours every day working on your garden, you must be all too familiar with the back pain and muscle pulls that come along with it.
This Best Choice product’s rolling garden cart is then just perfect for you, as it comes with features to minimize your pain and give you a very comfortable gardening experience altogether.
The mobile gardening seat on this model allows you to sit on top of it and do your gardening work, as opposed to leaning down or crouching for extended periods of time. This helps relieve any extra stress on the muscles and keep you pain-free.
And the weather-resistant finish on the model means that you can use it in summer, winter, and rain – whenever you need it. Do not assume that the mobile seat is the only plus point of this model. Instead, it also features a 300 pounds weight capacity, which is much more than some conventional models even.
It also uses a basket and a tray for storage space for all our equipment and tools. A gardening cart that can carry and store large loads while making you feel comfortable – what else do you need? Besides all these amazing features, the wheels of the model also provide some advantages.
These are large inch wheels, which have enough width and tread so that you can move the cart around uneven terrain without any problem at all. The handle attached to the cart also helps in this regard, and the height can be adjusted, offering you a lot of flexibility.
Pros:10. Suncast 2-Wheel Resin Multi-Purpose Cart
The Suncast multi-purpose cart, like its name, can be used for multiple purposes. This makes it quite popular among users, because who wouldn’t one to have one machine that serves two functions? This model can be used both indoors and outdoors and is great at both carrying small amounts of load and storing it.
One of the best things about this model is how light it is. Due to it not being heavy at all, you can carry it around with you everywhere without putting any strain on your muscles and hands. Its wheels are 7 inches in width and help to move the cart around very easily, even when it is filled totally.
Another great thing about this cart is the materials that have been used in making it. The resin plastic in its exterior is durable and sturdy, making sure that your model lasts you for a long time. There is also a weather-resistant coating on the model so that it will survive harsh weather conditions as well.
Along with all these, this model has a telescopic handle, which makes it very easy to maneuver even in the tightest corners. Therefore you do not have to worry about the cart toppling over and spilling all its contents. The model is also pretty easy to assemble, so you do not have to spend much time getting it ready before every use.
Pros:What to Look for before Buying
The best garden carts are not those that look amazing or cost a lot. Instead, there are many other factors to consider. To find out which would be the best yard cart for you, go through this list, understand what matches your needs the most, and only then make a purchasing decision.
Carrying Capacity
First of all, make sure that the cart you are choosing matches the amount of load you will be carrying. If you get a low capacity cart and then use it to carry the heavy load around, it will tumble and tip over the soil. The structure might get damaged too.
So, always use a low capacity cart for lighter loads only, and opt for higher capacity carts if you have a lot of things to carry around. You should also consider reinforcing it further in case the capacity does not match your current needs.
Ease of Use
What is the use of getting a garden cart to make your gardening experience easier, only to have it making your life harder somehow, right? To avoid this situation, look for garden carts that are easy for you to use.
Remember, just because someone else says that they had a very good experience using this, doesn’t mean that you’ll do too. But you can look for the following things. Get a cart that moves well around tight corners, and has a weight that matches your strength.
Otherwise, carrying it around might cause stress on your arms. Loading and unloading the machine should also be particularly easy. Bonus points if you can get one that is easy to clean and has other technologies integrated into it for user benefit.
Price
You should always get a cart with a price that matches your budget. To do this, first set up a budget, follow it strictly, and look for options in this range that will best suit your needs.
If you cannot find even one that is compatible with what you want, consider looking at a little bit pricier ones. Always remember that more price is not equivalent to a better product.
Material
It is always a good idea to do some research on the material before you invest in a cart. Garden carts may be made from plastic, fabric, or steel. Plastic ones do not survive harsh weather and heavy work, so they are best if you want to use it for really light work. They remain good for a year or so.
For a more corrosion-less and damage-free experience, you can always opt for steel. Although they are heavier than other materials, a steel frame will definitely allow you to get more done.
Durability
Whenever you are investing in a new garden cart, make sure to get one that will give you the value for the money. This also entails not having to frequently repair or replace the cart in the future years.
For this, a steel frame with pneumatic tires might be the best option. Also, be sure to take good care of the cart, so you do not have to spend your hard-earned money later.
Weight
Get a clear estimate of the weight you will be carrying around before buying a new cart. If you need to carry heavy equipment, rocks, brick, etc. in the cart, opt for carts with similar capacities. And if you only need some material for light waste, leaves, etc., look for ones that are not too heavy but can carry the things you need.
Construction of the Garden Cart
If the construction of your cart is not good enough, it will not be able to match the work you need to do. The best type of carts is the one that is constructed of steel. However, even those have disadvantages, such as being rust-prone and too heavy. Polythene is the next best deal, due to being scratch, odor, and stain-resistant.
You can also opt for ones made out of plastic. However, keep in mind that they are quite fragile and might break under heavy load.
Maintenance Requirements
When you buy a garden cart, you are doing it to make gardening easier, not to spend all your time taking care of that tool itself. Therefore, look for carts that do not need to be maintained too frequently.
Of course, some amount of work is necessary to keep it in good shape over the years, but just try to not get too much high maintenance cart. The best carts are those that are easy to clean, and preferably have sides that can be folded for better reach.
You should also opt for materials that are corrosion, rust, and odor resistant in the first place to make life a little bit easier.
Reliability (Warranty)
To make sure that you do not have to end up replacing your cart every few months, invest in ones that are reliable. This might mean buying ones that have good reviews, or your friends and family have experience using, or just ones that match your needs to a good extent.
Carts with durable construction, good material, and easy-to-clean systems are also more reliable than others.
Types of Garden Carts
Garden carts are not limited to one type only. To have a better understanding of what type would be the best for you, read on.
1. Utility Carts/Wagons
These carts are usually made out of metal and have 4 removable sides. These sides make it easier to have access and do regular maintenance. These are best for carrying cuttings, leaves, soil, etc.
2. Foldable Carts
These types of carts are made from metal and fabric sides. They can be folded and stored away neatly in a small space, and the fabric sides mean that small tools or soil will not fall off when you use this cart to carry them. Although their load capacity is not much, their portability and compactness make a great deal.
3. Dump Cart
Dump carts can have either two or four wheels. They are named this because of a mechanism that helps them to unload their contents through their bottom part. This mechanism makes them suitable to carry used things, dead leaves, and so on.
4. The Flatbed
Just like its name, it is completely flat and does not have any sides. This allows you to load and unload things with ease and use this for carrying large loads like tree trunks, large plants, etc.
5. Garden Dolly
The garden dolly features an ergonomic handle and metal construction, which allows it to maneuver things quite easily.
Wheelbarrow
Some people often confuse wheelbarrows and garden carts to be the same thing, but in practice, they are not. Wheelbarrows have slanting sides and one or two small wheels to help push it. You can stand behind them for easy maneuverability.
Also, wheelbarrows are usually made for carrying small loads like light waste, compost, weeds, gravel, etc. as opposed to garden carts that carry heavier loads. These are best for people who have just started gardening, as heavier equipment is not often needed in that phase.
Wheelbarrows are quite different from garden carts and have different features. Here’s how:
1. Frame
The frame of a wheelbarrow can be made from various kinds of materials. Usually, it is made out of metal.
2. Tray
A wheelbarrow has a tray, which s also known as a bed. The tray can be made from plastic, metal, or wood. It is made in such a way to hold the load properly and is usually rectangular in shape.
3. Handles
The handles of a wheelbarrow are usually located on the opposite end of the wheels. They are mostly made from metal and have plastic or foam grips. And they can also be made of wood.
4. Wheels
The wheel of a wheelbarrow is located at the front of the tray. This helps to push the cart around and unload things easily. The wheels are made from rubber, and may or may not have an inner tire between them.
Number of Wheels
It is very important to find out the number of tires you need before buying a cart. Usually, carts can have two to four wheels. A cart with two wheels is good enough if you need to carry lighter loads around, while a 4-wheeled cart would be best if you plan on carrying weights above 800 lb.
Tire Types
Different tire types are useful for different needs. Here are some types and their uses:
1. Pneumatic
Pneumatic tires are made with reinforced rubber and have the capacity to absorb shocks better. Therefore they are best for use on rough, uneven ground and heavier loads.
3. Plastic
The biggest advantage of plastic tires is that they will not get punctured. They are mostly used in low capacity garden carts and best for use on even flat ground or your backyard.
4. Airless
Airless tires are even better than pneumatic tires, and gives you a whole new edge if you are planning on getting your cart out on some rough terrain.
15. Tub Material
The tub of the cart can be made out of different materials such as:
Plastic
Plastic tubs are usually for lightweight carts. They are not good at carrying too much load, hence best for small scale gardening.
Metal
Metal tubs are good for carrying around heavier loads, and can provide more support than plastic ones.
Ergonomics
Make sure that your cart is designed in such a way that makes it easy for you to use. You should be able to carry all the load you need, unload it easily, and also be able to clean it at regular intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding the best garden carts:
1. Why is it called a wheelbarrow?
Answer: Barrow is derived from the English word Bearwe, which means to carry things. The word wheel is joined to signify how this device is carrying things.
2. How Wide are Wheelbarrows?
Answer: Wheelbarrows can vary in sizes.
3. What Size is a Standard Wheelbarrow?
Answer: A standard wheelbarrow usually holds 3 cubic feet storage space, while shallower ones might hold 2 cubic feet.
4. How Heavy is a Wheelbarrow Full of Concrete?
Answer: That depends on the size of the wheelbarrow you are using.
5. How Many Shovels does It Take to Fill a Wheelbarrow?
Answer: Divide the wheelbarrow capacity with the shovel capacity in cubic feet, and you will get the number of shovels.
6. How Many Wheelbarrows are in One Yard of Concrete?
Answer: That depends on the wheelbarrow size.
7. How Do You Measure Wheelbarrow Wheels?
Answer: To measure wheelbarrow wheels, measure the diameter of the tire using a tape.
8. What is the Difference Between Expensive & Cheap Models?
Answer: The difference between expensive and cheap model lies in quality and a few additional features.
Garden carts are definitely important pieces of tools to help make you whole gardening experience better. Therefore, be sure to invest in one if you are passionate about gardening. We hope that our review of the best garden cart will help you in making a decision.
