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Yard Carts or Garden Carts as they are sometimes known are great tools to help you move a lot of something to another location with just the power of a human being (you!) pulling it.
Due to their design, they can make moving 120 pounds feel like 20 pounds or even less depending on the design. The great thing is that they are all “people-powered” so don’t add to the pollution or VOC that you see with petrol-powered versions. With the use of a yard cart, you will be able to move a lot more material than similar methods like using a wheelbarrow as the “yard cart” design allows more weight to be pulled with the same level of effort.
Make Sure You Pick The Right Type of Garden Cart:
• Dump Carts – Dump carts work as wagons and at the same time as wheelbarrows. They are easy to dump content from as they come with a curved edge and two wheels instead of four. If you want to carry materials around the garden and at the same time dump them from the cart, this might be a great option for you.
• Utility Cart – A Utility cart features four solid sides. They are ideal when you need to securely carry materials around the garden, such as compost, dirt, and tools. However, thanks to the solid sides, they are not easy to use when you want to dump materials. If you pick up these carts, bring a shovel to remove the materials.
• Scooter Carts – Scooter carts feature an adjustable seat that you can rest on when you are working in your garden. They may feature a basket underneath, on the back, or in front of the cart to hold your small tools and materials.
• Foldable Carts – A foldable cart looks like a utility cart, but you can fold it down. It has a steel frame, but the sides are made of fabric. You can go for this kind of cart when you do not have a lot of space in your home.
There are also electric carts that make your work even easier but in general we would recommend trying to do as much as you can with just people power as they can lift a lot without the environmental downside. Unless you really need the extra power, I would avoid “gas” or “electric” powered yard carts as you will be unlikely to need it for most regular jobs of just moving one material to another location.
Factors to Look For When Shopping for a Yard Cart:
Material – If you want a cart that carries about 200 pounds, pick one made of a blend of steel and plastic. Some may be made of plastic entirely and still carry that much, but they are susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures. If you want to carry heavy loads around the garden, choose steel-framed carts. Ensure you wipe the steel frame clean to avoid rusting.
Capacity – The light-duty garden carts carry about 200 pounds. However, if you want to haul rocks and heavy bags, you need one that can carry up to 500 pounds. If you want to haul large chunks of trees, you should pick with a capacity of about 750 pounds.
Handle – You need a comfortable and functional handle. Ensure the handle has a cushioned grip with a wide diameter. Again, ensure the handle is positioned at the right height to ensure comfortable pulling or pushing.
Tire Number and Type – Tires on a garden cart can be plastic flat-free or pneumatic. The pneumatic tires are inflatable, and they give the cushioning needed when you pull on uneven ground. The plastic wheels are only ideal for light-duty tasks, while the flat-free tires are made of solid rubber.
We connected with our community of metallurgists and our team who regularly use yard carts as well as pulled as much data as we could about current consumer sentiment when we produced this guide. Overall this has allowed us to stand with confidence that we are recommending the best yard carts available in the United States.
Top 3 Yard Carts
The detailed evaluation of all the yard carts we considered:
1. Mac Sports Heavy Duty Steel Frame Collapsible Garden Wagon
This garden wagon carries 150 pounds of garden material comfortably. It features four all-terrain wheels that make it ideal for use outdoors. Its heavy-duty steel construction makes it durable while the 600-Denier polyester wagon sides make the cart even more rugged. Its handle telescopes up to a maximum of 34 inches to accommodate users of different heights. After use, the wagon collapses for easy storage. When you need to use it, the wagon opens up with ease with no need for complex assembly. The back side with the handle comes with two bottle holders to keep you hydrated as you garden. Each cart comes with a lower compartment in which you can carry bulky items, such as umbrellas and chairs. You can use this cart as a garden cart when you are in the garden or when you visit the beach.
Features
• 150-pound capacity
• Four wheels
• Steel frame
• Telescoping handle
What we love:
• Large wheels easily ride over surfaces, such as sand
• Functional pockets at the front of the cart
• Broad handle and ergonomic to enhance comfortable pulling
We don’t like this as much:
• It lacks a handle that should allow users to carry it briefcase-style when folded
- UTILITY BEACH WAGON: Make transporting much-needed items for events, outdoor outings, around the house, and more simpler and easier; Includes 2 mesh bottle holders to keep drinks handy
- DURABLE DESIGN: Heavy-duty steel frame allows loads up to 150 pounds; Durable 600 Denier Polyester fabric is easily cleaned after use
- ALL-TERRAIN WHEELS: 4 thick extra large all-terrain wheels can be pulled across multiple surfaces including sand; Telescoping handle adjusts up to 34 inches for the perfect length
- COMPACT & COLLAPSIBLE: Folds compactly and easily for convenient storage; Quick and easy set up in seconds with no assembly required
- SPECIFICATIONS: Wheel dimensions: 4 x 10 inches; Handle length: 34 inches; Unfolded size(L x W x H): 36.2 x 21.4 x 24.6 inches; Folded size (L x W x H): 21.5 x 9.7 x 31.5 inches; Weight capacity: 150 pounds; Max weight in deep sand: 50 pounds; Weight: 23.1 pounds; Manufacturer warranty: 1-year warranty; Please note: This wagon is not recommended to transport children of any age
2. Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty 1200-Pound Poly Yard Dump Cart
If you want a cart that makes it easier for you to dump materials, this model features patented dumping features that allow you to dump in a few seconds. The top detaches from the frame when you need to dump materials from the cart. It features a heavy-duty steel construction that allows you to haul up to 1,200 pounds. Its handle is convertible, so you can move in different directions as you want, and you can maneuver through large gardens with ease. When you need to shift the handle, pull the locking pin and turn your handle. For the heaviest loads, you can attach your dump cart into a tractor or ATV. The cart does not need assembly and comes ready to use.
Features
• 1,200-pound capacity
• Four wheels
• Steel frame
• Patented dump feature
What we love:
• Heavy duty construction to handle thousands of pounds in a day
• The cart is easy to assemble from the simple instructions provided
• The convertible handle makes it easier to maneuver through different terrains
• Its patented dump technology allows the carrying of heavy loads and easy dumping
We don’t like this as much:
• The latch lever needs to be pulled for it to be locked in position
- QUICK RELEASE DUMPING & PNEUMATIC TIRES: Our patented quick-release dumping system allows you to unload with ease while the 13-inch pneumatic tires and tight-turning steering make it easy to manuever over different terrain
- VERSATILE TOWING HANDLE: The patented 2-in-1 convertible handle can comfortably be pulled by hand and also allows for easy towing behind a lawn tractor or ATV, allowing you to haul heavier loads
- 1200 POUND CAPACITY: Tow all your essentials with this heavy-duty garden cart's 1200-pound capacity and 40" x 26" bed
- QUICK ASSEMBLY: This utility cart's durable steel frame is easy to assemble while the sturdy poly tub is easy to clean and rust-resistant
- YEARS OF QUALITY & INNOVATION: Gorilla Carts are designed for strength and performance to help get your projects done no matter the size, and have fun doing them; this yard cart has a 1-year warranty
3. WORX WG050 Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart
This cart features a Turbo lift design that reduces the energy you have to use when pushing around about 200 pounds. With this design, pushing 200 pounds feels like pushing 17 pounds. It has a design that looks like a wheelbarrow but quickly transforms into a yard cart whenever you want it. It features flat-free tires that you never need to inflate and that will never slow you down when you are gardening. The cart features two wheels placed in a way that makes it easier to turn into a wheelbarrow, bag holder, dolly, yard cart, extended dolly, trailer tote, rock and plant mover, and a cylinder carrier. The cart is easy to configure for any of the tasks listed above. The cart itself is only 49 pounds heavy, so you can carry it to storage with ease.
Features
• 200-pound capacity
• Steel frame construction
• 2 flat-free wheels
• Multi-cart design
What we love:
• Can be configured to perform different functions in the garden
• It sports an ergonomic construction to make loads feel lighter
• It takes only five minutes to assemble
We don’t like this as much:
• The cart is narrow and may not accommodate wide objects well
- [200 LBS = 17] The Turbo Lift design provides leverage to transport tremendous loads, making 200 lbs feel like approximately 17 lbs.
- [8 DIFFERENT CARTS IN 1] It quickly transforms from a lightweight wheelbarrow into a yard cart, bag holder, dolly, extended dolly, cylinder carrier, rock/plant mover & trailer tote
- [FLAT-FREE TIRES] Always get a smooth ride with these rugged tires that will never need inflating
- [CLEVER DESIGN] The innovative two-wheel placement makes all eight functions possible by shifting the fulcrum, and thus the center of gravity, to the optimum place for each job
- [DO IT YOURSELF. DO IT BETTER. DO IT WITH WORX.] WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards, so you can build a cost-effective tool collection that’s been designed to last
4. Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Garden Dump Cart
This cart is for gardeners looking for a heavy-duty option that makes it easier for them to dump materials. It features a patented quick-release dump feature with which you can quickly unload your cart. The cart sports a strong steel-frame construction that allows you to carry up to 600 pounds. It offers sufficient ground clearance, so you can move it on uneven grounds with much ease. Its four pneumatic wheels further cushion it when you are pulling it over uneven ground. Its pull handle is thick enough and comes with enough padding to enhance comfort. Its poly bed is not only durable but also easy to clean after gardening.
Features
• Four pneumatic tires
• 600-pound capacity
• Steel frame
• Well-padded thick handle
What we love:
• Heavy duty construction for rocks and pieces of wood
• Releases the bed with ease for fast dumping
• Poly bed cleans with great ease
We don’t like this as much:
• Assembly can be challenging even with the instructions provided
- Outdoor utility cart with a 600-pound hauling capacity is ideal for maneuvering heavy objects, rocks, dirt, mulch, and large equipment around yards, gardens, or farms
- Balanced 4-wheel stability keeps the cart in place to tackle heavy landscaping projects and large gardening setups
- Balanced 4-wheel stability feature makes the cart able to tackle heavy landscaping projects or gardening projects
- Equipped with 10-inch pneumatic tires and includes tight-turning steer feature for increased durability to maneuver over any terrain
- Patented quick-release dumping system provides a simple solution to unloading heavy loads, with the tub measuring 38.7 inches long, 20.04 inches wide, and 19.53 inches tall
5. VIVOHOME Heavy Duty 880-Pound Capacity Mesh Steel Garden Cart
The VIVOHOME foldable garden cart features an alloy steel construction that allows it to carry up to 880 pounds. It is a large-capacity garden cart. The fully-welded steel alloy also guarantees the durability of the garden cart. Further, VIVOHOME adds heavy-duty hinges that are also firmly welded to ensure longevity. Each unit features four pneumatic tires that reduce shock when you pull the cart over uneven terrain. These large wheels also make pulling the cart easier, especially when the ground is uneven. Its handles can turn 180 degrees, which makes them ideal when you are turning around in the garden. Even better, the sides of the wagon are removable, making this unit versatile. After use, collapse it for storage.
Features
• Four pneumatic tires
• 880-pound capacity
• Steel alloy construction
• Removable sides
What we love:
• It has an easy folding design with simple assembly instructions
• You can use the wagon to carry up to 1,100 pounds
• Heavy-duty construction makes the wagon long-lasting
We don’t like this as much:
• The front bolt that connects the handle to the wagon loosens, making the wagon wobbly
- POWERFUL LOAD AND LARGE CAPACITY - VIVOHOME's multi-functional garden cart has meticulous workmanship and strong design sense; Its maximum load can reach 880 lbs., which is more than twice that of competitors; there's nothing you cannot pull away with this practical and convenient cart (to prolong its life, long-term heavy loading is not recommended)
- EXCELLENT QUALITY - Made fully-welded, high-quality metal, the cart body is anti-rust, solid, and durable; All-iron mesh bed is extremely tough and not easy to break; The hinges between each rail are sturdy and firmly-welded to ensure a long service life; With premium materials and professional craftsmanship, this garden cart performs better than a ticklish wheelbarrow on uneven and hilly terrains
- NOISE REDUCTION TIRES - The load-bearing, shock-absorption, and noise- reduction of the cart are all determined by the casters; The pneumatic tires have good elasticity, impact resistance, and noise reduction; Compared with small wheels, large wheels are able to adapt to various road conditions and have good load carrying advantages; PLEASE BE AWARE that the tires are not fully inflated due to safe transport consideration
- FLEXIBLE HANDLES - The handles have a 180° turn design, so you can haul the cart in any direction freely and conveniently as you need; Its ergonomic design is comfortable for you to pull goods in an elegant way; It works well to turn your tiresome transports into one-time trips, showing excellent maneuverability even fully loaded
- REMOVABLE SIDES - You don't have to worry too much about the size of the cargo, even if the item is large; Just remove mesh sides and use it as a flatbed trailer; The detachable sides also add versatility when carrying larger loads; This dolly will be a tremendous help in general yard work, transporting anything too heavy or awkward to easily carry
6. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Tilt Dump Truck
This looks like a large shopping cart with strong polyethylene material in the construction and a design that allows it to dump materials with ease. The construction makes it tough enough to handle 450 pounds of materials. This cart features a narrow construction, so you can move it through standard doorways and maneuver with ease. It has two large back wheels and two smaller front wheels, making it easier to tip over when you need to dump materials. There is an optional lid for when you need to carry small materials. Each unit comes with up to 70% recycled resin that meets guidelines set by the EPA. It has a unibody design that creates a discreet design and is leakproof to ensure you can use it for water applications.
Features
• Four flat-free tires
• 450-pound capacity
• Polyethylene construction
• Unibody construction
What we love:
• You can use this cart for commercial purposes
• It is roomy enough to accommodate large items
• Features a narrow design that easily gets through doorways
We don’t like this as much:
• The small wheels may not move over rough surfaces well
- HEAVY LOADS - The Rubbermaid Commercial Tilt Dump Truck, Structural Foam, offers industrial strength construction to transport heavy loads up to 450 lbs.
- FLEXIBLE MOVEMENT - These dump trucks fit through standard commercial doorways and onto elevators easily. The constant force design allows for controlled dumping by one person. Optional domed lid is available.
- ERGONOMIC - Ergonomic "steering wheel" design handle enhances maneuverability.
- RECYCLED MATERIAL - Contains up to 70% Post Consumer Recycled Resin (PCR) exceeding EPA guidelines.
- EASY TO CLEAN - Maintenance-free
7. Gorilla Carts 4 Cu. Ft. Poly Garden Dump Cart
The Gorilla Carts Dump Cart features large 10-inch flat-free tires that can move over uneven terrain with ease. This cart can roll over the toughest terrain carrying up to 600 pounds of garden material. With four wheels, you get the balance and stability you need when moving this cart from one part of the garden to the next. The cart features an advanced dump design where the poly bed detaches from the steel frame to dump with ease. Its poly bed rolls over as the frame of the cart maintains its position to prevent tipping. The thick and well-padded handle makes the cart easier to pull. Even better, you can attach it to an ATV or tractor when you need to bring the heaviest loads.
Features
• Four flat-free tires
• 600-pound capacity
• Steel frame construction
• Poly bed
What we love:
• It is easy to maneuver through commercial doorways and rough terrain
• The handle features thick padding for comfort while using all-day
• You can tilt the handle in different directions and even attach it to an ATV or tractor
We don’t like this as much:
• The poly bed does not resist scratches when you carry stones
- QUICK-RELEASE DUMPING: Our patented quick-release dumping system allows you to unload with ease while the tight-turning steering makes it easy to maneuver over different terrain
- FLAT-FREE TIRES: 10-inch maintenance-free tires engineered to withstand tough terrain without ever going flat
- 600 POUND CAPACITY: Tow all your essentials with this heavy-duty garden cart's 600-pound capacity and 35.2″ x 21.8″ bed
- HASSLE-FREE ASSEMBLY: This utility cart's durable steel frame is easy to assemble while the sturdy poly tub is easy to clean and rust-resistant
- YEARS OF QUALITY & INNOVATION: Gorilla Carts are designed for strength and performance to help get your projects done no matter the size, and have fun doing them; this yard cart has a 1-year warranty
8. Gorilla Carts Steel Utility Cart with Removable Sides
This is a large capacity and heavy-duty wagon with removable sides. When you need to use a flat-bed wagon or when you need to dump materials with ease, you can remove the mesh sides. The steel mesh is strong enough and large enough to accommodate up to 1,400 pounds of materials. Each unit comes with four pneumatic tires that are easy to move in rugged terrain. Gorilla Carts add an advanced frame design that is easy to assemble. Even better, the wagon offers great maneuverability and enough ground clearance to roll over stones. To move the wagon with ease, it features a 2-in-1 heavy-duty handle with thick padding for easy hand towing. This handle can even connect to a tractor or ATV to make it easier to pull around.
Features
• Four pneumatic wheels
• 1,400-pound capacity
• Steel construction
• Removable sides
What we love:
• Large capacity for stones and wood planks
• Removable sides make it easier to dump materials
• Large wheels to move over wheels and uneven terrain
We don’t like this as much:
• The plastic cap attached to the handle might get loose after a while
- VERSATILE TOWING HANDLE: The patented 2-in-1 convertible handle can comfortably be pulled by hand and also allows for easy towing behind a lawn tractor or ATV, allowing you to haul heavier loads
- EASY TO MANEUVER: The 15-inch pneumatic tires, tight-turning steering, and sturdy 4-wheel design let you tackle any terrain with stability and ease
- 1400 POUND CAPACITY: Tow all your essentials with this heavy-duty garden cart's 1400-pound capacity and 52" x 34" bed
- QUICK ASSEMBLY: This garden wagon's durable steel mesh frame is easy to assemble, and the removable side panels let you quickly convert the outdoor wagon into a flatbed cart for hauling bigger loads
- YEARS OF QUALITY & INNOVATION: Gorilla Carts are designed for strength and performance to help get your projects done no matter the size, and have fun doing them; this yard cart has a 1-year warranty
9. Sunnydaze Utility Steel Garden Cart
This lawn wagon features heavy-duty construction to handle different garden tasks. You can use it to carry up to 400 pounds of garden materials. The steel mesh sides are removable for when you need a flatbed wagon for use in your garden. All the other arts feature a steel construction that guarantees the durability of the wagon. The powder coating and the vibrant coloring ensure that the frame is rust-free and long-lasting. Each unit comes with a long handle that you can easily pull by hand. Even better, this handle can turn up to 180 degrees, making it easier for you to turn. Its reinforced axles make it easier for you to move on different terrains. This wagon is only 40 pounds heavy, which means you can move it with ease. You can choose one of five available colors.
Features
• 400-pound capacity
• Steel frame construction
• Four pneumatic wheels
• Removable sides
What we love:
• You can convert the wagon into a table for use in the garden
• The large pneumatic wheels can easily roll over stones and uneven terrain
• Removable sides make this wagon versatile
We don’t like this as much:
• The carrying capacity could have been more
- Convenient size for yard work: This utility cart measures 33.5" W x 18.75" D x 20.5" H (excluding handle) or 30.5" H (including handle) and weighs 40 lbs. The cart is strong enough to support up to 400 lbs. The sides of the cart measure 33.5" W x 18.75" D x 9.25" H. The pneumatic tires are 10" in diameter.
- Versatile functions: This gardening cart can be used for hauling brush, debris, and landscape materials on the farm or in the yard. The cart's removable sides allow the wagon to be converted into a flatbed for easy loading.
- Durable design: Made from durable steel mesh with a vibrant, powder-coated finish, this utility cart is durable and weather resistant. This garden cart includes all hardware required for assembly, however a 1/2" and 3/4" wrench and socket wrench are required but not included.
- Work smarter, not harder: The large, padded handle allows the cart to be easily pulled by hand. The handle has a 180-degree turn range, and the reinforced axles and pneumatic tires roll easily over any terrain.
- Worry-free purchasing: Sunnydaze Decor backs this product with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty.
10. VIVOHOME Heavy Duty 176-Pound Collapsible Utility Wagon
If you want to move light items around your garden, the VIVIHOME wagon might be a great choice for you. It features a design reminiscent of a large shopping cart but made with stronger materials. It is a large capacity wagon with four flat-free tires. It features a strong tubular steel frame with 600 Oxford cloth to last through the toughest jobs in the garden. After use, the wagon collapses for easy storage. Even better, it comes with a carrying bag that you can use to transport the cart or store it in your home. You can use it to haul tents, garden tool sets, kids’ toys, and so many others. You can adjust the height of the handle to make it easier to pull the cart and change direction with ease.
Features
• Four flat-free tires
• 176-pound capacity
• Steel frame and 600 Oxford cloth construction
• Collapsible design
What we love:
• The wagon extends or folds together, making it easy to pull
• The handle is adjustable for effortless transportation on different surfaces
• It has a convenient lock button, so you can stop it whenever you want
We don’t like this as much:
• It is not a heavy-duty wagon, so you cannot move the heaviest tools, stones, and wood planks
- HEAVY-DUTY WAGON - Constructed with a heavy-duty tubular steel frame that won’t bend easily and a removable and waterproof PVC-coated 600 Oxford cloth, the cart is durable and easy to clean; You can set it up in seconds and without using tools; The cloth is firm and tenacious with a wonderful depth, so you can even put your pets or children inside and haul them with you to the park or supermarket without them jumping out
- LARGE CAPACITY - This easy-to-open trolley is perfect for those who want to transport large items around their yard; It measures 38.6" (L) x 22.8" (W) x 24" (H) in dimension and can load up to 176 lbs.; The double-mesh front pockets allow you to carry cups and drinks, or tools like pruning shears, hand shovels, or other small items
- COLLAPSIBLE DESIGN - Foldable design achieves easy storage; Its folded dimension is only 24.41" (L) x 11.42" (W) x 9.1" (H), which means it is super small and compact; It is super easy to open up and close by pulling the handles at the bottom of the basket; A carrying bag is included for carrying and transport; The folded cart can stand independently
- ADJUSTABLE HANDLE - The handle’s height is adjustable by pressing the red button; The swiveling wheels and the handle allows you to haul this cart in any direction on a dime, working well for easy steering; With the locking system, you can get the handle’s height fixed according to your needs
- WIDE USES - The cart is great for hauling tents, beach umbrellas, outdoor gear, garden tools set, sporting goods, kids toys, firewood, potted, unplanted plants, other heavyweights, and even a child; Ideal for trips to the garden, park, concerts, camping, outdoor sporting events or just around the house; The perfect traveling companion to help your family move about freely and safely