The Best Garden Carts, Tested

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Garden Carts, Tested and hope the blog can help you.

Garden carts are handy for moving various outdoor supplies, plants, and tools. We tested today’s top models to see how accommodating they truly are—find out which ones earned a well-deserved spot on our lineup!

A garden cart is a wagon with two or more wheels used to tote garden tools or materials, such as earth, stones, and plants. In general, garden carts offer more stability than wheelbarrows that have only a single wheel, which makes them prone to tipping under heavy loads.

We tested a variety of garden carts—both light-duty and heavy-duty models—to see if they lived up to the manufacturer’s claims. We loaded them down with the gear gardeners, landscapers, and DIYers would typically haul around. Then we took them over rough terrain and down slopes, really pushing them to their limits to deem how well they handle.

Additionally, we inspected each cart’s construction to ensure the necessary durability to withstand outdoor elements and occasional garden mishaps. Quality models are easy to maneuver and offer plenty of carrying capacity. Most will have a low center of gravity and a flat bottom for added stability. Whether you’re looking for a light-duty cart you can fold for easy storage or a beefy, self-propelled model, chances are the best garden cart for your needs will be in this lineup.

1. BEST OVERALL: SuperHandy DC Li-Ion Powered Utility Service Cart
2. RUNNER-UP: Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Wheelbarrow / Yard Cart / Dolly
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Gorilla Carts 600 lb. Poly Garden Dump Cart
4. BEST UTILITY: Polar Trailer Utility Cart
5. BEST COLLAPSIBLE: Black+Decker Collapsible Wagon
6. ALSO CONSIDER: Vivosun Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon

How We Tested the Best Garden Carts

We used similar testing procedures with all the carts to provide fair and uniform results. However, since the carts offered different functions and various load limits, we also had to adapt the tests to suit each model. We loaded each cart to the brim; although unable to weigh the contents of each load, we estimated the weight and determined whether we felt the cart could carry the manufacturer’s maximum capacity. We felt the listed maximum load was pretty close to what the cart would carry in all cases except the Gorilla Dump Cart.

We noted the ease and length of time for assembly of those carts that required being put together. We analyzed the quality of the materials and checked the essential parts, including the carts’ undercarriage, axles, wheels, and handles, for any signs of weakness. We pulled and pushed the carts (except the self-powered SuperHandy), and we noted how easy it was to maneuver them in tight spots.

As we tested, we awarded points based on a rubric; at the end of the testing, we added the points and used them to help determine the best categories and awards for each model.

Our Top Picks

We tested garden carts of various types, and to qualify for a spot in this lineup, each had to excel in its specific category. We chose the most popular carts available, both light-duty and heavy-duty. We carefully inspected them for quality, durability, and functionality. Every cart was pushed to its limits. Find out what happened in our hands-on tests, and discover both the pros and cons of each model.

Best Overall

SuperHandy DC Li-Ion Powered Utility Service Cart

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The SuperHandy garden cart is a versatile self-propelled vehicle great for hauling hefty loads and cumbersome items. Plus, it could open up the world of gardening and landscaping to those who might not have the ability to push or pull a loaded-down cart. The side panels detach for use as a flatbed cart, and there’s a handle for dumping the contents. The hand controls feature a power switch and an accelerator trigger, and the cart also has the option of moving forward or in reverse.
With its solid steel undercarriage and strong, alloy steel sides and bottom, the SuperHandy was the beefiest cart on the list at 138 pounds. Like many carts, it required some assembly, but the instructions were easy to follow, and it took less than 30 minutes to put it together.

After charging the 48V lithium-ion battery pack, we installed them in the protective case and started testing. The SuperHandy was designed to haul loads up to 1,000 pounds and hold up to 500 pounds in its bed. We loaded the bed with about 400 pounds and took off—it powered along with ease. We took it over flat ground, then up and down slopes, and it chugged along smoothly.

One of the nicest features was the third wheel, set on a caster, which allowed us to swivel the cart in any direction easily, even making sharp turns with a full load. We ran the SuperHandy near-non-stop hauling firewood, and after 3.5 hours, the battery indicator was still showing a quarter of a charge. Impressive!

The oversized, pneumatic tires gripped the turf without slipping, but if we had our druthers, we’d opt for the convenience of solid rubber to keep from having to add air when tires get low. All in all, the SuperHandy proved to be an excellent garden cart for hauling heavy items, such as bricks, firewood, large potted plants, or anything else that would be too cumbersome to pull or push by hand.

Product Specs

• Materials: Steel
• Wheel type: Pneumatic rubber tires
• Maximum load capacity: 500 pounds (1,000 for hauling)

Pros

• Self-propelled design is easy to maneuver around the worksite or yard
• Cart swivels easily, even when loaded to its 1,000-pound capacity
  Simple-to-operate controls on the handle; a linear throttle as well as a FWD/REV
• Moves heavy loads with ease; perfect for both DIY and professional use

Cons

• Some users would have preferred solid rubber tires for maximum durability

Get the SuperHandy garden cart at Amazon.

Runner-Up

Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Wheelbarrow / Yard Cart / Dolly

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When it comes to versatility, the Worx Aerocart shines. It comes with a host of accessories, including a brace for holding lawn bags, a rock/plant mover, an in-bed organizer, and a fold-down plate for using the Aerocart as a dolly.

Assembly was straightforward, taking about 15 minutes, and right off the bat, we were impressed with the cart’s solid, no-flat tires. To test all the Aerocart’s multiple functions, we moved heavy pots using the hook-on harness, hauled a large load of firewood with the firewood sling (sold separately), and used the cart’s extendable arms to move a table saw. We also modified the cart by attaching the Aerocart Wagon Kit (sold separately), which allowed us to use the cart in four-wheel mode.

The manufacturer rates the Aerocart with a maximum 300-pound capacity, and we saw no reason to think that wouldn’t be possible, since the steel frame certainly seemed capable. We moved an estimated 200-pound load with ease.

After testing all the various functions and accessories, we decided if we could only have one moving vehicle, either a cart, a dolly, or a wheelbarrow, we’d choose the Aerocart because it serves all those functions. Plus, we could store it upright along a garage wall where it didn’t take up a lot of floor space.

Product Specs

• Materials: Steel frame, canvas straps
• Wheel type: Solid, plastic wheels
• Maximum load capacity: 300 pounds

Pros

• Multiple functions; can be used as a dolly, wheelbarrel, and yard cart
• No-flat wheels are suitable for long-term or heavy-duty use
• Non-slip hand grips are comfortable for the user to hold while in use
• Fold-down legs for stability and easy storage

Cons

• Dolly would be better with a strap to secure any loose items

Get the Worx garden cart at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

Gorilla Carts 600 lb. Poly Garden Dump Cart

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The Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart is a top all-around performer made to carry and dump soil, gravel, and mulch loads. The durable polyethylene bed won’t rust, and it’s designed not to crack or warp. Plus, it comes at an attractive price point.

We easily assembled the Gorilla cart in about 15 minutes, using a few basic tools, including a Phillips screwdriver, pliers, and an adjustable wrench. Gorilla lists this cart as having a 600-pound capacity, but after testing we found that a more realistic limit would be half that—about 300 pounds, tops. It became challenging to maneuver the front wheel axle and guide the cart with approximately 300 pounds of bricks in the bed. Despite the quick-release lever that unhooks the bed for dumping, we noticed that users would still have to physically lift the front of the bed to dump it. That gave us another reason to not pile in too much weight.

The 10-inch pneumatic tires rolled smoothly over rough ground, while a padded handle grip provided comfort and better control while pulling. Regardless of the over-ambitious capacity claim, we found this Gorilla to be a sound garden cart that offered a lot of hauling ability at a reasonable price.

Product Specs

• Materials: Heavy-duty plastic bed, steel frame
• Wheel type: Pneumatic
• Maximum load capacity: 600-pounds (We recommend no more than 300 pounds.)

Pros

• Rust-proof bed can withstand exposure to moisture and gardening products
• Dumping ability integrated into the design for added versatility
• Large, 10-inch tires are perfect for maneuvering on multiple terrain types

Cons

• 600 pounds can put too much pressure on front steering axle
• No automatic dumping; requires the user to lift the model manually

Get the Gorilla garden cart at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

Best Utility

Polar Trailer Utility Cart

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This Polar Trailer Utility Cart is a rugged general-purpose yard cart. It comes with a high-impact polyethylene tub, designed not to rust, crack, or warp. It’s suitable for moving gravel, firewood, and a variety of garden supplies and tools. Its 10-cubic-foot bed also has ample room for hauling yard debris, such as fallen leaves and twigs.

When we unboxed the Polar Trailer Utility Cart, the first thing we noticed was its extra-large, 20-inch wheels. These were the most oversized wheels, by far, of any of the carts we tested, and they made it easy to maneuver the cart—even when it was fully loaded.

Our favorite part of this cart was the wheels and tires, but we wished they would have been coated to resist rust and corrosion, since we discovered a bit of rust on the wheel rims after leaving the cart out in the rain. We would recommend storing this cart in a garage or shed rather than leaving it exposed to the elements.

We found that this all-around solid cart was well-suited to hauling hefty loads up to 400 pounds. We probably had almost 300 pounds on it at one point, and the weight didn’t seem to wobble the handling in the least. Its leg supports were solid and sturdy, and the bar handle gave us the ability to grip it where it felt best for our purposes, rather than having to grasp individual handles. Assembly was straightforward and took no more than 15 minutes.

Product Specs

• Materials: Steel frame, high-impact polyethylene tub
• Wheel type: 20-inch, solid rubber spoked wheels
• Maximum load capacity: 400 pounds

Pros

• Large, 20-inch wheels are built for easy maneuvering
• Ample room in tub for tools, plants, accessories, and more
• Easy to guide and dump; ergonomic design is built for maximum user comfort

Cons

• Some users have reported that the wheel rims rusted after exposure to rain

Get the Polar Trailer garden cart at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Omni Outdoor Living.

Best Collapsible

Black+Decker Collapsible Wagon

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The Black+Decker makes an excellent garden cart where storage space comes at a premium. It is lightweight, durable, and offers plenty of carrying capacity. It holds up to 176 pounds and folds down to just 7 inches thick for easy storage.Plus, it comes with solid tires that won’t go flat, and it features two handy beverage holders on the front.

When the Black+Decker cart arrived, we were surprised that the package was so small—about 10 inches by 10 inches by 25 inches—because we’d been receiving much larger and heavier packages. However, when we unboxed the cart, we were pleased to find high-quality canvas fitted on a collapsible steel frame.

The Black+Decker cart folded out with just a pull on its two end frames and formed a decently sized canvas bed measuring 31 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 22 inches high. The telescoping handle extended to 38 inches, which allowed us to pull the cart without bending. The handle controlled the front axle and wheels, which made it simple to turn the cart and maneuver it in tight spots.

We found the canvas bed to be surprisingly strong, and while we didn’t test whether it would stand up to the manufacturer’s claim of holding 176 pounds, we did load it with over 100 pounds, and it still pulled smoothly.

This is a light-duty cart—it’s not designed for carrying heavy and/or sharp objects that might poke through the canvas, such as sharpshooter shovels or chainsaws with sharp blades. Still, it’s a great option for pulling around standard gardening hand tools, plants, potting soil, and supplies.

Product Specs

• Materials: Steel frame, canvas bed
• Wheel type: Solid plastic, 7-inch tires
• Maximum load capacity: 176 pounds

Pros

• Heavy-duty canvas bed is ideal for light- to medium-duty gardening tasks
• Telescoping handle provides added user-friendliness and adjustability
• Collapsible design allows for easy storage in the off-season

Cons

• Only suitable for light-duty use; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences

Get the Black+Decker garden cart at Amazon.

Also Consider

Vivosun Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon

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Those looking for a garden cart that folds for easy storage yet holds a good amount of dry leaves or other types of yard debris might want to check out the Vivosun Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon. It features 7-inch, hard wheels with ball-bearing assembly for smoother movement. When unfolded, the bed measures 36 inches by 22 inches by 15 inches, offering ample room for hauling away yard waste or carrying plants and gardening supplies.

Like the other collapsible cart we tested, the Vivosun came folded up—and in a handy tote bag—but was easy to expand by pulling the front and back of the steel frame apart. We also noticed that the ball-bearing assembly made for easy rolling. The front axle also swiveled easily when we moved the telescoping handle from side to side, making the cart easy to turn and maneuver. However, the somewhat thin handle could have been sturdier.

Product specs stated that the canvas bed holds up to 176 pounds. While we deemed that fairly accurate, we would recommend spreading the weight over the entire bed rather than carrying a single heavy object that might poke through the canvas.

This Vivosun also featured a thin, flat cushion that fits inside the bottom, but after easily feeling the bottom steel bars underneath, we decided that the cushion doesn’t provide enough padding