Garden Cart Comparison

A garden cart field guide

With the great abundance of garden carts on the market, selecting the correct model for your gardening needs can prove daunting.  Numerous national retailers produce garden carts, as do specialty outfits including Agri-Fab, Ames, DR, Foster, Jackson, Kadco, LoadLumper6, Mullers, Rubbermaid, Scotts, Smith and Hawken, Step2, True Temper, Union, Vermont Carts, and Wheel Around.  A more detailed comparison of several popular brands follows, but in general, consider these factors when shopping:

1. Garden carts come in wood, steel, or plastic. Depending on how much dry or wet matter you may be transporting, a rustproof material may be more desirable.  The weight and durability of the material might come into play also.  A steel cart may be ideal for hauling asphalt, but plastic might work better for cement.

2. Garden cart tires come specialized for certain types of terrain.  Look for a cart with replaceable wheels, to increase the life and versatility of your cart.

3. Pick a cart big enough for the job, but not so large it can't fit through the door of your shed or garage.  Storing a cart can pose problems and leaving one outside can cause it to rust.

4. The more you plan to use your garden cart, the heavier, tougher, and more durable it should be. Heavy loads (two hundred pounds or more) require heavy-duty carts.

5. Carts are available in two types: solid floors and expanded metal floors. The expanded metal floors allow dirt and water to fall through the cart, making them ideal for the gardener.

6. Motorized garden carts or carts that attach to mowers reduce physical fatigue, accomplish more work, and avoid the dangers of overexertion.

Rubbermaid garden cart

Construction:  Made of molded plastic, these waterproof carts and wheels are virtually indestructible.  The higher, angled position of the handle makes the cart easy to unload and reduces back strain.

Capacity:  up to 500 pounds.

Vermont carts

Construction:  Available in different sizes, these handsome wood carts feature large capacity tubs, semi-pneumatic wheels, and heavy sidewalls.

Capacity:  up to 600 pounds.

Agri-fab black garden cart

Construction:  Tough, polycarbonate bin can move anything, from soil to shrubs.  Bin designed to tip easily.  Tubular handle and traction wheels.

Capacity:  300 pounds.

Loadumper garden cart

Construction:  Stainless steel.  Tires designed to roll smoothly.  Ergonomic handles.

Capacity:  300-400 pounds.

Mullers garden cart

Construction:  Durable polyethylene with replaceable wheels.  Non-inflated, spoked wheels.

Capacity:  250 pounds

Rugid garden cart

Construction: Heavy duty cart polyethylene bin with a steel undercarriage and an easy dump release.  Pneumatic tires and ergonomic handle.

Capacity:  Up to 300 pounds.

More information on garden carts