Last updated August 12, 2024
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If you own a lot of properties or do a lot of gardening, one thing that you will get to know is that you will spend much time moving equipment, items, or garbage from one place to the other. Most times, wheelbarrows are not just enough anymore. No one wants to always lift heavy objects and that’s where dump carts come in. They are a miniature dump trailer and it is so far a better option than wheelbarrows.
Garden carts are quite mobile and multi-tasking. Most of them are used for moving any garden tools and materials and both suitable for lawn tractors and UTVs. But, at the same time, dump carts have different maximum loads and capacities. The cart bed, handle, frame, and tires can all be made of different materials and have different shapes from each other. Because of this, each product has its own weather resistance, control, and maintenance.
Below, we will discuss what makes these garden carts unique, why you should buy them, and also what to look out for while buying them. We’ll also compare the best dump carts for lawn tractor to each other to make your choice easier.
- Best Dump Cart: Agri-Fab 45-0101
- Best DIY Dump Cart: Gorilla Carts GORMP-12
- Best for Garden Tractor: Polar Trailer 9393 LG 7
- Best Garden Cart: MotoAlliance Impact Implements ATV/UTV Cart
- Best ATV Dump Cart: Polar Trailer 8262 HD 1500
- Best with Wheels: Yard Commander 10 Cubic Foot Steel Dump Cart
- Best Poly Dump Cart: Ohio Steel 4048PHYB
- Best Heavy Duty Dump Cart: Bannon Utility Trailer
- Best Steel Dump Cart: Craftsman CMXGZBF7124355
- Best Harbor Freight: Gorilla Carts GOR866D
Factors to Consider when Buying the Best Dump Cart for your Lawn Tractor
Maximum Load
This is a factor one should consider very important regardless of or irrespective of your particular needs but this factor will be more important regarding why you need a dump cart. Most users need a dump cart to move things around from place to place but the amount of load or the density will determine if you need to go for a much more expensive dump cart with a higher maximum load or you can just get an ordinary product which will still complete the job. Most dump carts can boast of about 1000 pounds in maximum load but others can boast of a couple hundred. If you need your dump cart to help you clear branches and other organic materials, you might not need an expensive or high-end product. Although you may need a dump cart to help you clear away organic materials and branches, the maximum load is not really necessary in this case. However, you should acquire a dump cart that can take up to 500 pounds as its maximum load because it is generally the requirement for industry standard and anything lower than that should be disregarded.
Mobility
Getting a dump cart that is fluent in mobility will heavily affect or impact how convenient and easy it is to use the product. It is important that users know that the mobility of a dump cart is not determined or accustomed to a single feature or quality like other factors that were mentioned on this list.
The most important qualities which may affect the mobility of dump carts are the wheels in regard to the material, size, and thread. In this case, the size of the wheels is the most important aspect compared to the others because more surface area provides better stability.
Another factor that affects the mobility of dump carts is whether the frame and the trailer hitch can allow the device to swivel or not. A device that easily moves and swivels are significantly easier to control or maneuver in tight places and environments but it makes the reversing of dump carts very difficult.
Capacity
This factor is a little bit similar to max load in terms of if you require a bigger capacity or not though both factors are not determined the same way. Fundamentally, while maximum load relies mostly on the durability and strength of the frame, the capacity will be based primarily on the way the bucket is being constructed. With that in mind, it is actually easier to get a dump cart with a larger dump cart with more capacity than it is to find a product with a stronger frame for a more maximum load. However, the necessary capacity of your product will be determined by what you carry as much as the size of the project you need to handle. With this in mind you should know that, while a dump cart for general debris does not need a larger maximum load, it does need a larger capacity.
Materials
This factor is incredibly important in determining how effective your product will be, but it may not be important as it seems. Fundamentally, there are few materials that are actually used when producing a dump cart but they do not really affect the dump cart in ways you might think. The materials can be split into different metals and different plastics. With that in mind, one should know that these days, heavy-duty plastic is sort after because it can provide more durability and strength without suffering from some of the conditions which greatly affect metals.
Metal – Metal is used for the manufacturing of dump carts for lawn tractors but is slowly being faded out because it is no longer the best option recently. Well, if you need to carry or move a few tons of dense materials or rocks, most people would prefer to use a dump cart made up of mainly metal. But when you are carrying loads below 1000 pounds, it won’t be ideal to use a more expensive and heavier option.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that metal is a poor substance to use for a dump cart product as it is more impact resistant than any industrial plastic which is used. The biggest issue with dump carts which is made out of metal has to do more with the additional weight and load that it places on your vehicle than it does with the failure of the material. Although, metal’s vulnerability to water for an extended period of time does mean that you have to focus more on maintaining the material.
When it comes to the metal as a material, steel is mostly used because it provides a good blend of strength without being too heavy. Aluminum is also used to make metal dump carts but it is much more expensive than any other material used and it is made for commercial purposes than consumer purposes. If you select a steel dump cart, make sure it has a protective layer or coating against water to increase its lifespan, if not, consider getting one.
Plastic – when we talk about plastic, most people think they are cheap materials that do not last for a long period of time. However, plastic-made dump carts can cost less than dump carts made out of metals but that does not necessarily hold true. To elaborate on the previous statement, the quality, type, and grade of the plastic are completely important to determine if the product is high-end or not. When this type of plastic is compared with other plastics, it is harder and each and every plastic has its own vulnerabilities as well as its own strengths.
Also, when it comes to providing some distinctive benefits, plastic outweighs metal especially due to the fact that it is mostly used outdoors almost 100% of the time. Being immune and resistant to certain factors and elemental conditions gives plastic an edge over metal dump carts in this context. The plastic used in producing dump carts is mostly made to be waterproof and some can have a very high melting point even though they might become very brittle when cold.The only downside of plastic lies in its protection against ultraviolet rays, although this factor depends entirely on the type of plastic used in the production. Polyethylene is said to be one of the most used plastics used in the production of dump carts because it is easy to mold, lightweight, resistant to some elements such as climatic elements, and in the end they are cheap. When it comes to susceptibility to UV radiation, polyethylene is better than most plastics such as polyurethane and it also has a lower melting point too.
Best Dump Cart1. Agri-Fab 45-0101 Tow Behind Dump CartLoad Capacity, Lb: 750Load Size, Cu Ft: 12Bed Material: SteelTires Size: 16 inCheck Price on AmazonKey Features and My Experience
Made Specifically for UTVs, Tractors, and ATVs, the Agri-Fab 45-0101 750-Pound Max Utility Tow Behind Dump Cart is a beast when it comes to moving or hauling objects and materials in your farm or backyard. This Utility tow dump cart has a capacity of 750 pounds and it has an overall weight of 800 pounds meaning that smaller tractors such as 18 hp tractors are compatible with this dump cart. Agri-Fab 45-0101 is made out of steel and it is coated to prevent scratch and rust making it 100% resistant to these factors.
Cleaning this cart is also easy because the steel-coated material does not hold dirt or particles for long. For maneuverability, a quality 16-inch bar is featured in this dump cart making it pneumatic in nature. Two weather-resistant wheels with pneumatic features improve the control of this dump cart in rough or terrain roads. These wheels are also easy to maintain due to a grease fitting design which assures quality scratch resistance and a very good appearance.
My Overall Impression
Looking at the Agri-Fab 45-0101 750-Pound Max Utility Tow Behind Dump Cart, the product only shows the position they attain in the market but what it won’t show you is how well it compares to most products from the value perspective. For example, this product has a 12 cu ft capacity even though it falls in the middle of the list. On the other hand, it has only a maximum load of about 750 pounds which is one of the smallest on the list. Although this is fine for consumer-grade, it would still find it difficult to handle commercial projects. The 16” wheels ensure that you don’t have any difficulty while moving the product. I totally recommend this product.
Pros
- The holding bucket is made out of steel.
- It is cheap.
- It is more convenient and versatile than most dump carts.
- It has a maximum load of 750 pounds.
- It has a 12 cu ft capacity.
- The wheels are 16”.
- It is durable.
Cons
- It is somewhat heavy.
- It does not have a swivel.
Key Features and My Experience
If you are a homeowner and you are looking for a heavy-duty garden cart that has a huge maximum load capacity as well as the ability and feature to transform to suit all your needs, the Gorilla Carts GORMP-12 Steel Dump Cart is the product for you. This dump cart boasts of a convenient removable side with a two-in-one convertible handle. The bucket is made up of steel which is big with a 39.5” x 22” steel having the ability to hold as much as 1,200 pounds.
The 1,200 pounds maximum capacity load allows you to carry or convey anything with it from equipment to heavy gardening tools to waste. The convertible handle and the convenient removable sides enable users to use the cart according to the demands of the jobs. The Gorilla Carts GORMP-12 Steel Dump Cart comes with a lot of specific features which you should at least try out.
My Overall Impression
The Gorilla Carts GORMP-12 Steel Dump Cart is a heavy-duty dump cart that is used to convey and haul goods, equipment, and materials from one place to the other. One thing I like about this dump cart is that it has a convenient and ergonomic handle which makes carrying of goods easy by hand and also it can be fixed behind a tractor or an ATV. When new, this dump cart can give off a bad smell. I do recommend that you open it up in the air to let the bad smell out before you use it.
Pros
- It has a maximum load of 1,200 pounds.
- It has removable sides to help convey better.
- It has a large bucket.
- It has a convenient and ergonomic handle.
- It has a 13-inch wheel which ensures you have a smooth ride.
- It is easy to assemble.
Cons
- The bearings are not sealed.
- It is quite heavy.
- It has a strong chemical odor.
Key Features and My Experience
Manufactured by Polar Trailer, the 9393 LG7 Garden Trailer is an outdoor dump cart that is used to move objects and load from one place to the other. The parent company, Clam Outdoors came into the manufacturing industry as a manufacturer of ice fishing products but recently it has drifted into a more high-end outdoor equipment production. The Polar Trailer produced this 9393 LG7 Garden Trailer to be amongst the consumer-grade line-up. While this limits the product’s versatility and functionality, it gives the company reason to make the brand more convenient.
One thing users have to understand with most consumer-grade products is that they would rarely if ever meet the industry’s standard for if to be used commercially. In this case, the Polar Trailer LG7 falls short and it lacks a lot of relevant specifications, which especially is focused more on the maximum load and the varying capacity. This dump cart can take only 600 pounds, half the weight of the first dump cart on my list. The product is also durable and is made out of polypropylene plastic.
My Overall Impression
The Polar Trailer 9393 LG7 is a very impressive dump cart for homeowners who don’t require very much from place to place. I noticed that it is by far one of the most easily assembled dump carts one can purchase in the market. This may be one of the most overlooked factors but it is by far more important to average customers. One of the downsides to the cart is the small size that is being assigned to the wheels. Apart from that, the Polar Trailer LG7 gives its users one of the best riding/moving experiences you can find in a dump cart.
Pros
- It is made out of plastic polypropylene.
- It is affordable.
- It has a 10 cu ft capacity.
- It can swivel.
- It is easy to assemble.
- It is easy to operate.
Cons
- It only has a max load of 600 pounds.
- It is made as consumer-grade.
Key Features and My Experience
Being a part of a larger parent company, Impact Implements is an outdoor product line that is a brand of that parent company. When it comes to dumping carts, Motoalliance makes a wide variety of products or attachments for outdoor vehicles. The MotoAlliance Impact Implements ATV/UTV Heavy Duty Utility Cart checks in as the number one position when it comes to the two most important categories, price, and size. This is one of the best performing products I have seen on this list.
This dump cart boasts a maximum load of 1,500 pounds which is very impressive and so far one of the biggest maximum capacity on a dump cart. The cart is made out of polyethylene and it is resistant to scratch and rust because of its coating. It has a set of two large wheels that measure more than 18″ across.
My Overall Impression
Using the MotoAlliance Impact Implements ATV/UTV Heavy Duty Utility Cart, Cargo Trailer is not bad at all but where the trouble comes in, is the assembly. I found out that it has one of the most complicated assemblings which goes as far as requiring users to drill holes to fasten a nut. Another thing I love about the MotoAlliance Impact Implements ATV/UTV Heavy Duty Utility Cart, Cargo Trailer is that it also has one of the largest wheels making it easy for you to maneuver and the pass-through axle allows the product to swivel as well as provide a reasonable height clearance.
Pros
- The interior bucket is made out of polyethylene.
- It has an impressive 18” wheel.
- It is protected with an 11 ga steel frame.
- It has a maximum load of about 1,500 pounds.
- T comes with a pass-through swivel.
- It has one of the largest capacities on the list.
Cons
- It is very difficult to assemble.
- It is quite expensive than most dump carts on this list.
Key Features and My Experience
This product features a built-in and well-defined design which makes it the ultimate dump cart for your vehicle to use. If you are into light or personal gardening, you are in luck because it is the sole purpose of this dump cart. The heavy-duty load features a maximum capacity that can reach up to 1,500 pounds and the exterior is made entirely out of steel which is coated to give it a lustrous look. The bucket is also resistant to rust and the internal part of the bucket is made up of heavy strength polyethylene body which is more durable than most dump cart interiors.
The Polar Trailer 8262 HD 1500 features a quick release tipper latch which helps it unload the dump cart easily. Other additional features include a pivot frame, a tilt, and a tandem axle. The tandem axle is a plus on this dump cart because it is very useful in tackling very bumpy terrain.
My Overall Impression
The Polar Trailer 8262 HD 1500 Tandem Axle Utility Cart is a good dump cart to purchase. It can really balance heavy loads to move around without putting too much pressure on the product. The ball bearings in the Polar Trailer 8262 HD 1500 Tandem Axle Utility Cart are sealed and kept strong to undergo unfavorable situations. I totally recommend this prod it because it has a high maximum load capacity and it is versatile in use.
Pros
- It is resistant to elements that can damage it.
- The easy latch system makes unloading easy.
- It has a tandem axle system.
- It has a highly developed pivot frame and tilt.
- The ball bearings are sealed and protected.
- It has a max load of 1,500 pounds.
Cons
- There are no greasy fittings around the sealed ball bearings of the cart.
- Hitch adjustment may be somewhat difficult.
Key Features and My Experience
If you need to haul and carry goods that are too big for a normal wheelbarrow from one place to the other, then you need the Yard Commander 10 Cubic Foot Steel Dump Cart. This cart is designed and well-engineered with a maximum capacity load of 400 pounds and a high load of 10 cubic ft. The bucket/bed is made out of steel and it is coated with a rust-resistant powder coat finish which ensures the product has a longer lifespan.
The wheels of the cart measure about 13 inches across and these specialized tires offer easy control even on rough roads. The Yard Commander 10 Cubic Foot Steel Dump Cart is a well-compatible and reliable dump cart for your gardening projects.
My Overall Impression
The Yard Commander 10 Cubic Foot Steel Dump Cart is not a heavily contracted cart but it is tough enough to take care of your every gardening needs. It is more of an accessory that you attach to a vehicle or tractor to haul dirt or equipment around. The size of this dump cart made it perfect to also be operated by hand. It features a removable tailgate for easy loading and unloading. I do recommend this product.
Pros
- It has a compact and efficient design.
- It has a removable tailgate.
- It has a foot pedal release mechanism.
- It has value for the money.
- The steel bed is coated to prevent rusting.
Cons
- It might be hard to set up this cart.
- It has a max load of only 400 pounds.
Key Features and My Experience
Boasting innovative design, the Ohio Steel 4048PHYB Pro Grade Hybrid Tractor/ATV Cart with Swivel Dump is a superior dump cart with highly defined built-in features and a steel bed. This dump cart has a maximum capacity load of about 1,250 pounds, making it ideal for heavy-duty jobs. Most of the principal features of this dump cart include highly modified towing and breaking potentials with remarkable loading and unloading properties.
The bed of this product is made out of steel which is coated to prevent scratches while improving its resistivity to rust. The ball bearing of this product is not sealed but it is fitted perfectly to assist users in proper steady movements.
My Overall Impression
When I reviewed the Ohio Steel 4048PHYB Pro Grade Hybrid Tractor/ATV Cart with Swivel Dump, I found out that this dump cart does correspondingly better than most dump carts out there. The tires of this dump cart are suitable and perfect for bumpy or unstable terrains. Maintenance, on the other hand, is easy considering the smooth textured surface. Overall, this is a recommended cart to choose from if you are looking for a product of good quality at an affordable price.
Pros
- The bed/bucket is made out of steel.
- The steel is coated making it resistant to dust and scratches.
- It maintains an adequate balance and a firm grip when in use.
- Pneumatic wires are strong.
- It is easy to maintain.
- Easy swiveling and maneuvering
- Easy loading and unloading mechanism.
Cons
- Bearings are not sealed.
- The initial setup is a little difficult.
Key Features and My Experience
When it comes to the Bannon Utility Trailer, it is quite a handy tool to use around the garden. It has a huge bed/bucket made out of steel which is coated to give it its maximum protection. The steel bed can hold a maximum capacity of about 1,600 pounds making it ideal for heavy-duty jobs. To protect your load, it comes with flared side panels which can be fixed and removed anytime. Assembly of this dump cart is a little bit tricky and you may have trouble assembling this dump cart.
The Bannon Utility Trailer has wheels that measure up to 18 inches and they are pneumatic making it easy to be used in terrain roads. It also features a dual-action 3-point hitch which makes the connection to a tractor or vehicle much easier.
My Overall Impression
The Bannon Utility Trailer is an ideal accessory for garden owners. It comes with a side flared design that can be adjusted to make more room for more load. The steel bed is big enough and it has a maximum load of about 1,600 pounds. I love this product because it is one of the most versatile products out there. It is totally recommended.
Pros
- It has a suitable design.
- It is versatile.
- It is built to be tough.
- It has two sets of 18” wheels.
- Removable sides to improve space for loads.
- It is coated to prevent rust.
Cons
- There might be problems while assembling this dump cart.
- The grease fittings are not with the price.
Key Features and My Experience
This 105 pounds craftsman steel tow dump cart is suitable for handling all kinds of hauling needs and it does that with so much ease. The Craftsman CMXGZBF7124355 12-cu ft Steel Tow Dump Cart has a maximum capacity of about 750 pounds which is suitable for normal gardening needs. The bed size measures about 33-inch x 48-inch x 14-inch which is big enough to haul and move equipment around your farmyard. On one side, the large size of the bed helps hold anything you want to carry even garbage and on the other hand, an easy unloading mechanism makes loading and unloading of goods easier for consumers.
The bed comes with a steel frame for added strength and durability. It has removable and foldable side panels which can be adjusted for more convenience.
My Overall Impression
The Craftsman CMXGZBF7124355 12-cu ft Steel Tow Dump Cart is a hand unit in which users can pull or tow with a vehicle or a tractor. This dump cart is a great lawn and garden tool which is used in getting rid of garbage, moving chopped firewood, or relocating gravel. The reinforced tailgate integrated into this system to offer additional strength for loading and loading heavy equipment and objects. I do recommend this product for the consumer-grade level.
Pros
- It has a rigid steel frame for added durability.
- The tailgate detaches easily.
- It has 16” pneumatic rims.
- The steel bed is coated to make it resistant to rust.
- It can fit most tractors.
Cons
- The metals might bend upon delivery.
- Assembling is quite hard.
Key Features and My Experience
Gorilla Carts has long been in the manufacturing business for over 20 years and it has been under the parent company which has been functional for over 30 years providing users with specialized outdoor equipment for their home. The Gorilla Carts GOR866D Heavy-Duty Garden Poly Dump Cart falls a bit short in some categories which include its 6 cu ft of capacity and it is built with great qualities and it’s designed to allow some impressive specs in others. One of the biggest upsides to the Gorilla Carts GOR866D is the fact that it has a maximum load of 1200 pounds which ranks this product above consumer-grade level.
The impressive amount of load this device can carry is due to the fact that this is one of the few dump carts which actually has four wheels making it not only one of the stable dump carts but one which distributes weights uniformly. The load is facilitated by a steel bed that measures 40 x 25” allowing users to move or haul this product to the desired location. The handle is designed to be foldable making handling easy during use. The material used to make this dump cart is 100% rust-resistant.
My Overall Impression
The Gorilla Carts GOR866D Heavy-Duty Garden Poly Dump Cart is a very impressive dump cart that has high performance and it is capable of handling any carrying job thrown at it. The company values perfection and high-end features, therefore, they integrated a warranty system that will make it possible for users to return back their dump cart if it doesn’t meet expectations or if it damages within the space of two years. It is made affordable by the company and the 4 wheel system gives this cart a balanced operation. I recommend this dump cart mainly for beginners and newbies who require materials and objects to be moved from one place to the other.
Pros
- It is affordable.
- It has a maximum load of 1,200 pounds.
- It is a convenient dump cart.
- It has 4 wheels.
- It is made out of polypropylene plastic.
- This cart can swivel.
Cons
- It only has 6 cu ft of capacity.
- The tires measure only 13″.
Comparison Table
PRODUCT | LOAD CAPACITY, LB | LOAD SIZE, CU FT | BED MATERIAL | TIRES SIZE |
---|---|---|---|---|
Agri-Fab 45-0101 | 750 | 12 | Steel | 16 in |
Gorilla Carts GORMP-12 | 1200 | 5 | Steel | 13 in |
Polar Trailer 9393 LG 7 | 600 | 7 | Plastic | 15 in |
MotoAlliance Impact Implements ATV/UTV Cart | 1500 | 15 | Plastic | 18 in |
Polar Trailer 8262 HD 1500 | 1500 | 22 | Plastic | 15 in |
Yard Commander 10 Cubic Foot Steel Dump Cart | 400 | 10 | Steel | 13 in |
Ohio Steel 4048PHYB | 1250 | 12.5 | Plastic | 16 in |
Bannon Utility Trailer | 1600 | 24 | Steel | 18 in |
Craftsman CMXGZBF7124355 | 750 | 12 | Steel | 16 in |
Gorilla Carts GOR866D | 1200 | 6 | Plastic | 13 in |
Conclusion
To wrap this up, the main purpose of purchasing a dump cart surrounds the ability to carry things from one place to the other. A dump cart is meant to say heavy objects around and it has to be very good doing that job. That’s why I recommend all these products because they can handle all the gardening tasks thrown at them. Although they may vary in specifications depending on your kind of hauling job you want to undergo, any of these choices would be perfect for you.
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References:
1. SFGate
2. Manualzz
3. Instructables