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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Garden Carts

When wheelbarrows aren't enough, graduate to a garden cart. We compared carts from utility haulers to folding wagons—finding what handles serious loads and what collapses under pressure.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Gorilla Carts

Heavy-Duty Steel Utility Cart

4.7 (34,567 reviews)

The beast. Twelve hundred pounds capacity means you're hauling whatever you want. Removable sides convert from enclosed hauler to flatbed. Quick-release dumping saves your back. This is what serious landscapers use.

Capacity

1200 lbs / 15 cu ft

Wheels

15" pneumatic

Bed

Steel mesh

Feature

Convertible sides

Pros

✓ 1200 lb capacity
✓ 4 pneumatic tires
✓ Removable sides

Cons

✗ Large storage footprint
✗ Heavy empty
✗ Assembly intensive

$199

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
Heavy-Duty Steel Utility Cart Best Gorilla Carts	4.7	$199	View
Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon Value Mac Sports	4.5	$89	View
Poly Swivel Dump Cart Brinly	4.6	$299	View
Cub Cart Hauling Companion Polar Trailer	4.3	$79	View
Folding Wagon Cart Extra Large Sekey	4.4	$109	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Gorilla Carts

Heavy-Duty Steel Utility Cart

4.7 (34,567 reviews)

Capacity

1200 lbs / 15 cu ft

Wheels

15" pneumatic

Bed

Steel mesh

Feature

Convertible sides

Pros

✓ 1200 lb capacity
✓ 4 pneumatic tires
✓ Removable sides

Cons

✗ Large storage footprint
✗ Heavy empty
✗ Assembly intensive

$199

View on Amazon

Best Value

Mac Sports

Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon

4.5 (56,789 reviews)

The crossover hit for suburban life. Folds flat for car trunks and garage storage. Hauls plants from nursery, tools around yard, gear to the beach. Not for heavy landscape materials, but perfect for lighter gardening tasks.

Capacity

150 lbs

Folded Size

Compact

Material

Fabric + steel frame

Wheels

4 solid

Pros

✓ Folds flat for storage
✓ Lightweight
✓ Great for transport

Cons

✗ Limited capacity
✗ Fabric can tear
✗ Not for heavy loads

$89

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Premium Pick

Brinly

Poly Swivel Dump Cart

4.6 (4,567 reviews)

Hitch this to your lawn tractor and move mountains. Seventeen cubic feet carries entire mulch deliveries. Perfect for large properties where walking a wheelbarrow gets exhausting. The force multiplier for serious acreage.

Capacity

800 lbs / 17 cu ft

Type

Tow-behind

Material

Poly bed

Hitch

Universal

Pros

✓ Tow behind mower
✓ 17 cu ft capacity
✓ Universal hitch

Cons

✗ Requires tow vehicle
✗ Expensive
✗ Large storage footprint

$299

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Budget Pick

Polar Trailer

Cub Cart Hauling Companion

4.3 (8,765 reviews)

The budget-friendly workhorse. Pull it by hand or hitch to a riding mower. Poly bed handles wet materials without rusting. Smaller than heavy-duty carts but priced for the homeowner who needs help, not a fleet.

Capacity

400 lbs / 7 cu ft

Wheels

10" pneumatic

Material

Poly

Handle

Two-position

Pros

✓ Affordable
✓ Versatile use
✓ Pull or push

Cons

✗ Small 7 cu ft
✗ Fixed sides
✗ Manual dump only

$79

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Sekey

Folding Wagon Cart Extra Large

4.4 (12,345 reviews)

The do-everything suburban wagon. Larger than basic folding carts without the weight of steel. Those all-terrain wheels handle grass and sand. Perfect for nursery runs, harvest hauling, and everything that doesn't require heavy lifting.

Capacity

220 lbs

Bed Size

36" x 21" x 12"

Material

Oxford fabric

Wheels

All-terrain

Pros

✓ 220 lb capacity
✓ Extra large size
✓ Beach-ready wheels

Cons

✗ Fabric construction
✗ Not for heavy materials
✗ Wheels collect debris

$109

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Garden Carts

How to Choose a Garden Cart

When a wheelbarrow isn't enough, you graduate to a garden cart. More capacity, more stability, different trade-offs. The right cart depends on your property size and what you're hauling.

Cart Types

Utility Cart: Four wheels, large capacity, dump feature common. For serious hauling of heavy materials.

Folding Wagon: Collapsible fabric cart for light-to-medium loads. For mobility and storage convenience.

Tow-Behind: Hitches to lawn tractor or ATV. For large properties where walking is impractical.

### Capacity Matching

A 1000 lb capacity cart filled with mulch weighs maybe 300 lbs. Filled with wet soil? Could hit the limit. Filled with rocks? You're overloaded fast. Consider the density of what you typically haul, not just volume.

### Wheel Considerations

Pneumatic: Best ride, can flat, good on uneven terrain
Solid/Foam-filled: No flats, harder ride, heavier
All-terrain: Wider, better on sand/grass, poor on hard surfaces

### Features Worth Having

Dump mechanism: Saves bending and shoveling
- Removable sides: Converts from box to flatbed
- Swivel front wheels: Better maneuverability but less stability
- Rust-proof bed: Poly or powder-coated for longevity

Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Carts

Garden cart vs wheelbarrow—which is better?

Different tools for different needs. Wheelbarrows are more maneuverable in tight spaces and on uneven ground. Carts carry more, are more stable, and easier for less experienced users. Large property with heavy loads = cart. Small property with tight corners = wheelbarrow.

How do I choose between pull-behind and push carts?

Pull-behind (tow) carts attach to a vehicle and carry massive loads but require that vehicle. Push carts are more versatile and work anywhere. If you have a lawn tractor and large property, tow-behind is a game changer. Otherwise, push carts are more practical.

What maintenance do garden carts need?

Keep pneumatic tires inflated. Lubricate wheel bearings annually. Store out of weather when possible. Check bolts and hardware periodically. Poly beds need no maintenance; steel beds should be kept dry or will rust.

Can I use a garden cart on slopes?

Yes, but carefully. Four-wheel carts are more stable than wheelbarrows on slopes. Load heavy items low and toward the uphill side. Avoid traversing slopes (go straight up/down). Tow-behind carts need extra caution—they can push vehicles on descents.

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