Buying a Garden Cart

Whether you’re hauling mulch or plants, garden tools or compost, a good-quality garden cart can make your work easier and less tiring. The best carts are versatile enough to haul a variety of loads and sizes, fit comfortably in your hands and handle the rough terrain you’ll be working on.

The garden cart category is actually quite vast, encompassing utility wagons, dump carts and two-wheeled wheelbarrows as well as collapsible fabric garden carts. Each type has its own benefits and limitations, so it’s important to select the right one for your needs. Depending on how much you plan to use your cart, you’ll want to consider the materials it’s made from as well as the price range. Once you’ve ascertained what you need from a garden cart, do some shopping around to get an idea of the various prices and features that are available.

A utility wagon is a general-purpose, heavy-duty cart used to transport tools and supplies as well as bricks, soil, garden debris and more. It may operate manually, include an electric motor or attach to a tractor or riding mower for hauling larger loads. A dump cart has a large, sturdy steel frame that is built to take on heavier loads and rougher terrain than a utility wagon. It also has a front-sliding door for easy loading and unloading of material.

For small to medium supply gardening tasks, a collapsible fabric cart is a comfortable option. These fold down to a compact size, making them convenient for storage in a garage or shed. Some models have canvas beds, which protect what you’re hauling from dirt, rain and snow. A few also have covered compartments, which are useful for storing supplies such as potted plants or tools.

Garden carts can have pneumatic, flat-free or plastic tires. Pneumatic tires have a large diameter, offering a cushioned ride over uneven surfaces and preventing the cart from sinking into mud or loose gravel. Flat-free tires have the benefit of never needing air, but they’re typically not as durable as a pneumatic tire and are best suited to situations where the cart won’t be moving very far.

A garden cart’s handle is another critical factor to consider. A 1.25- to 1.5-inch-diameter handle is ideal for most people and provides a comfortable, ergonomic grip. A rubberized handle adds traction and reduces hand fatigue, particularly when you’re using the cart for long periods of time.

Some garden carts come with a seat that can be lowered for easier stepping in and out of the bed. This eliminates the need to crouch down or bend over, which can help prevent back and neck strain. A swiveling seat that rotates 360 degrees and a front turn bar are additional convenience features to look for in a quality garden cart.

If you have the space, a garden wagon with a tool box is an excellent choice for transporting and storing supplies. Some models have removable trays that can accommodate long-handled tools. Some even have a slot for a garden umbrella to keep you shaded from the sun.