Moving heavy objects with your bare hands may be risky. Every time you do this, you expose yourself to serious injuries. The risk of hurting yourself is even higher with age. So if you’re no longer young, you should resort to other methods to move heavy stuff.
A wheelbarrow could be an alternative. But part of the load is distributed in your body and the risk of injury is still there. Dump carts reduce that risk to zero because all the weight is distributed on the wheels. That way, you just need to make minimal effort to move the cart.
If part of your daily routine involves carrying heavy loads, using a dump cart can help you be efficient. Today, we’ll show you how to choose the perfect dump cart for your lawn tractor. Additionally, you’ll find a top 10 list with the best-selling models on the market.
10 Top-Selling Best Dump Carts for Lawn Tractor Reviewed
01 Gorilla Carts GOR6PS
Gorilla Carts GOR6PS is best for heavy-duty. It can withstand more than a half ton of maximum load. Additionally, it moves smoothly on uneven terrain when fully loaded. Its 6-cu. ft bed is sturdy, made with PVC. The surface is resistant to scratches. So, you can fill it with rocks and other abrasive elements without ruining the finish.
This dump cart can’t tip as easy as a wheelbarrow. Because of that, we thought it was difficult to handle. We change our minds after trying its quick-release mechanism. You just have to pull and lift a handle. The bed will easily tilt over the frame, dumping all its content without mess.
This dump cart is a bit heavy because of its sturdy steel frame. Its steel tubes have a paint coating that protects them from rust. The wheels at the base are made of reinforced rubber and filled with air.
One of the reasons this cart is at the top of our list is its design. The reinforced bed walls prevent cracks in the plastic. Furthermore, all the components are covered by a 1-year warranty. For that reason, you can get a new cart in case of a factory defect.
It’s a little expensive compared to a wheelbarrow with the same load capacity but much more practical and safe. In addition, it has four wheels instead of two. For that reason, part of the weight doesn’t rest on your body. This means less stress for your arms, shoulders and back.
Specifications
- Load capacity: 1200 lbs
- Size: 44X25.7X26.2 inches
- Weight: 54 lbs
- Volume: 6 cu. ft
- Patented quick-release feature
- Padded handle
Pros
- Easy to transport
- Durable and resistant
- Sturdy design
- Resistant to rust and scratches
- Moves smoothly on uneven terrain
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- The wheels may lose air pressure when the cart is fully loaded
- Dirt and other debris may accumulate between the frame and the bed
Our Verdict
Gorilla Carts GOR6PS makes carrying half a ton of rock seem easy. Plus, it works better than a wheelbarrow, because part of the load doesn’t rest on you. That means less pain and suffering during work. Highly recommended for users with back pain.
02 Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Garden Dump Cart
Gorilla Carts GOR4PS is a smaller and less resistant version of the GOR6PS model. It can withstand up to 600 lbs. That’s half the load capacity of its bigger counterpart. Additionally, the bed is smaller, with 4-cu. ft of volume. If 1200 lbs of load capacity seems too much for you, this may be the right purchase option for you.
Gorilla Carts GOR4PS comes partially assembled from factory. The assembly process is quick and easy. Best of all, you don’t need to read to understand the instructions. All the assembly process is illustrated. You just need a set of ratchet wrenches to get the job done. The whole process takes no more than 30 minutes.
This cart includes the patented quick-release dumping system as well. As a result, you can dump the content of the bed effortlessly. Just pull and lift the handle and you’re done. This feature makes it perfect for middle-aged people, who are more prone to injury.
Certainly, what’s most impresses us about this cart is its design. You won’t find something similar on the market. At first glance, it’s clear that this cart can survive in the most hostile working conditions. If you work in construction, this little thing can help you a lot. You can use it to transport concrete aggregates and heavy materials after using your concrete saw.
Its sturdy steel structure can withstand the max load without damage. In addition, the external paint coating prevents moisture from affecting the metal. Because of that, you can be sure this dump cart will resist the test of time.
Specifications
- Load capacity: 600 lbs
- Size: 38.7X2 0X19.5 inches
- Weight: 31.5 lbs
- Volume: 4 cu. ft
- Patented quick-release feature
- Padded handle
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Compact
- Easy to carry
- Smooth movement on uneven terrain
- Durable and resistant
- Easy to use
Cons
- The included fasteners may have defective threads
- The wheels may lose air pressure when the cart is fully loaded
Our Verdict
Certainly, Gorilla Carts GOR4PS is the best replacement for the GOR6PS. It’s as good as our number one product. It has a sturdy design, big wheels and a practical quick-release mechanism. Best of all, it concentrates the weight on the wheels and not on your body.
03 Agri-Fab 45-0101
Agri-Fab is another excellent heavy-duty option. It’s specially made for lawn tractors and it comes with a universal hitch. The bucket is made of steel, which makes it much stronger than the first two options on our list. But it has a max load capacity of 750 lbs, which is much lower in contrast with Gorilla Carts GOR6PS.
Also, it isn’t designed to be carried by hand. It has only two wheels, so part of the weight is distributed on the hitch. This cart has a quick-release mechanism that lets you easily dump the bucket. This is a great advantage for users with not much time to waste.
The wheels are large, which favors mobility on all terrain types. Both wheels are made with reinforced rubber, which makes them resistant to abrasion. Additionally, all the metal parts of this cart have a paint coating to prevent rust. The external finish is resistant to scratches as well.
This bucket comes partially factory-assembled and you’ve to handle the rest yourself. With the right tools, the process is a breeze. Maybe you’ll need a pair of extra hands because the metal frame is heavy.
The main reason we love this cart is its smooth mobility on all terrain types. Usually, dump carts often have trouble on muddy terrain. They may get stuck in a single point if the load is heavy. But Agri-Fab 45-0101 has big and wide wheels to increase traction.
Specifications
- Load capacity: 750 lbs
- Foot-lever dumping mechanism
- Steel bucket
- Powder coated finish
- Universal hitch
- 3-Year warranty
Pros
- Durable and resistant
- Easy to use
- Smooth mobility on all kinds of terrain
- Resistant to rust and scratches
- Easy to assemble
- Compatible with lawn tractors
Cons
- The instructions are hard to understand
- The included fasteners are fragile
Our Verdict
Certainly, Agri-Fab 45-0101 is a great cart for gardeners and contractors. Additionally, it’s made to last forever. It’s completely manufactured with steel, so there are no plastic parts that can break. That means, less maintenance and a longer useful life.
04 MotoAlliance Impact ATV/UTV Heavy Duty Utility Cart
This cart is specially designed for ATVs, UTVs and lawn tractors. It’s one of the toughest picks on our list, with 1500 lbs of load capacity. The wheels of this beauty are simply amazing. First of all, they’re wider to provide more surface contact. This helps a lot with stability.
The pattern of the wheels helps to increase friction. The bed is sturdy, made of thick steel. In addition, it has removable mesh side rails.
This cart would be useful in areas with long winters, where snow is always a problem. This beauty moves on the ice without trouble. Also, you can install snow chains to improve grip of the wheels.
MotoAlliance cart is shipped partially assembled. For that reason, you’ll have to finish the assembly process at home. The process may be complicated if you try to do for yourself. So, ask someone else to help you do it. Instructions are easy to understand and you can find tutorials on the Internet as well.
Specifications
- Load capacity: 1500 lbs
- Volume: 15 cu. ft
- Size: 80.5X42.5X30
- Removable mesh side rails
- Foot release mechanism
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Ideal for moving on snow
- Sturdy design
- Durable and resistant
- Resistant to rust and scratches
- Easy to use
Cons
- The tilt latch may get stuck a few times
- It may be shipped with missing parts
Our Verdict
Certainly, MotoAlliance cart provides more traction and more control on difficult terrain. It’s perfect for moving on snow and transporting firewood. Because of that, we highly recommend this product to users living in areas with extreme winters.
05 Polar Trailer Clam LG7
Polar Trailer Clam LG7 is a lightweight and easy to use option. Not the best for heavy duty, but it would be quite useful for a gardener. It has 600 lbs of load capacity, enough to carry several fertilizer bags without trouble. The bucket is made of polyethylene that could get easily scratched by abrasive materials.
Although the bucket isn’t the best of all, the steel structure is sturdy. The steel tubes are thick that help prevent bending and cracking with high loads. In addition, the metal surface is powder coated to prevent rust and scratches.
In terms of resistance and size, this cart is quite similar to Gorilla Carts GOR4PS. However, Gorilla Carts GOR4PS has a PVC bucket, which is more durable and resistant. And that’s the main reason this product ranks fifth on our top 10 list.
The 15-inch wheels are perfect for moving on grass but they aren’t wide enough to move on difficult terrain. The quick-release mechanism is easy to use. You just release the latch and the loaded cart automatically tilts by gravity.
This cart is easier to assemble than the other products on this list. A single person can do the job without trouble. Its low weight and size make the process quick and easy. Also, you won’t need fancy tools during the process.
Specifications
- Load capacity: 600 lbs
- Volume: 7 cu. ft
- Size: 65X31X28 inches
- Quick-release mechanism
- Polyethylene bucket
- Powder-coated steel frame
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to transport
- Durable and resistant
- Resistant to rust
- Ideal for gardening work
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not recommended for heavy-duty operation
- The bucket may scratch easily
Our Verdict
If you’re a professional gardener or your garden is too big, this cart will make your job much easier. The wheels are great that don’t damage the grass. Plus, the quick-release latch lets you dump the bucket in seconds. Certainly, it’s a highly recommended product for gardening enthusiasts.
06 Gorilla Carts GOR866D Heavy-Duty Garden Poly Dump Cart
Gorilla Carts GOR866D is an older version of the new GOR6PS. The difference lies mainly in the frame design while the rest of the features remain the same. This cart is deal for heavy-duty use and can withstand up to 1200 lbs of max load.
It has Gorilla’s patented quick release mechanism as well. You just have to pull and lift the lever to dump the bed in no time. The universal hitch transforms into a practical D-handle and you can carry it by hand or with the help of a lawn tractor.
The wheels are perfect for all terrain types. They’re made with reinforced rubber to resist heavy loads. Air won’t escape from the wheels when the cart is fully loaded. You can fill it with rocks and other heavy materials without risk of damaging the wheels. This makes a top option for contractors.
As other Gorilla carts, this one has 1 year of warranty. All components are covered, including the frame and the bed. In case your cart fails due to a factory defect, you can get a new one at no cost.
Gorilla Carts GOR866D is slightly more expensive than the GOR6PS model because its steel structure is a little more robust. Because of that, this model is 5 lbs heavier than Gorilla GOR6PS. The weight difference won’t be a big problem for you if you intend to move your cart with a lawn tractor.
Specifications
- Load capacity: 1200 lbs
- Convertible D-handle
- Volume: 4.19 cu. ft
- Weight: 58.6 lbs
- Quick-release mechanism
- 1-Year warranty
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy design
- Moves smoothly on uneven terrain
- Easy to transport
- Resistant to rust and scratches
- Durable and resistant
Cons
- The included fasteners are too fragile
- The wheels have a strong rubber smell
Our Verdict
Gorilla Carts GOR866D has all the same features of our number-one pick. But, this cart has a sturdier frame and is slightly heavier. Certainly, the main reason many prefer the GOR6PS model is the price. But the cost means nothing if you consider all the benefits you’ll receive.
07 YutraXTrail WarriorX2 Heavy Duty UTV/ATV Trailer
YutraXTrail WarriorX2 uses steel mesh to guarantee maximum resistance and reduce weight. It’s specially designed for heavy work and can withstand up to 1250 lbs. The tires are wide for better grip while the deep pattern on the rubber guarantees high friction on any terrain type.
This cart has a quick-release latch to dump the bucket effortlessly – a useful feature when you need to make several trips to move a high volume of material. With the reduced time spent on dumping, you’ll finish the job quicker.
YutraXTrail WarriorX2 is the most expensive on our list but the high quality justifies the price. The steel mesh that covers the bed doesn’t deform with high loads. In addition, it allows the passage of water without trouble. You can use your cart in the rain without risk of ending up with the bucket full of water.
However, it isn’t the best cart for transporting sand and other fine materials. In those cases, the load would escape through the mesh. But, you can use bags to contain these materials and transport them in the cart without trouble.
One of the things we like about this cart is its color and attractive design. If you have a red UTV, ATV or tractor, this is the cart you need. The external paint coating is scratch resistant and protects metal from rust. The glossy finish makes the cart much more pleasing to the eye.
Specifications
- Load capacity: 1250 lbs
- Quick-release mechanism
- Size: 60X31X21 inches
- Removable tailgate and side rails
- Made of steel
Pros
- Durable and resistant
- No assembly required
- Sturdy structure
- Resist to rust and scratches
- Easy to use
- Prevents accumulation of water inside the bucket
Cons
- The steel mesh may break with pointy objects
- The wheels may wobble during use
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for maximum durability and money is no problem for you, you should consider this. YutraXTrail WarriorX2 is completely made of steel to withstand years of harsh treatment. Also, you can safely use it under the rain because its bucket doesn’t collect water.
08 Ohio Steel 4048PHYB Pro Grade Hybrid Tractor/ATV Cart
Ohio Steel 4048PHYB is another excellent choice for tough jobs. Its plastic bucket is designed to withstand extreme conditions. The plastic is thick and flexible to absorb high impacts without deformation. However, the surface is prone to scratches. Because of that, it isn’t recommended to fill the bucket with abrasive materials.
The bucket rotates around the metal frame in a 100-degree range. This configuration lets you discharge the bucket in different directions. The quick-release mechanism is easy to use and avoids the user from needing to strain to tilt the bucket.
This cart has a universal hitch and can be attached to ATVs, UTVs and lawn tractors. The wheels are wide and textured, specially designed for uneven terrain. In addition, they’re ideal for moving on snow. It’s recommended to install snow chains to improve grip.
The bucket and the wheels are supported on a single steel profile. This helps reduce weight and improve cart mobility.
Specifications
- Load capacity: 1250 lbs
- Size: 39X48.25X13.75 inches
- Weight: 48.5 lbs
- Quick-release mechanism
Pros
- Durable and resist
- Easy to assemble
- Resistant to rust and scratches
- Easy to use
- Sturdy design
- Stable
Cons
- The wheel bearings require frequent lubrication
- The wheels may wobble during use
Our Verdict
What makes this cart special is its wide range of motion. While most carts can only tilt in a single direction, this one tilts and rotates at the same time. Also, it’s easy to assemble.
09 Gorilla Carts GOR200B Poly Garden Dump Cart
Gorilla Carts GOR200B is perfect for yard work. You can use it to transport waste and garden tools. It may seem small, but it can withstand up to 600 lbs. This cart comes with the patented Gorilla’s quick-release mechanism as well. You just need to move the handle and the bucket will tilt by its own weight.
Its 4 wheel design is much more stable in contrast to 2-wheel carts. Also, the entire load is distributed on the wheels and not on the user’s body. Its rubber-coated handle is ergonomic as well. So, if you’re looking for something safer than a common wheelbarrow, you should try this.
The wheels of this cart are big and thin. This design improves mobility on uneven terrain. The steel frame is sturdy to resist harsh treatments without breaking or bending. In addition, its powder coating provides maximum resistance against rust and scratches.
All the components of this cart are covered by a 1-year warranty. This product is shipped partially assembled and you´ll have to assemble the bucket over the frame. You won’t have to spend money on extra materials. All the required fasteners are included.
Specifications
- Load capacity: 600 lbs
- Quick-release mechanism
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Powder-coated frame
- Size: 38.7X20X19.5 inches
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Moves smoothly on uneven terrain
- Easy to assemble
- Durable and resistant
- Sturdy design
Cons
- Fragile fasteners
- Flimsy retaining pins on the wheels
Our Verdict
If you have a small garden at home and you need help to transporter your tools, this is what you need. This cart is compact and you can store it in a small place. Certainly another recommended option for gardening lovers.
10 Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Steel Utility Cart
In terms of design, this cart is quite similar to YutraXTrail WarriorX2. Instead on a metal plate, this cart uses steel mesh on its bed. This helps to considerably reduce the weight. In addition, it prevents water from accumulating inside the bucket in case of rain. Unfortunately, it isn’t the best cart to transport fine materials.
What we like most about this cart is its eye-catching color and design. If you want, you can remove the mesh side rails. This feature is quite useful when you want to transport objects that are too big and you need more space.
This cart has a maximum load capacity of 1200 lbs, which makes it perfect for heavy use. Also, its D-handle is convertible. This way, you can transport it by hand or attach it to a lawn tractor.
This cart doesn’t have quick release mechanism because the bed is attached to the steel frame. For that reason, it isn’t the best option to dispose large volumes of material. However, it’s incredibly useful as a means of transportation.
The wheels are thin and big. The cart moves smoothly on any terrain type. It may have trouble moving on muddy terrain. You can install wider wheels for better grip.
Specifications
- Load capacity: 1200 lbs
- Weight: 31.5 lbs
- 1-Year warranty
- Removable sides and bed liners
- Convertible handle
- Steel mesh bed
Pros
- No assembly required
- Durable and resistant
- Easy to use
- Eye-catching design
- Resistant to rust and scratches
- Sturdy structure
Cons
- The wheels may lose air pressure when the cart is fully loaded
- The steel mesh bed may break with pointy objects
Our Verdict
Certainly, this cart is perfect for moving objects with a large volume. If the side rails are a problem for you, you can easily remove them. Best of all, you can use it in the rain because the bed doesn’t collect water. A recommended buying option for rainy environments.
Dump Cart Buying Guide: Choose the Perfect Dump Cart for Your Lawn Tractor
1. Load capacity
The first thing you need to consider before purchasing any dump cart is the load capacity. This determines the maximum weight that the cart can resist without suffering damage.
Usually, the load capacity affects the final price of the product as well. The more resistant the product, the higher the price. It isn’t convenient to choose an exaggerated capacity if the budget is short. To choose correctly, you should first know the use you intend to give your cart.
For example, if you intend to use your cart to transport tools or dump yard waste, you won’t need more than 600 lbs. On the other hand, if you want to transport heavy materials, you’ll need much more than 600 lbs.
For heavy-duty operation, carts in the range of 1200-2000 lbs of load capacity are the best.
2. Material
Steel and plastic are the most common materials used in the manufacture of dump carts. The type of material you choose will affect the resistance and price of the cart as well. If you’re looking for maximum durability and resistance, steel is the best material.
Steel carts are best for heavy loading. Steel is resistant to high temperatures and friction. Ergo, steel carts have a superior weight capacity and useful life. However, they do have a major defect. They may be too heavy.
Some steel carts use steel mesh to reduce weight and improve cart mobility. These kinds of carts are more versatile, because they can be carried by hand or by machine.
On the other hand, plastic dump carts are much lighter and heavier. Furthermore, they’re more resistant to humidity and don’t generate rust. However, plastic tends to lose its resistance when exposed to the UV rays. In addition, it may scratch so easily with abrasive materials. Because of that, plastic dump carts aren’t the best for transporting sand or rocks.
However, they’re the best alternative for gardening and other light duties.
3. Wheels
The wheels should be resistant to heat and abrasion. Additionally, they should be large to easily move across uneven surfaces. For use in muddy terrain or snow, the wheels should be wide.
The wheels should have enough contact surface to guarantee maximum grip and resistance. It’s also desirable that they have an irregular pattern with deep grooves. This way, there will be a better grip between the wheel and the terrain.
If you need to move heavy loads, always opt for big wheels. Small wheels are better for light duties.
4. Volume
In order to move more things, you’ll need enough volume inside the bucket. In these cases, the rule is simple. The higher the volume, the better. Storage volume is usually limited by the bed and the sides. However, the side walls of the bucket can be useful in certain cases and useless in others.
For example, when you need to transport loose material such as rocks and sand. The sides and bed liners are necessary to contain such materials. When you’re trying to move something big, like a long log, the sides are an obstacle.
For that reason, carts with removable sides and bed liners are the best. You can use them to move loads that take up too much volume, such as firewood and wooden boards.
5. Additional features
There are other additional features that you should look for on a dump cart. For example, a quick-release mechanism. This feature allows you to tilt the bucket of your cart without any effort. This may be quite convenient for you if you suffer from spinal pain or any other similar health issue.
A soft-padded handle is necessary to cushion high impacts on your hands and improve grip. The handle should be ergonomic to better fit the shape of your hand.
6. Price
If you’ve already found the model that meets all your requirements, it’s time to look for prices. If your budget is limited, it’s advisable to look for deals on shopping websites and physical stores.
You can find the factory price of the product on its official website. Then, you can use that price as a reference to compare with other purchase options.
After you’ve found enough prices, choose the option closest to your budget. If you don’t want to take risks, never choose the cheapest option.
Importance of a Dump Cart
Here are several reasons why it’s so important to use dump carts to carry heavy loads:
- Protect yourself from injuries
When carried by a lawn tractor or any other motor vehicle, dump carts protect you from injuries. The only effort you’ll have to make is to step on the gas pedal.
- You can transport a large volume of material
With the help of a dump cart, you can move in minutes what would take hours to move with your bare hands. That means you can move a large volume of material in no time and without effort.
- Safer than a wheelbarrow
Above all, dump carts are better than wheelbarrows. While wheelbarrows have two wheels, dump carts have four. This means more stability. Additionally, dump carts are easier to offload than wheelbarrows, requiring minimal physical effort.
- Make you more efficient
Using a dump cart helps you finish the job faster. That way, you’ll have more free time to invest in other activities.
Care & Maintenance Tips
A frequent maintenance routine will help extend the useful life or your dump cart. Here are some tips you should follow:
- Wash your dump cart after each use. Pay attention to critical areas where gunk can accumulate
- Grease the wheel bearings and other moving parts when it’s necessary. Doing this will reduce the wear caused by the friction
- Dry the surface of the cart before storing it. Small drops of water on the metal surface may generate rust
- Tighten nuts and bolts when necessary. Loosen fasteners can cause vibration and friction between the frame and the bucket
- Replace the wheels if the pattern on the rubber is too worn. Smooth wheels don’t generate enough friction
- Don’t overtighten nuts and bolts. Doing so may ruin the threads, making them much more difficult to remove
It’s Time to Wrap Up
As you can see, everything is easier and safer with a sturdy dump cart. These essential garden supplies protect you from injuries and help you get more efficient. They’re easier to use than a wheelbarrow, minimizing the use of force as a result.
However, for best results you should choose the right size, material and load capacity. If you don’t want to commit mistakes, carefully follow the tips that we’ve just given you. Also remember to apply a frequent maintenance routine so your cart can last for more years.
FAQs
1. Can I use a zero turn mower to pull a cart?
Ans. Yes. As long as the cart and its load don’t exceed 200 lbs.
2. Do I need to grease the wheels of the cart before the first use?
Ans. Yes. It’s always a good idea to grease the wheel bearings before using the dump cart for the first time. That will reduce the friction between metal parts.
3. How can I make my own cart axle?
Ans.
Tools and materials
- ½-Inch steel tube (3-mm thick, 60-cm long, 1 unit)
- ½-Inch steel bolt (10-cm long, 2 units)
- Steel retaining clip (2 units)
- ½-Inch washer (2 units)
- Cart wheel (2 units)
- Drill and drill bit
Procedure
- First of all, insert a ½-inch bolt inside each end of a ½-inch steel tube
- Then, perforate the tube at 5-cm from each end. Make sure of piercing the tube and the bolts with the drill bit
- After that, remove the bolts from inside the steel tube. Put a ½-inch washer around each bolt
- Then, pierce the wheels of the cart with the bolts. Make sure the washers are on top each wheel. Insert the bolts in each end of the tube
- Finally, secure the tube and the bolts with the retaining clips
4. How much time does it take to remove the wheels?
Ans. Using the right tools, removing a single wheel will take no more than 5 minutes. So, removing all four wheels from the cart should take no more than 20 minutes.
5. What is the right procedure to operate the dump feature?
Ans. To operate the dump feature you just need to pull and lift the quick-release handle. Usually, this handle is just below the bucket. Once released, the bucket will automatically tilt by gravity.
6. Is it hard to assemble a dump cart?
Ans. No. The assembly shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes with the right tools. Before getting started, make sure to read the instructions.