We Hauled More Than a Ton of Supplies to Find the 6 Best Garden Carts

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A garden cart is a wagon with two or more wheels that’s used to transport garden tools and materials over various types of terrain. Garden carts offer more stability than wheelbarrows and are available in light- and heavy-duty versions. To help you find the right model for your needs, we tested six popular options, loading them down with the lawn-care gear gardeners, landscapers, and DIYers typically haul around. We also evaluated each cart’s construction to ensure it would withstand harsh outdoor elements and occasional garden mishaps. 

Based on our tests and additional information we gathered from an industry expert, we chose the SuperHandy Electric Utility Wagon Pro as our favorite garden utility cart for its durable steel construction, high load capacity, and easy-to-maneuver self-propelled design. Whether you’re looking for a light-duty cart you can fold for easy storage or a beefy unit strong enough to carry rocks, bricks, and concrete, our list of the best garden carts is sure to have an option that fits your needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: SuperHandy Electric Utility Wagon Pro
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2. RUNNER-UP: Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart/Wheelbarrow/Dolly
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Gorilla Carts 4 cu. ft. Poly Garden Dump Cart
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4. BEST UTILITY: Polar Trailer 10 cu. ft. Utility Cart
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5. BEST COLLAPSIBLE: Black+Decker Collapsible Fabric Garden Cart
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6. ALSO CONSIDER: Vivosun Heavy-Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon
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Our Top Picks

Both expert and beginning gardeners need the right tools to break new ground, haul supplies, and maintain soil health. Whether your thumb is deeply green or just starting to show a little color, one of the following tested carts for gardening will help you get the job done.

Best Overall

SuperHandy Electric Utility Wagon Pro

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What We Like

• Powered by a dual 48-volt battery system
• Moves and swivels easily, even when full
• Simple-to-operate controls on the handle

What We Don’t Like

• We’d prefer solid tires for maximum durability

Specs

• Materials Steel frame and bed
• Wheel type Pneumatic rubber tires
• Maximum load capacity 660 pounds; 1,000-pound towing capacity

The SuperHandy garden cart is a versatile self-propelled vehicle hauler for heavy loads. As a battery-powered utility cart with wheels, it’s designed to tow loads up to 1,000 pounds and can hold up to 660 pounds in its bed. The side panels detach for use as a flatbed cart, and there’s a handle to make dumping the contents easy. Its convenient hand controls include a power switch, accelerator trigger, and forward/reverse options.  

With its solid steel undercarriage and alloy steel sides and bottom, it was the heaviest cart we tested at 112 pounds. However, it’s easy to assemble, and its 48-volt (V) lithium-ion battery pack still showed about 25 percent remaining power after 3.5 hours of near-nonstop firewood hauling. Even when filled with 400 pounds of wood, it chugged along smoothly over rough terrain and up and down slopes.

While the oversized, pneumatic tires on this garden cart with wheels gripped the turf without slipping, we’d prefer the convenience of solid rubber to avoid having to add air when the tires get low. Still, the SuperHandy proved excellent for hauling heavy items that are too cumbersome to pull or push by hand.

What our tester says: “One of the things we like best about this garden cart is its third wheel, which is set on a caster so it can swivel in any direction. Even when the cart was full, the extra wheel made it easy to make sharp turns in tight spaces.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the SuperHandy garden cart at Amazon, Lowe’s, or SuperHandy.

Runner-Up

Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart/Wheelbarrow/Dolly

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What We Like

• 8-in-1 functionality
• No-flat wheels suitable for heavy-duty use
• Comfortable nonslip hand grips and folding legs

What We Don’t Like

• Would be nice if it had straps

Specs

• Materials Steel frame and bed, canvas straps
• Wheel type Solid plastic tires
• Maximum load capacity 300 pounds

When it comes to versatility, the Worx Aerocart shines. It comes with a host of accessories, including a brace for holding lawn bags, a rock/plant mover, an in-bed organizer, and a fold-down plate for using it as a dolly. Even with all that functionality, it’s easy to assemble (it took us about 15 minutes) and convenient to store upright along a wall.

Right off the bat, we were impressed with the cart’s solid, no-flat tires, which are durable enough to help support this unit’s 300-pound maximum load capacity. It also has a sturdy steel frame that had no problem carrying 200 pounds of firewood, heavy gardening pots, and even a table saw. In our tests, we found all sorts of uses for the hook-on harness and extendable arms, and we even modified the cart by attaching the Aerocart wagon kit (sold separately) to use it in four-wheel mode. 

What our tester says: “After testing all the various functions and accessories, we decided if we could only have one moving vehicle, either a cart, a dolly, or a wheelbarrow, we’d choose the Aerocart because it serves all those functions.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart/Wheelbarrow/Dolly

Get the Worx garden cart at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Walmart, Best Buy, or Worx.

Best Bang for the Buck

Gorilla Carts 4 cu. ft. Poly Garden Dump Cart

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What We Like

• Rust-proof bed withstands getting wet during use
• Dumping ability integrated into design
• 10-inch tires move easily over most terrain types

What We Don’t Like

• 600 pounds puts too much pressure on front steering axle

Specs

• Materials Steel frame, plastic bed
• Wheel type Pneumatic rubber tires
• Maximum load capacity 600 pounds

The Gorilla Carts garden dump cart is an all-around top performer made to carry and dump soil, gravel, and mulch. The durable polyethylene bed won’t rust and is also designed not to crack or warp. It also has 10-inch pneumatic tires that roll smoothly over rough ground and a padded handle grip that provides comfort and improved control while pulling. Plus, this heavy-duty cart comes at an attractive price point. 

We were happily surprised by how easy it was to assemble this Gorilla cart. Start to finish, the process took about 15 minutes and only required a few basic tools, including a Phillips screwdriver, pliers, and an adjustable wrench. After loading it with bricks, charcoal, an umbrella, and several other outdoor living products to get close to the stated 600-pound capacity, we decided a more realistic weight limit would be half that—about 300 pounds. At around 300 pounds, it started to become challenging to maneuver the front wheel axle and guide the cart. Also, despite the quick-release lever that unhooks the bed for dumping, you still have to physically lift the front of the bed to dump it. That’s another reason not to pile in too much weight. Still, this gardening wagon can carry quite a bit, and we appreciate that its rust-proof bed can withstand accidental sprays from the hose or a quick afternoon storm. And for the price? This is an overall excellent light- to mid-duty option. 

Get the Gorilla garden cart at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Utility

Polar Trailer 10 cu. ft. Utility Cart

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What We Like

• 20-inch wheels for easy maneuvering
• Big enough to hold garden hoes, plants, and more
• Ergonomic design for maximum user comfort

What We Don’t Like

• Wheel rims may rust

Specs

• Materials Steel frame, plastic bed
• Wheel type Solid rubber tires
• Maximum load capacity 400 pounds

This Polar Trailer utility cart is a rugged general-purpose yard cart with a high-impact polyethylene tub that’s designed not to rust, crack, or warp. Its 10-cubic-foot bed provides ample space for moving gravel, firewood, garden tools, and yard debris like leaves and twigs. 

When we unboxed the Polar Trailer cart, the first thing we noticed was its extra-large, 20-inch wheel—the largest (by far) on any cart we tested. They made the cart easy to maneuver, even when it was full, but we wish they were coated to prevent corrosion since we noticed a bit of rust after leaving the cart out in the rain. Still, so long as you store it in a garage or shed, this garden cart can haul hefty loads up to 400 pounds while remaining stable and well balanced. Its leg supports are solid and sturdy, and its bar handle allows for a comfortable grip at a wide range of locations. 

Get the Polar Trailer garden cart at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, Walmart, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet. 

Best Collapsible

Black+Decker Collapsible Fabric Garden Cart

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What We Like

• Ideal for light- to medium-duty tasks
• Telescoping handle suits users of different sizes
• Collapsible for easy storage

What We Don’t Like

• Limited weight capacity compared to other options

Specs

• Materials Steel frame, canvas bed
• Wheel type Solid plastic tires
• Maximum load capacity 176 pounds

The Black+Decker folding garden cart is an excellent option for users with limited storage space but ample gardening needs. It’s lightweight, durable, and holds up to 176 pounds, yet it folds down to just 7 inches thick for easy storage. The wagon’s high-quality canvas is fitted on a collapsible steel frame, and it has solid tires that won’t go flat as well as two handy beverage holders.

This collapsible cart is easy to expand with just a pull on its two end frames. Its handle telescopes out to 38 inches, allowing most users to pull it without bending over, and controls the front axle and wheels, making it easy to maneuver in tight spots. While we didn’t test whether it would stand up to the manufacturer’s claim of holding 176 pounds, we did load it with over 100 pounds, and it still pulled smoothly. Still, this is a lighter-duty cart that’s not designed for carrying especially heavy or sharp objects, such as sharpshooter shovels or chainsaws with sharp blades. But if you’re looking to transport standard gardening hand tools, plants, potting soil, and supplies, this is an excellent option. 

Get the Black+Decker garden cart at The Home Depot.

Also Consider

Vivosun Heavy-Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon

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What We Like

• Large capacity canvas bed holds up to 350 pounds
• Folds for easy storing or transporting
• Cushioned bottom makes it a garden cart with seat

What We Don’t Like

• Handle may not withstand heavy-duty use

Specs

• Materials Metal frame, canvas bed
• Wheel type Solid plastic tires
• Maximum load capacity 350 pounds

This Vivosun heavy-duty collapsible folding wagon is a great choice for those looking for a garden cart that folds for easy storage yet provides ample room for hauling yard waste, plants, or gardening supplies. It features 7-inch hard wheels with ball-bearing assembly for smooth movement, and its front axle is attached to a telescoping handle that swivels easily. While we wish that hande was a bit sturdier, we like that it and the rest of the cart conveniently fit inside a tote bag when not in use. 

While Vivosun says the canvas bed holds up to 350 pounds, we would recommend spreading the weight over the entire bed rather than carrying a single heavy object that might poke through the canvas. The canvas bottom does have a thin, flat cushion that fits over it, providing a bit of protection and enabling use as a children’s wagon. However, it was easy to feel the steel bars through the cushion, so using it for giving a kid anything more than a quick ride might be rather uncomfortable. Just for fun, we hauled around our cat because he jumped in and refused to get out, and he approved! 

What our tester says: “This foldable model would also be well-suited for grocery shopping. You could pull it around the store, fill it with groceries, bring it back to the car, and store it in the trunk for the next trip.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Vivosun garden cart at Amazon or Vivosun. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Garden Carts

We used similar testing procedures with all the carts to provide fair and uniform results. However, since the carts offer different functions and various load limits, we also had to adapt the tests to suit each model. We loaded each cart to the brim, doing our best to estimate weight to determine whether the cart could carry the manufacturer’s maximum capacity. We also noted each unit’s ease of assembly; analyzed their build qualities; checked the functionality of essential parts like undercarriages, axles, wheels, and handles; and pushed and pulled them while noting how easy they were to maneuver in tight spots. 

Once our tests were complete, we awarded points based on a rubric and determined which models should receive awards. 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Garden Cart 

When shopping for a garden cart, look for rugged materials like a durable steel frame, powder-coating to resist corrosion, and heavy-duty plastic. Just as importantly, factor in how much weight you need to carry, erring on the side of caution and overestimating the weight capacity needed if in doubt.

Types of Garden Carts 

Garden carts come in different shapes and sizes, each ideal for a particular kind of work. Below are descriptions of six basic types of garden carts and the tasks for which they are best suited.

Utility Wagon 

A utility wagon is a general-purpose, heavy-duty garden cart. It can haul anything from tools and plants to bricks, soil, and garden debris. Utility wagons may operate manually, include an electric motor, or attach to a riding lawnmower. They may have a fixed bed and sides or a dump bed that tilts for easy emptying. Some feature removable sides to convert into a flatbed for oversized loads.

Dump Carts 

Dump carts are four-wheel carts with hinged beds that tilt independently of the frame like a dump truck. They are designed to make it easier to unload large quantities of bulk materials, including soil, leaves, weeds, and garden debris. Smooth plastic dump beds empty cleanly, without snagging on branches or other fine material. Metal mesh dump beds work well for larger items like rocks or firewood.

Flatbed Carts 

Flatbed carts are basically flat platforms on wheels, though some convertible utility carts have removable side panels and function as flatbeds. Flatbeds make for easy removal of loads like bagged soil or trays of plants because such supplies simply slide on and off without dealing with the obstacles of raised sides. Flatbeds also allow you to load large items like lumber or fence posts.

Foldable Carts 

Foldable carts are helpful for those who only need a cart occasionally or those who have limited storage space. Like other quality garden carts, the best foldable models are made of tough, durable materials, but most folding wagons are in the light-duty category since they have lower load capacities. 

Electric Carts  

Electric carts are self-propelled, walk-behind carts with power, forward/reverse, and speed controls. They provide added power to move heavier loads, and some include either powered or manual dump beds. Their electric motors run on rechargeable batteries that typically last between 45 minutes and 3 hours per charge. 

Hand Trolley

A hand trolley, or hand truck, is an upright two-wheel garden cart used for heavy loads and precise placement. Some include a secondary set of wheels or casters on the back that help move bulky items across paved surfaces. Gardeners tend to use a hand trolley to move large trees or landscape boulders into place, and they’re also great in the garage or workshop for moving large crates and appliances.

Material 

Light-duty carts may be made entirely of plastic or a combination of plastic and steel and are capable of carrying  about 200 pounds across reasonably smooth terrain. Many plastics are susceptible to damage from temperature extremes and long-term sun exposure, so carts made of this material should be stored in a garage or shed when not in use. 

The strongest carts have steel frames and rubber tires. These materials perform well in all types of weather but require some maintenance. Wipe steel components clean after use and repaint scratches to avoid rust. Grease the wheels regularly and keep tirthe es properly inflated for best performance.  

Steel-framed carts may have either steel or polycarbonate beds. Both materials are strong and durable, but poly weighs less, resists dents and scratches, and is UV protected.

Capacity

Light-duty garden carts have weight capacities of 200 pounds or less. These carts are suitable for hauling limited quantities of soil, mulch, plants, and/or garden tools. Heavy-duty carts with capacities of 350 to 500 pounds are a good choice for hauling rocks, bricks, and bags of concrete. Two-wheeled hand trucks with a weight capacity of 750 pounds or more are best for positioning large trees or moving heavy materials, such as cords of firewood and landscape boulders. 

Note that a cart’s capacity refers to its load weight, which is different from its hauling weight (also called pulling weight). Hauling weight indicates the power the vehicle is capable of generating when pulling a load on a wheeled trailer. For example, a motorized cart designed to hold up to 500 pounds in its bed may be capable of pulling a load of up to 1,000 pounds. 

Wagon vs. Cart vs. Trolley

Traditionally, a wagon refers to a vehicle with four wheels and a single handle at the front, a design that intends for it to be pulled. A cart has two wheels and one or two handles, either at the front or the rear, and is built to be either pushed or pulled. In the U.S., a trolley means a streetcar, but in other countries, this term could refer to either a small wagon or a cart. Despite differences in word origins, American gardeners and tool makers now use the terms wagon and cart somewhat interchangeably. For our purposes, we refer to both two- and four-wheel devices as carts.

Handle

Whether on a wagon, pull cart, or hand truck, the handle should be comfortable and functional. For long days working in the garden, a thick handle with a cushioned grip is helpful. A 1.25- to 1.5-inch-diameter handle is about the right thickness for most gardeners to maximize grip and control while minimizing hand fatigue. A rubberized grip adds traction and cushion for control and comfort. 

The handle position should be high enough to push or pull comfortably. Users should not have to operate the cart while bent over or lifting extra high on the handles, nor should they be at risk of kicking the cart during operation. When the cart is not in motion, the handle should rest in a safe position. As an example, some four-wheel wagons feature handles with a bent shaft so they rest in an upright position against the front of the wagon when not in use. Straight, shafted handles easily fall and can create tripping hazards.

Tire Type and Number 

Garden cart tires may be pneumatic, flat-free, or plastic. Pneumatic (i.e., inflatable) tires give a cushioned ride over uneven terrain. Their smooth ride makes it easier to push or pull heavy loads through the landscape. 

Flat-free tires appear similar to pneumatic tires but are made of solid rubber. The benefit is that they never puncture or get soft, but the ride is not as smooth. 

Plastic wheels are used on light-duty garden carts and work best on paved surfaces and smooth lawns. Like flat-free tires, they are convenient and low maintenance, but plastic is subject to cracking and warping in extreme temperatures. 

Garden carts may have two, three, or four wheels. Two-wheel carts offer easy steering because they can pivot without moving forward or backward. Four-wheel pull carts have a fixed axle in the rear and a steering axle in the front, connected to the pull handle. Four-wheel pushcarts use two independent swivel wheels instead of a steering axle. Four-wheel carts are less articulate but more stable than two-wheelers. 

Most three-wheel carts are electric. They have a powered drive axle for the two front wheels and a rear swivel wheel centered near the back to allow for steering. They have steering ability and stability comparable to four-wheelers. 

Manual vs. Electric

Most garden carts are manually operated, requiring users to push or pull them where needed. However, electric carts are becoming more popular for heavy projects, and they are well suited for gardeners with less strength or stamina. The electric motor drives the wheels and, in some cases, raises a dump bed. 

Electric carts use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to power their motors. Runtime per charge averages about 3 hours, typically adequate for most users to work all day. Electric carts vary in travel speeds and performance on difficult terrain. They may or may not include a braking system.

Motor 

Electric carts and motor-assisted wheelbarrows can help gardeners with limited mobility, strength, and/or stamina. They use rechargeable batteries that mostly offer about 3 hours of runtime per charge, depending on the weight of the load and the slope of the terrain. Sealed lead-acid (SLA) and lithium-ion are commonly available battery types, both offering fast recharge times, long runtimes, and full power throughout the life of the charge.

Versatility 

Versatility is an important consideration because while a garden cart might be purchased for a specific upcoming project, other potential uses may pop up in the future. Hauling soil or mulch requires bulk volume, while moving a large tree may require greater mobility or precision.  

A cart’s versatility is often equal to its capability. A cart that can go over rough terrain (pneumatic tires), with a heavier load (steel frame), and unload easily (dump cart) is more versatile than a cart without these features.

The Advantages of Owning a Garden Cart 

A garden cart is handy for more than hauling tools and supplies. It can function as a mobile gardening workstation, a holding place for large and small tools, and even a trash can. It conveniently carries garden supplies and equipment to the project site and hauls debris away. 

Garden carts have a low center of gravity for stability that resists tipping while loaded. Their low stance makes loading and unloading heavy items like bagged soils, landscape boulders, or large trees more convenient. A garden cart can help with just about any yard work.

• A garden cart lets you keep gardening tools and supplies nearby as you move around the yard.
• A garden cart lets you haul loads of between 200 and 1,200 pounds or more.
• A garden cart can help those with limited strength, mobility, or stamina continue doing yard work. 

FAQs

If you still want more info about purchasing or using a garden cart, read on for answers to some commonly asked questions.

Q. What is the difference between a wheelbarrow and a garden cart?

A wheelbarrow is shaped like a half-barrel with one or two wheels in the front and two straight handles in the back. Its shape, with high, sloping sides and a small tilted bottom, is best suited for hauling and dumping bulk material. A garden cart typically has between two and four wheels and a low center of gravity. Garden carts often have low, vertical sides and wide, flat bottoms. They are used for all types of hauling, from tools and equipment to bagged soils, plants, and more.

Q. Do I need a garden cart?

Gardeners often find their garden cart more useful than their wheelbarrow. There are various types of garden carts that are suited to different kinds of hauling, including some that are motorized.

Q. What’s the best size for a garden cart?

We asked Michael Clarke, founder of the online nursery Yardwork, what size of garden cart he thinks is best. He said, “The best size will depend on your specific needs and the size of your garden. If you have a medium-to-large garden with regular maintenance such as moving compost, mulch, plants, etc., I’d recommend going for a 4 to 6 cubic foot cart, since it provides a good balance between size and maneuverability. If you’re more into occasional tasks or small gardening, a 2 to3 cubic foot cart should work well and is easy to manage.” 

Q. How do I maintain a garden cart?

Most garden carts require little to no maintenance. Still, to help them last as long as possible, Yardwork’s Micahel Clarke says you should “Check the wheels regularly for wear and tear, especially if they’re air-filled and require you to inflate them periodically or replace them if they get punctured.” He also suggests keeping the axles lubricated, removing any rust with a wire brush, and tightening bolts or nuts to keep the cart sturdy.

Q. How to store a garden cart?

If you have the space, it’s best to store a garden cart in a shed or garage. If you need to keep it outside, try to get it up off the ground and cover it with a tarp.

 

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