June 7, 2023
The lawn mowers or tractor dump carts are attachments that usually serve a specially important role. Namely, they let you tow or pull heavy loads behind your tractor. Lawn mowers or tractor dump carts are known by many names such as garden carts, dump trucks, utility trailers, utility wagons, and many more. Homestead owners and farm owners prefer the use of dump carts in performing garden and lawn chores. Because of their lightweight and minimal sizes, dump carts are ideal for use in the backyard and in the garden in moving heavy loads, and they can be easily attached to a small vehicle or a mower.
Dump carts are simple pieces of farm or lawn equipment. They are usually towed either by a riding mower or a compact tractor. They are generally used for hauling or moving farm or garden materials. Compared to wheelbarrows, they carry more materials. Why? Because their wheels support their load. The user’s arms, on the other hand, support the load of wheelbarrows.
Compared to the utility trailers that have flat beds, the dump carts are formed like tubs that have solid wall construction. Hence, they can be used for depositing gravel, soil, and other heavy loads. These dump carts, therefore, should always be in handy in your garden or lawn.
There are factors that you must consider if you intend to buy a dump cart, and some of these factors include the following:
Best Lawn Tractor & Mover’s Dump Carts In Market Today:
There are many brands of dump carts on the market today. This makes it a bit difficult for a prospective buyer to find the one for his needs. Hence, we have delineated here a list of the most recommended dump carts on the market:
1) Polar Trailer #8262 HD 1500 TA
You can turn your lawn tractor into an ever-reliable all-purpose hauling equipment by complementing it with a Polar Trailer HD 1500. The HD 1500 offers several features that you would surely love to have in a dump cart. It is wrought in polyethylene materials that can handle rocks, firewood, and other materials. Moreover, it is versatile with its high ground clearance and tilt-and-swivel features. It also comes with an additional tire set and a walking arm.
The HD 1500 is pretty stable and offers you outstanding balance even with big loads. It is durable and rugged for handling different types of applications. As a caveat, you should not tow this cart behind a car or any vehicle at full speed, for it is engineered for use off-the-road. You can tow it, of course, but you should keep your speed rate at a maximum of ten miles per hour.
Its load capacity is around one thousand five hundred pounds, and its load size per cubic foot is twenty-two. It also features a tipper latch that is easy to release. So, this dump cart is pretty much convenient and easy to use.
Pros:
- It is made of quality material, being wrought in polyethylene.
- It is corrosive-resistant and impact-resistant as well.
- It can haul up to 1,500 pounds.
- It is designed for quick loading and dumping.
- Its wheels are tough.
Cons:
- Its hitch adjustment is quite challenging.
- It lacks greasy fittings around the cart’s ball bearings.
2) MotoAlliance Impact
The Impact dump cart belongs to the largest dump carts in the market today. It’s also one of the most versatile dump carts and is a durable one. Its load capacity is around 1,500 pounds, and it is capable of hauling a load of 15 cubic feet. You should not tow it behind your vehicle at full speed, but its maximum towing speed is 10 mph.
The Impact dump cart is pretty durable, with its plarform made of sturdy steel, and its frame is likewise wrought in steel. You can remove its side rails as well as its tailgate.
The MotoAlliance Impact is relatively easy to use. You can quickly load it and release the load with its foot-dump feature. Its tires are also pneumatic and durable. These wheels are also large and maybe the largest you would ever see of a dump cart. Hence, with its wheels, you can quickly move this dump cart over various surface types without the wheels getting bogged down.
Pros:
- It features a polyethylene bucket which is pretty sturdy.
- It also comes with a sturdy steel frame.
- Its wheels are designed for all types of terrains.
- It can handle a high volume of load.
- Its “pass-through” swivel is pretty convenient for easy latching.
Cons:
- It is more expensive.
- It is also quite challenging to assemble.
3) Ohio Steel 4048PHYB
The Ohio Steel 4048PHYB is wrought in polypropylene which is known to be quite sturdy. Its maximum loading capacity is 1,250 pounds. Avoid loading it beyond its maximum load capacity. It is quite a nice trailer. It is also easy to set up. Moreover, it can hold its own against abuse and rough usage.
When downloading your load on a flat surface, you may find the downloading process a bit challenging. Sometimes, you need to scrape some of your loads out of the cart using a shovel. Of course, this cart doesn’t dent or bend permanently.
The 4048PHYB is not too noisy when you pull it across rough terrain. It also comes with a combo hitch, making it compatible with any lawn tractor or ATV. You can also switch it between a ball hitch to a pin hitch. Moreover, it comes with a conveniently positioned foot pedal for easy operation of the swivel. This makes the dumping of your load easy. Besides, its capacity is around 12-1/2 cubic feet.
Pros:
- It has a premium-quality tub made of polyethylene.
- It features 16-inch wheels.
- It is compatible with most lawn tractors with its combo hitches.
Cons:
- It is quite heavy.
- It is also a bit expensive for some people.
4) Gorilla Carts GOR866D
The Gorilla Carts GOR866D is a heavy-duty, high-capacity dump cart of the 1200lbs class. This dump cart can transport a considerable amount of loads on its 40-inch long x 25-inch wide x 10.75-inch deep polypropylene tub. It also features a quick-release dumping system that allows quick turn-around. It can haul a considerable amount of gravel, sand, or any other garden materials. It also features the use of four 13-inch diameter wheels and a ⅝-inch diameter axle to support each wheel. Its four wheels support its loads. This allows the easy manhandling of this dump cart using the integral D-shaped handle on the tow bar. The same D-shaped handle also provides easy hookup to most riding mowers or compact tractors.
The GOR866D requires very minimal maintenance since it is made of polypropylene. Cleaning its polypropylene tub is also easy. Lastly, its tub is watertight and very efficient in moving wet garden materials.
5) Agri-Fab 45-0101
The Agri-Fab Model 45-0101-999 is a 750lbs (340 kg) class dump cart. This cart employs a steel tub with a 12-cubic foot capacity. It is a useful tool for hauling loose garden materials such as mulch, gravel, and sand. Its bed size measures 49 inches long x 32.5 inches wide x 12 inches high. Two 16 x 4 inches pneumatic wheels support the bed when traversing through rough farm grounds. These tires give the cart its excellent mobility while being towed by an ATV, compact tractor, or a riding mower. Its axles (with grease nipple) are matted with grease to facilitate easy lubrication of the ball bearings.
This Model of dump cart also features a foot pedal for controlled dumping of its load. It also features strengthened tailgate guides. Its steel bed is coated with scratch-resistant paint to protect the metal from harmful elements and rough use. If well maintained, this dump cart would surely last longer.
6) Agri-Fab Poly Tow Behind Dump Cart, 800 lbs
Another Agri-Fab offering is the Agri-Fab Model 45-0519. This dump cart uses polypropylene bed, resting on a steel support. It also uses the same patented features found in other Agri-Fab carts. These include the foot-activated dump mechanism and the grease nipple on its axles. This austere-looking dump cart has a carrying capacity of 800lbs. Its bed is watertight and can accommodate up to 17 cubic feet of garden materials.
The 45-0519 has a pair of 16-inch pneumatic tires for smooth movement across any terrain. And its tow bar fits a wide variety of towing mowers and tractors. Furthermore, Its sturdy steel frame has powder-coated paint for added durability. This dump cart can last for many years especially if well-maintained.
7) Strongway Dump Cart – 1,200-Lb. Capacity, 5 Cu. Ft.
The Strongway dump cart uses four 13-inch diameter pneumatic tires. These tires readily support the cart and its load. It also has a watertight polypropylene bed liner on top of a sturdy steel mesh frame. This bed liner is removable. This bed liner also allows the smooth movement of loose garden materials such as mulch, sand, and gravel. Its side panels are also removable, readily converting this dump cart into a flatbed cart. This allows for the easy movement of its oversized load.
This Strongway garden cart can carry up to 1200lbs (544.3 kg) load. But it has a limited dumping capacity of 500lbs or 226.8kg. Its tub measures 44 inches long x 24 inches wide and has a capacity of holding 5 cubic feet of garden materials.
8) Polar Trailer 115254 LG
Another good option if you are looking for a reliable dump cart is the Polar Trailer 115254 LG. It is shorter, of course than the other dump carts. Nevertheless, you will find this cart a workhorse when it comes to performance. It can do a variety of jobs, from small and petty tasks to big jobs. It is also quite easy to move around.
Its maximum load capacity is around six hundred pounds, and its load size is about seven cubic feet. Moreover, the body of this dump cart is wrought in polyethylene material with a steel frame that comes with a powder coating. Its tires are big enough for tackling whatever terrain. Plus, this dump cart is easy to assemble and weighs around 51 pounds.
Pros:
- It is highly durable with its rustproof body and polyethylene material.
- It is pretty easy to move around and very maneuverable.
- It is also easy to assemble.
- It has sealed ball bearings.
Cons:
- It is smaller than other dump carts.
9) Gorilla Carts GOR400-COM
If you are looking for a durable dump cart, you can check out the Gorilla Carts GOR400-COM. It is pretty easy to use and comes with a design that is relatively easy to assemble. You’ll get enough ground clearance when using this dump cart. Moreover, its side panels are removable, allowing it to handle bigger and larger loads.
The GOR400-COM comes with padded handle that is easy to pull, allowing you to haul up to 400 pounds of materials. This load capacity is a bit lower than those of the abovementioned dump carts, but this dump cart comes with added features that compensate for its low load capacity.
Pros:
- It is durable.
- It has an innovative design for its frame.
- It is versatile, with its removable side panels.
- It offers a comfortable pulling experience with its padded handle.
Cons:
- Its wheels don’t hold air, according to some users.
- It is not made with precision and high standard, according to some users.
10) Utility Steel Dump Cart by Sunnydaze
The Utility Steel Dump Cart by Sunnydaze comes with a load capacity of 660 pounds. It features meshed sides that you can detach. These detachable sides make it a very versatile dump cart for maintaining your lawn. This dump cart measures around seventy inches and comes with a well-crafted tub. This tub trailer, of course, is water-resistant, and for this reason, it can last longer.
This dump cart can turn around 180°. For this reason, you can direct it in any direction with ease. Besides, it features a U-shaped dump device that is easy to release. This makes unloading and transporting a breeze. It also features a padded handle for easy pulling. Lastly, it comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros:
- It is easy to assemble.
- It is quite light at 48.5 pounds.
- It is wrought in durable materials.
Cons:
- Its tires can only handle up to three-hundred pounds load.
11) Strongway Dump Cart
This dump cart is a multi-purpose dump cart with a capacity of up to 1,200 pounds and a dumping capacity of around 500 pounds. Its body is corrosion-resistant, with its steel frame and bed made of durable materials. You can remove its side panels and convert this cart into something that can handle a larger load (flatbed).
This dump cart is perfect, therefore, for unloading and hauling many materials. It is also pretty much affordable despite its large load capacity and sturdy built. Besides, it is easy to assemble.
Pros:
- It can carry a lot of loads.
- It is easy to assemble and is compatible with most lawn tractors. I
- t is also pretty much affordable.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with a pull handle.
- It is not easy to pull, even on a flat surface.
Nota Bene:
Some garden dump carts are tagged as ATV carts because they are designed for off-road usage together with utility task or utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and ATVs. Their designs include high-ground clearance, durable axles, and large tires.
Lastly, the important thing to remember when using a dump cart is to figure out the mower’s weight limit before using any towing vehicles.
Buyer’s Guide: Types of Vehicle for Towing Dump Carts
Dump carts are designed for easy towing, and it is this design that makes it advantageous for use in lawn or garden. It is lightweight and can be easily towed behind lighter or smaller mowers that most homeowners usually have in handy. These vehicles that can be used for towing dump carts include:
- Garden or lawn tractors
- Zero-turn Mowers
- Rear-engine riding mowers
The only type of carts that you can tow behind a riding and zero-turn mowers is that of dump cart.
Different Types of Tow Dump Carts
There are myriads of carts available on the market today. But the quality of those dump trucks usually depends on the amount of money you are willing to shell out for a dump cart. The less expensive carts, for example, that cost less than $200 may look like the expensive ones. But if you are not trained to look at the difference between good ones and bad ones, you may end up buying a dump cart of less durability and quality. The less expensive, of course, may not last a year or two. Hence, if money is not an issue for you, you should go for the quality ones even though they are expensive.
Poly Tub Trailer
You can consider a poly tub trailer which is over $250. For many people, the poly tub trailer is the ideal one to buy. The tub of this trailer is of tough plastic material and is very durable and not known to crack. Moreover, it is water-tight, and you can effectively use it in hauling loads like messes and manure without these loads leaking out. Furthermore, you can easily clean it up using a garden hose.
Plastic Tub Trailer
On the other hand, you can also opt for the plastic tub trailer. The plastic tub trailer is like the poly tub in appearance, but they are less expensive. The container of the plastic tub trailer is also made of thinner material as compared to the poly tub trailer, and the tub can easily cave in. They are not designed to last long, and they will readily split, tear, or crack after several uses. You should not use them for hauling heavy loads if you want them to last a bit longer.
Steel Trailer
You can also opt for the all steel trailer which usually range in price from $150 to $500. These steel trailers are equipped with removable tailgate, and this feature is its greatest advantage over other types of dump carts. With the tailgate, you can dump your load cleanly. So, you don’t need to use a rake or shovel to empty your cart. The downside of opting for an all steel trailer is that it is expensive, and if you want to find one that could handle heavy loads, you need to shell out more than $300 for one. Moreover, it usually rusts because it is made of steel. However, they are durable, and their bottom and sides are assuredly made of steel.
Structural Form Trailer
The structural form trailer is characterized by low-density polymer tub. Its price is usually over $250; hence, it is a bit expensive. Its tub is also extremely durable and tough. This tub usually comes with side pockets allowing for extensions on its sides. Some of the best manufacturers of structural foam trailers are Ohio Steel and Agri-Fab. Moreover, some brands of these structural foam trailers have tubs that do not stain or scratch. Some, however, do scratch and stain in the long run.
Dump Cart Classifications & Categories
Dump carts can be categorized into two based on their load-bearing (weight) or their volume capacity and Cart’s tub materials.
1) Based on Their Load-bearing Capacity & Capacity
Many products use the load-bearing capacity rating rather than the volume capacity rating. Yet, the most common dump cars on the market today are those with 7-12 cubic feet capacity.
Based on their load-bearing capacity, dump carts are classified into two: 800lbs and below and 1000-2000lbs. The 800lbs or below carts use ¾ inch (19.05 mm) diameter axles. The 1000-1200 lbs. (453.6-544.3 kg) class, on the other hand, use 1-inch (25.4mm) diameter axles.
2) Cart Tub Materials
Another method of dump cart classification is according to the bed or tub materials of the carts. Dump carts may have steel, plastic, structural foam or polypropylene tub materials. Steel tubs may last longer with proper maintenance; but without proper care, they will rust. Polypropylene tubs are expensive but are more durable against elements or misuse. Plastic tubs are like polypropylene tubs but are thinner. But structural foam tubs are of low-density polymer materials. They are therefore very durable and very tough. Yet, stains on these tubs can accumulate faster when scratched.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dump Cart
Load Capacity and Cubit Foot Capacity/ Weight
Dump carts usually come under two necessary ratings of 800lbs or less and 1,000-1,000 lbs. The former makes use of 3/4″ axle, while the latter utilizes 1″ axle. Most dump carts are also equipped with a solid steel bar for supporting the axle. The listed weight is usually computed based on how much each bar will be able to hold before it begins to cave in or bend. The cubic foot capacity, on the other hand, refers to the tub’s size.
Construction
The materials out of which the dump carts are made of are usually determined by looking at its tub. Hence, when people speak of the material that makes a dump cart, they typically speak of the material that makes up the tub. They also speak of the loads that could stain or scratch the tub like rocks, sand, soil, manure, etc. Generally, dump carts are made of two types of materials, namely:
- Poly or plastic type of materials: The poly or plastic materials are ideal for lightweight loads. These materials are usually resistant to impact or corrosion.
- Steel or metal materials: Steel or metals, on the other hand, are usually vulnerable to rusting and denting, but they are durable and can carry heavy loads.
Size
The sizes of dump carts are usually determined and defined by two criteria. These criteria are its cubit footage and its weight capacity. The cubit footage refers to the space capacity of the cart. The range of dump carts on the market today is from ten cubic feet to 22 cubic feet. The weight capacity, on the other hand, refers to the measurement of the maximum weight that a dump cart can carry or hold without caving in. The range of weight capacity of dump carts is from 350 lbs. to 1,100 lbs.
Additional Features of Tractor Dump Carts
Dump carts generally use different types of lifts. The lift is the mechanism that lifts and tips the cart’s tub. These different types include the following:
- Manual lift that you can handle manually. It has a handle that you can readily grasp to lift the tub.
- Hydraulic lift that makes use of a mechanism that offers easy and smooth action and great facility.
- Swivel Lift that lets you turn the tub and rotate it for easy dropping of its loads to the designated area.
- Electric lift is powered by electricity. It is designed for use by people who need help with heavy loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Dump Cart Need Greasing Before Using?
Well, new dump carts usually don’t come with pre-greased tires. The manufacturers, of course, may do for you the fittings of the tires, but if you want to ensure that the wheels will be well greased, you should add grease to the wheels before you use the cart.
How Long Would It Take Me to Detach the Dump Cart’s Wheels for Storage?
If you know how to detach the wheels before storing the dump cart, you can shorten the time you would take to detach the wheels. So, it may take you 3 minutes to detach the wheels. But if you are not sure about how to do it, it may take you more time to detach the wheels. So, it will be best to first learn how to detach the wheels to facilitate the removing process for you.
Ia it Hard to Assemble the Dump Cart?
Well, I would say that dump trucks are pretty easy to assemble. But if you are referring to the effort you will spend attaching the rack to a trailer; I think you would need a helping hand to do so. You can ask someone to help you align and hold the rack while you drill on its top.
Nevertheless, it is pretty much doable even by someone who hasn’t tried assembling a dump cart. It will be good to follow the manuals of the dump cart or the instructional video when doing it.
Conclusion
The dump cart is designed to carry things and materials from one point to another. Hence, if you can find a dump cart that can handle more loads and is easily maneuverable around, you are indeed fortunate. After evaluating the above-mentioned dump carts, we deemed it proper to recommend the Impact Implement Dump Cart because it offers the highest carrying capacity or maximum load.
Of course, not all will be needing a dump cart like the Impact Implement, but if you are looking for a cheaper dump cart, you can also choose between the Agri-Fab and the Gorilla Carts. Despite being less expensive, these two dump carts can indeed perform well. They are both pretty versatile and solidly built. If you engage more often in smaller hauling jobs, these two would be excellent options.