A dump cart for your lawn tractor is useful for transporting the garden waste or bringing in a load of firewood. There are many cheap options, but they may break at first use, which wastes money.
So our lawn care specialists have tested the best dump carts for lawn tractors so you can get your money’s worth.
Reviews of the Top Dump Carts for Lawn Tractors
1. Gorilla Carts GOR6PS Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart
The Gorilla Carts GOR6PS Dump Cart for lawn tractors is delivered with simple instructions and a straightforward process. You can have it fully assembled and ready to go in as little as an hour.
This Gorilla Carts dump cart is constructed to withstand the weight of solid materials weighing more than one thousand pounds, which is over the weight of a standard riding lawnmower. Its surface is protected with a tough plastic coating resilient to abrasion and puncture.
The rubber wheels are durable and keep the cart from tipping over no matter how heavy the load. The plastic doesn’t become too hot in the summer and doesn’t rust in the winter because it can endure extremes in humidity.
What We Like
- 1200 lbs load capacity
- Versatile dump cart
- Lightweight
- 1-year warranty
- Convertible handle
- Patented dump feature
What We Don't Like
- Washing the wheels can be difficult
- For smaller tasks
2. Polar Trailer #8262 HD
The Polar Trailer #8262 HD is a great option for hauling heavy machinery and tools over longer distances. Its extravagant 22-cubic foot, 1,500lbs. weight capacity reinforced by sturdy materials and detailed construction, guaranteeing years of reliable service.
The HD 1500’s sturdy tubular steel frame and thicker HDPE bed make it ideal for hauling hefty loads of boulders or firewood. With its high clearance and quick-release lock, the tilt-and-swivel bed makes off-loading simple and secure.
Pneumatic tires with protected ball bearings on a broad track provide great maneuverability and stability on rough ground. This cart is your best bet if you need to transport a lot off-road.
What We Like
- Good hauling capacity
- Durable dump cart
- High ground clearance
- 1500 lbs load capacity
- Powder coated steel frame
- Ideal for heavy loads and rough terrain
What We Don't Like
- A bit heavy
- High-priced
3. Agri-Fab 45-0101
The Agri-Fab 45-0101 Dump Cart is an excellent garden cart; this polymer dump cart makes yard work much easier. Its steel connecting bar allows the Agri-Fab dump cart to be quickly and easily attached to a standard lawnmower for a tractor.
The equipment’s axles are well-balanced so it won’t get thrown around in the back of a truck or car. With its lightweight construction, powder-coated paint, and sturdy plastic construction, you won’t need assistance moving it from one location to another.
While polypropylene is used for the main body, alloy steel is used for its frame because it is stronger and won’t flex.
What We Like
- Ultra lightweight tow behind cart
- Scratch-resistant alloy steel bed
- Pneumatic tires
- Powder coated steel bed
- Reliable dump cart
- Single-lever foot pedal dump mechanism
What We Don't Like
- Assembly needed
- Not ideal for heavy loads
4. Ohio Steel 1000P-SD Poly Swivel Dump Cart
The Ohio Steel 1000P-SD Poly Swivel Dump Cart is the best dump cart for a lawn tractor if you’re looking for a mobile dump cart that is both sturdy and flexible in its many uses. You can use it with a lawn tractor or an all-terrain vehicle. It has a sturdy, waterproof structural foam polymer dump bed and can tote up to 1,250 pounds.
Its maneuverability makes it ideal for hauling, and the revolving hitch accommodates a ball or a drop pin, making it versatile.
With 16-inch multi-terrain tires and independently mounted wheels, these dump trailers have a ground clearance of 12 inches, suitable for use in rugged terrain or regions with low-lying vegetation.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty dump cart
- 15 cu ft. bed size
- 1250 lbs. Maximum load weight
- For heavy loads or wood logs
- Foot-operated dump mechanism
What We Don't Like
- Not a compact tractor cart
- Proper maintenance needed
6. Craftsman CMXGZBF7124355
This Craftsman CMXGZBF7124355 dump cart for lawn tractor has a reasonable price, a sturdy build, and is the perfect size for regular usage with any lawn tractor.
It has a capacity of 12 cu. ft., or 750 lb. The Craftsman dump cart has a powder-coated steel bed, making it resistant to corrosion, and it has a removable tailgate to facilitate tidy dumping.
Dumping is a breeze with the 40-degree maximum dump angle and foot pedal dump release. The dump cart’s wheels are 16 inches with ribs, handling rough terrain easily. The craftsman steel cart comes pre-mounted on grease-zerk steel rims. Parts are missing and must be assembled.
What We Like
- Durable construction
- Foot-operated dump mechanism
- 16 in. pneumatic tires
- Removable tailgate
- Wheels attached on steel rims
- Best dump trailers for hauling mulch
What We Don't Like
- Only 750 lbs. Load capacity
- Limited hauling capacity for lawnmowers
6. MotoAlliance Impact ATV/UTV Heavy Duty Utility Cart
This MotoAlliance Impact ATV/UTV Dump Cart is built to last, and they made it with the rigorous requirements of off-road ATV use in mind.
In addition to lawn tractors, you can use the heavy-duty drop-pin hitch with snowmobiles, ATVs, and more. This MotoAlliance dump cart has a cubic volume and weight capability are 15-square feet and 1,500 pounds, respectively.
The cart’s impact-resistant polyethylene tub and sturdy steel frame allow it to carry hefty loads like logs and rocks while remaining lightweight. With the bed’s steel mesh sidebars removed, there is more room to move around. Its offloading is made simpler and safer by a foot-operated quick-release clasp and a tilt bed.
What We Like
- 1500 lbs weight capacity
- Removable steel mesh
- Ideal for yard debris or lawn materials
- Lightweight steel dump carts
- Polyethylene plastic tub trailer
- Pass-through axle for good clearance
What We Don't Like
- It might be too wide for a small storage space
- Requires time to assemble
7. Sunnydaze Utility Steel Dump Garden Cart
With a 660-pound capacity, Sunnydaze’s Utility Steel Dump Cart is just what you need for transporting potted plants. We like its mesh sides that can be detached for convenience. And that it may be converted from a dump cart to a lawn maintenance tool by removing the sides.
The dump tub on this sturdy vehicle spans about 70 inches in diameter. This trailer can withstand rain and snow because it is made of water-resistant materials. This dump truck has a 360-degree turning radius, allowing you to steer it easily in any desired direction.
In addition, the U-shaped dump mechanism is simple to operate, which makes loading and transportation a breeze.
What We Like
- 660 lbs maximum load weight
- Lightest dump cart for lawn tractor
- Best steel trailers for hauling potted plants
- Easy to assemble
- Durable garden carts
What We Don't Like
- You cannot haul firewood with its load capacity
- It’s not ideal for most lawn tractors
Dump Carts for Lawn Tractors Buyer’s Guide
Types of Lawn Tractor Dump Carts
Polymer Dump Carts/Structural Form Unit
As a result of being made from a strong, low-density polymer, structural foam, a dump cart for lawn tractor has a long lifespan and is among the most durable types of garden carts available.
Polymer dump carts, like poly and plastic carts, are waterproof, although they tend to be heavier due to their robust construction. Compared to standard carts for lawn tractors, these are often more expensive due to their greater capacity.
Carrying huge quantities of garden debris or tools is no problem for a Polymer Dump Cart.
Steel Tub Dump Carts
A steel tub dump trailer is your best bet if you’re looking for something cheap, long-lasting, and easy to move; a steel tub dump cart is your best bet. Steel tub dump carts are typically equipped with a leveled platform and a detachable tailgate for the effortless dumping of bulky materials.
However, the steel may be dented, bent under pressure, or rust if the powder coating or paint is scratched or chipped.
Furthermore, steel dump carts typically weigh less than poly or polymer carts of the same size.
If you’re looking for a trailer that can tow a lot of weight, you’ll need to spend more than $300, but an all-steel trailer has advantages. And because it’s often constructed of steel, it tends to rust. The bottom and sides, however, are unmistakably constructed of steel, making them long-lasting.
Plastic Tub Dump Carts
Poly tub carts are similar to plastic tub dump carts in that they are both compact, simple to maintain, resistant to the elements, and dependable. However, plastic has lower durability and is more prone to fracturing over time, especially after being exposed to intense sunlight for a long time.
While plastic dump carts won’t break the bank, they won’t last as long as their metal and rubber counterparts.
Poly Tub Dump Carts
The most common type is poly carts, often known as polyethylene or tub dump carts, because of their longevity, lightweight, and high strength.
Beds in these are manufactured of high-impact polyethylene, a material resistant to rust and breaking, wear and tear, and simple to clean.
Additionally, poly tub carts have water storage, which is useful when transporting heavy plant containers or wet mulch across the yard.
Categories and Classifications of Dump Carts
Cart Tub Build
Dump carts can also be categorized based on the materials used to construct their beds and tubs. The tubs of dump carts can be made of steel, plastic, structural foam, or polypropylene. Even if you take good care of your steel tub, it will rust if left untreated.
Polypropylene tubs are more expensive but can withstand the environment and rough treatment without breaking. Polypropylene containers are thicker than plastic ones. Structural foam tubs, however, are made from polymers with a low density. Scratching in these bathtubs might speed up the accumulation of stains.
Based on their Capacity & Load-bearing Capacity
The load-bearing capacity rating is more common than the volume capacity rating for many goods. Despite this, 7-12 cubic foot dump cars are the norm in today’s industry.
Dump carts may carry between 800 and 2000 pounds of weight; hence they are divided into two categories according to their carrying capacity. Carts that can only carry up to 800 pounds have axles with a diameter of 34 inches (19.05 mm). Axles in the 1000-1200 lb. (453.6-544.3 kg) range, on the other hand, have a diameter of 1 inch (25.4 mm).
Load and Capacity
According to our research, dump carts have two common weight capacities: 800 lb. or under and 1,000 lb. or more. The former uses an axle size of 3/4 inches, whereas the latter employs an axle size of 1 inch.
In addition to the wheels, most dump carts feature a sturdy steel bar that acts as an axle support. The stated weight is often calculated by considering how much force each bar can withstand before giving way. The size of the tub, measured in cubic feet, is another matter entirely.
Weight and Dimensions
Two factors are typically used to define and determine dump cart sizes. These characteristics include its cubic foot volume and its load-bearing capacity. The cart’s storage capacity is measured in cubits [1].
The current dump carts can hold anything from 10 to 22 cubic feet. For comparison, a dump cart’s weight capacity is the maximum load it can support before tipping over. Dump carts may carry anywhere from 350 to 1,100 pounds.
Tires, Axles, and Mobility
The total maneuverability of a cart is profoundly affected by factors such as tire size, axle, and tire type. Like some of the quality zero-turn mower tires, the larger the tire, the easier it is to roll. Flat-free and solid wheel types could be simpler to pull on hard, flat surfaces, but pneumatic tires cushion the ride on rough surfaces and provide better traction.
There are two primary axle varieties. A solid axle with wheels connected at both ends is straightforward and affordable but has a lower ground clearance.
The wheels on the second axle type are placed separately, providing significantly more space between them and the ground. More moving parts can make it more intricate, but this is only an issue with a less expensive cart.
Trailer mobility is also affected by the length of the trailer tongue. When reversing, a trailer with a lengthier tongue is simpler to steer than one with a shorter tongue, although the latter can make sharper bends.
Versatility
Carts vary in adaptability based on the materials they’re composed of and the tasks they’re designed to perform. Whether you need to transport heavy loads of soil, mulch, or debris, or simply want to haul gardening tools and equipment around your yard, dump carts provide the flexibility to handle various tasks with ease.
Inspect any removable side rails or trailer tongue that allow the dump cart to be converted into a flatbed, as well as the comfort of the cart’s manual operation.
Release System
If you need the best dump cart for a lawn tractor that makes unloading easier, look for a reliable release system. The release mechanism on a dump cart is typically a foot pedal that you must press down forcefully before you can tip the cart back.
Dump carts can also be operated using a hand lever that has the same effect as the foot lever but may require more strength from the operator. It would be more practical to use a foot pedal than a hand lever if you opted for a dump cart.
Spring Levers
The frame has spring levers that operate a catch located below the bath. The bed can be lifted when the bed’s catch is released by pushing the lever forward. The most convenient variants of this set-up feature a foot pedal that you can use to dampen the lever, freeing both hands to lift the tub.
Spring-loaded
The tub’s lift handles are equipped with a spring-loaded catch that is engaged utilizing the trailer frames. When the handle is raised, the catch is disengaged, and the tub can be raised.
Connections
Almost all dump carts are equipped with multi-purpose doors that can be opened by various vehicles.
However, some products feature exclusive hook systems designed exclusively for use with riding lawnmowers. Because you must be certain that your dump cart for lawn tractor can be quickly and easily attached to the necessary vehicle, you should always check before making a purchase.
Build Material and Durability
Things you’re transporting can be kept in the tub of your dump cart. The durability of your dump cart and the types of loads it can carry depend highly on the material from which the bed is constructed.
If you need something less cumbersome to move around, lasts longer, and is resistant to moisture, then a poly cart is a way to go. Steel tub dump carts are another option for those looking for a robust and easily removable tailgate on their carts.
However, once the paint coat is broken or the dump cart for lawn tractor is left out in the rain for a lengthy period, the steel deteriorates and rusts.
Other Functionalities
Quick-damp Facility
It will make removing the cargo from your vehicle easier and faster.
Two vs Four Wheels
There is a consensus that the latter alternative is more secure, but ultimately it boils down to personal preference.
Hitching System
Dump carts typically have hatches that can be used with any vehicle. However, some products feature exclusive hook systems designed exclusively for use with riding lawnmowers. Because you must be certain that your unit can be quickly and easily attached to the necessary vehicle, you should always check before making a purchase.
Wheels and Pneumatic Tires
Large, pneumatic tires and all-terrain wheels can improve the unit’s mobility.
Extra Features
Dump carts utilize various hoists. It is the lift that raises and tips the tub of the cart. The following are examples of these many kinds:
- Hand-operated hoists requiring no special training. The tub is lightweight and easy to move thanks to its convenient carry handle.
- A hydraulic lift with a simple, efficient, and comfortable mechanism.
- A lifting system that can swivel and spin the tub so its contents can be dropped where they need to go.
- An electric lift runs on electricity. This is the perfect tool for those who require assistance lifting heavy objects. For other options, check out top-notch lawnmower lifts.
Importance of a Dump Cart on a Lawn Tractor
Many homeowners find a dump cart an indispensable tool for general property upkeep. A cart is a convenient addition to any landscaping routine, like lawnmowers, tractors, and manual or motorized trailers.
Dumping is, of course, the most important aspect of any excellent dump cart. Release mechanisms, either manual or automatic, are typically built right into the device. By depressing a lever, most usually located underneath the hitch rod, its bed can be flipped downward at an angle to release the load.
Depending on the nature of one’s property, the product has a wide range of possible applications. Farmers commonly use this unit to facilitate the rapid and comfortable distribution of feed to livestock over the site.
People can move large quantities of food and other goods without straining their backs or, more crucially, wasting money on gasoline by driving their cars when they don’t need to.
Contrarily, this function is widely used for transporting lawn and garden supplies. The cart is loaded with firewood, pea gravel, mulch, fertilizer, and other bulky items for speedy distribution or removal from the premises. In addition, this tool can aid builders and workers in moving bulky or heavy items.
Another useful attachment? Check our top picks for finish mowers for tractors!
How to Maintain Your Garden Dump Cart
Maintaining your gardening tools is crucial to their continued efficiency. Like any other equipment, a dump cart for lawn tractor requires some maintenance, but it’s much less complicated than caring for other common household items.
There are two basic types of trailer maintenance: those performed before usage and those performed after use.
The following are typical components of pre-use maintenance. Before you begin loading anything into the bed of your cart, double-check that it is in good condition and free of severe damage.
Wrap the floor with a plastic sheet to prevent dirt from settling into cracks and stains. You can easily clean any dust or debris by removing the lid.
Second, step back and assess your usefulness. It’s important to keep an eye on the wheels in case they need to be greased. Check the hitch pin has been installed. Avoid losing it because it’s not cheap to replace.
The steps involved in the after-use process are consistent. However, you should always make sure your appliance is spotless. The wheels, axles, and bed tend to get the dirtiest.
All the pieces must be washed and disinfected with water and cleaning supplies. It’s important to clean the dirt out of the cart’s joints, as this might cause them to dry out and cause problems moving the appliance.
Additionally, soil can be stuffed into the spaces between the wheels, so that’s something to watch out for.
FAQ
Do I need to grease a new dump cart before using it?
Make sure to use the product exactly as the maker intended. If there are grease fittings, you should lubricate them. Some models of dump carts have grease-free sealed wheel bearings.
Is a dump cart hard to assemble?
The majority of dump carts are shipped unassembled and require assembly upon arrival. Essential hand tools like pliers, wrenches, hex keys, and sockets are often needed to build it and may require up to an hour.
What is the maximum pressure needed to inflate dump cart wheels?
Different tire types have their own unique set of instructions. Max out the tire pressure on the dump cart as the sidewall recommends.
How do you attach the dump cart to the lawn tractor?
Take a position on the tongue of the cart, pick up the tongue and hold it horizontally in front of one’s face. The hole in the lawn cart’s tongue must line up with the hole in the hitch’s rear mounting location on the mower. Use the hitch pins to connect two vehicles.
Our Top Pick For a Dump Cart for Lawn Tractors:
Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart (GOR6PS)
Our choice for the best dump cart for lawn tractors is the Gorilla dump trailer GOR6PS. It can hold 1,200 pounds, or six cubic feet, of bulk material.
The handle converts into a drop-pin hitch so that it may be towed behind a lawn tractor over extended distances, and we love the unique spring-loaded lift handle that serves as the dump mechanism.
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