Dump carts are a necessary thing for anyone who owns a lawn that they like taking care of (as they should!).
From loading it up with cut grass or using it to move garden-grown vegetables around, the uses of a dump cart are numerous and varying.
But in our opinion, the use of a dump cart is increased exponentially when it can be hooked up to your lawnmower or lawn tractor.
So today, we’re going to review the top options on the market to help you find the best dump cart for lawn tractor. Additionally, we have included a buying guide to better help you with your purchase.
So let’s get reading about some great dump carts!
The 5 Best Dump Carts for Lawn Tractor
So without further ado, let’s get into the reviews. We have put in a considerable amount of time into the research that went into the selection of these dump carts, so don’t worry, you’re in good hands.1. Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Garden Dump Cart – Best for General-Purpose Use
This first dump cart from Gorilla is a fan favorite almost everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. With a sturdy steel frame and poly bed, this dump cart is priced affordably, and ideal for general purpose use.
First off, we’d like to discuss the 600-pound carrying capacity. This may not seem like a lot, but it’s actually the ideal carrying capacity for regular-sized gardens and backyards. And thanks to the unique integrated dumping technology, pick-up and drop-off are a breeze.
The 4 wheels on this cart are all pneumatic, which make them stable, yet improves the cart’s overall maneuverability no matter what you put in the cart. No matter whether the terrain of your lawn is smooth or uneven, you can expect this thing to hold up.
Gorilla has also introduced an all-new frame design for this dump cart, which makes for greater rigidity without compromising on the cart’s mobility. Furthermore, the new frame design is also that much easier to assemble and disassemble for convenience in storage.
That said, a few users do report issues with assembly, particularly when it comes to the wheels. The included user manual should help you; however; if not, you can always contact your nearest hardware store for a little extra assistance.
Highlighted Features
- 10-inch pneumatic tires offer stability and maneuverability
- Extremely easy to assemble, can be done in a short time
- Integrates innovative dumping technology for easy carriage and unloading
- Has a carrying capacity of 600 pounds; ideal for small gardens and backyards
- Reinforced, sturdy steel frame promise reliable durability
- Features a bed measuring 36 inches by 20 inches
2. Gorilla Carts GOR866D Heavy-Duty Garden Poly Dump Cart – Best Dump Cart for ATV
If you like how the GOR4PS sounds, then you’ll like the GOR866D even better. Although it’s a little more expensive, there’s a good reason for that, and we believe that you won’t mind shelling out the extra amount when you see what features this thing has to offer.
Constructed from a combination of high-quality poly and steel, the GOR866D is equipped with features that wouldn’t defy categorization as a professional-grade item. We love its poly bed, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also does a highly impressive job of holding up to 1200 pounds in weight.
Yep, you heard that right; a carrying capacity of 1200 pounds! No matter how heavy the load you’re carrying is, this cart, with its 40″x25″x10.75″ inch bed will accommodate it comfortably.
Like the GOR4PS, this one also has a 4-wheel design to enable stability and effortless mobility, except the wheels, are bigger, measuring 13 inches in diameter. And because they are pneumatic, they will interact seamlessly with every kind of terrain.
And if you need to attach it to your lawn tractor, fear not, because the handle on this thing has a unique D-shape that is easily hooked up to almost any vehicle. In fact, many who are looking for the best ATV dump trailer often end up buying this dump cart.
Of course, not everyone really needs the use of such heavy-duty features. If you’re looking for a dump cart only for small jobs, then you can consider the GOR4PS instead.
Highlighted Features
- Offers a carrying capacity of a staggering 1200 pounds
- Great price point despite impressive, consumer-grade features
- Extremely durable thanks to the poly and steel construction
- Features a convertible 2-in-1 handle for enhanced stability and better grip
- The poly bed is weather- and rust-resistant
3. Gorilla Carts GOR200B Poly Garden Dump Cart – Best Dump Cart for Small Landscaping
Yes, this next one is also from Gorilla (are you starting to see why, though?). Priced somewhere between the GOR4PS and the GOR866D, the GOR200B has a much more simplistic design, yet comes with a number of great features you’re bound to appreciate.
This sleek little thing looks quite similar to the other two Gorilla carts we’ve reviewed, with the only difference being the wheels, which are spaced further apart from each other. This seems to have been put in place in order to support the lower height calibration of the cart.
Ideally, this cart will be the perfect companion for someone taking on a small to medium-sized garden or lawn landscaping project.
Speaking of the wheels, Gorilla hasn’t skimped on them; they are also pneumatic like the other carts we’ve looked at, which once again, equips your cart with the ability to take on any kind of terrain.
The handle on this thing quite stands out to us, with a padded top to allow for a comfortable and sure grip. Additionally, you can enjoy Gorilla’s patented quick-release dumping technology from this thing as well, so unloading will be a walk in the park.
Be warned that some of the assembly implements that will come with your purchase, such as the bolts, might not meet your expectations in terms of quality. You might have to purchase bolts separately for assembly, which can be a deal-breaker for some, but we think the end result is worth it.
Highlighted Features
- Integrates Gorilla's recognized quick-release dumping mechanism for effortless unloading
- Features 10-inch pneumatic turf tires that can run smoothly over every kind of terrain
- Has a carrying capacity of 600 pounds; ideal for small landscaping projects
- The spacious poly bed measures 36"x20" inches
- Durably constructed with a resilient and rigid steel frame
- Highly aesthetically pleasing trademark black exterior to suit any lawn tractor
4. Agri-Fab 45-0101 Tow-Behind Dump Cart – Best Steel Dump Cart for Lawn Tractor
The name of the company from which this next dump cart comes might give you an idea of its intended use: agricultural. That means that this product is best suited to farming purposes, but the intuitive design and reasonable price point dictate that you can also use it for landscaping and lawn mowing.
The design of this thing is reminiscent of a classic wheelbarrow, and it behaves in much the same way. Equipped with only 2 wheels as opposed to 4, this steel dump cart is made specifically to be hooked up to your lawn tractor or ATV. Yes, that does mean that you won’t be able to use it on its own, which might be an important deciding factor for those of you who are only looking for a dump cart to assist in landscaping.
Getting back to the cart, it’s constructed from steel; this makes it quite sturdy, although it does add to the overall weight of the product. Nevertheless, its steel construction allows the 45-0101 to accommodate up to 750 pounds of weight without having to put up a fight.
One thing we really appreciate about this thing is the foot pedal Agri-Fab have included with it. Not only does it make dumping that much easier, but it also allows you to control the dumping process more closely and precisely.
The pneumatic tires that come with this thing measure 16 inches in diameter, which is really quite impressive. The steel bed is reinforced with a scratch-resistant powder coating that promises to hold up to all kinds of weather.
Highlighted Features
- The universal hitch allows the dump cart to be hooked up to almost any lawn tractor
- The dumping process is operated using an effortless foot lever
- Frame and bed both constructed durably from steel
- Suitable for use in all weather conditions
- Has an impressive carrying capacity of 750 pounds
5. Craftsman CMXG ZBF7124489 Poly Dump Cart – Affordable Dump Cart for Lawn Tractor
The simple, yet efficient design on this Craftsman poly dump cart, along with its durably built frame and bed, have contributed to making it the last product we will be reviewing for you today.
So what do we like about this thing?
First up is the design, as we mentioned. Shaped like a traditional wheelbarrow, this thing is used by connecting it directly to your lawn tractor (or ATV) with the help of the universal-fit hitch.
The version we are reviewing has a 500-pound carrying capacity, but the cart is also available in 750- or 1000-pound capacity variations (the latter being for a steel version of the cart). Whichever one you choose, though, you will be able to enjoy an effortless dumping mechanism using the convenient foot lever.
The tires on this thing, like any respectable dump cart, are pneumatic: so no matter whether you’re hauling mulch in the spring, spraying pesticide in the summer or laying out some ice-melt in the winter, you can expect this thing to carry steadily along.
All in all, this is a great dump cart for your lawn tractor or ATV, and it’s priced reasonably enough that it should definitely be one of your top choices. However, should you choose to purchase this cart, you might run into some issues with handling the cotter pin that holds the connecting pin in place. However, you can always replace it with a clip pin if you want an easier disconnect.
Highlighted Features
- Offers extremely easy assembly in just a few convenient steps
- Coated with the weather and rust-resistant finishing
- Surprisingly lightweight despite an impressive carrying capacity
- Has an efficient and easy-to-use dump release mechanism
- Pneumatic wheels allow the cart to be transported effortlessly in any terrain
Buying Guide Of Dump Carts
It might not be immediately clear to you why, beyond just reading our dump cart reviews, you would need to consult a buying guide for it. However, the right dump cart should not only help you carry the things you need to but be durable and sturdy.
So let’s have a closer look at the factors that should determine your chosen dump cart.
Capacity
This basically answers the question of how much material your dump cart is able to carry. Not everyone needs a heavy-duty cart; maybe you need to just carry things like cut grass or branches. In that case, a carrying capacity of at least 500 pounds (or 270 kgs) is recommended.
But if you're going to be carrying heavier loads, such as heavy rocks or equipment, then we would suggest opting for a cart having a carrying capacity of 1000 to 1250 pounds. If that sounds like you, then we would suggest being very careful about the quality of the dump cart. Usually, these will tend to be more expensive.
Construction Material
For many, this is in many ways, the most important consideration, as it will be the main determinant of the durability and strength of your dump cart.
Generally, dump carts are constructed from plastic or metal. Each one performs differently.
Plastic
This is the most common material of choice in dump carts. If you are under the impression that plastic is cheap and non-durable, then you should know that it primarily depends on the type of plastic being used; in this case, polyethylene.
What makes plastic such a popular choice when it comes to selecting dump carts is that it provides superior resistance to the elements. Furthermore, plastic tends to be waterproof even without a waterproof coating.
Generally, plastic dump carts will tend to cost you less than steel ones; however, if it is made of higher-quality plastic, then the price can still be somewhat high.
Metal
Dump carts made from metal are slowly being phased out due to a number of downsides. Not only are they prone to rusting, but they are also quite heavy and can be a drag to carry, especially when hooked up to a lawn tractor.
That being said, a metal dump cart is almost essential for those who are transporting heavy items such as rocks and stones. On that front, steel is the best option, because it is strong without being too heavy.
If you do opt for a steel dump cart, then be prepared to spend a little extra. More importantly, don't forget to check whether it has a protective coating to facilitate weather resistance.
Mobility
The mobility of a dump cart basically refers to how easy it is to move from one place to another relative to its carrying capacity. The best garden tractor dump carts are the ones that don’t weigh down your tractor and also offer maneuverability by themselves.
An important determinant of the mobility of a dump cart is the quality of the construction of the wheels.
As a rule of thumb, the bigger the wheels, the more stability you can expect from them. Good wheels are also usually pneumatic for enhanced stability and rigidity.
Some dump carts also have the ability to swivel, which makes them easier to maneuver, especially in and around tight corners. However, as the swivel is facilitated by the cart's trailer hitch and frame design, it can also be harder to reverse a cart with a swiveling capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are the wheels of a dump cart removable?
Yes, they are. This is done in order to facilitate easier storage of the cart, and also so that the wheels can be replaced.
2. How do I attach my dump cart to my lawn tractor?
Your lawn tractor or mower comes with a "hitch," which must be aligned with the "tongue" (the long-handled part) of your dump cart. Detailed instructions are usually included by the manufacturers.
3. How do you unload a dump cart?
Most dump carts come equipped with a release mechanism that allows you to effortlessly dump its contents. If you have a smaller budget though, you might have to proceed manually.
4. What material are dump carts made from?
Dump carts can be made either from plastic or steel metal. Although plastic is more durable, steel metal is sturdier. Refer to our buying guide for a more detailed discussion.
5. What size dump cart should I buy?
This depends on its intended use, e.g. if you are hauling heavy materials like rocks, then you need a large cart with a big carrying capacity (e.g. 1200 pounds). Additionally, the dimensions of your backyard/garden should also be considered.
Conclusion
The best dump cart for lawn tractor obviously comes in all shapes and sizes, but we think that the Gorilla Carts GOR866D is most worth your consideration.
If you’re looking to buy a dump cart on a smaller budget, though, then the GOR4PS from the same brand also performs beautifully at a lower price point.
And if you’re still confused, why not head back to our buying guide?
Good luck!