6 Best Dump Carts for Lawn Tractors – Move Heavy Loads with Ease!

By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: September 01, 2023
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Living on a large property means freedom and privacy, but it also can mean transporting heavy garden supplies and wood manually across your land. Lawn tractor dump trailers easily hook onto your lawn tractor or lawn mower and can help to reduce the manual labor and time it takes to move these supplies.

We looked over 34 of the different products to find the best dump carts for lawn tractors and discovered that the Gorilla Carts GOR6PS Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart is the top choice out there. This product is heavy-duty, user friendly, and durable. We then gathered five other popular lawn tractors, each of which has its own unique features. By the time you’re done reading this review, we hope that you’ll have an ideal dump cart in mind.

Our team has spent countless hours searching for the best heavy-duty dump cart for lawn tractors and found which features you should keep in mind. We focused on load capacity, which determines how much weight and supplies you can put in your dump cart. We considered the release mechanism that allows for easy dumping. Durable tires were also pretty high on our list of ideal features. We know that all lawn tractors are different, so the dimensions and weight of the dump carts were always top of mind. We took the time to scan official websites and the feedback from verified buyers. In this review, you’ll find an overview table of the best dump carts, detailed reviews of our top favorites, and a buying guide to help you make your final decision.

Quick Summary

Top 6 Dump Cart for Lawn Tractors Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4480 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
Features
  • Load capacity: 1200 lbs., 6 cu. ft.
  • Release mechanism: quick-release
  • Tires: 13” pneumatic
  • Dimensions: 44 x 25.8 x 26.2 in.
  • Weight: 54 lbs.

More features: 1-year limited warranty, convertible towable handle, maintenance-free poly bed

The Gorilla Carts GOR6PS Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart has officially earned the title of our “Editor’s Choice.” This pull-behind cart for your lawn tractor is truly heavy-duty and practically invincible.

The cart has a 40”x”25” poly bed that can support up to 1,200 pounds of supplies, so you don’t have to make as many trips across your property when you’re working the land. It also has a unique patented dump technology that makes dumping a low-effort, quick maneuver.

What sets this dump cart apart is the idea that it doubles as a hand cart too. At a mere 54 pounds, all you have to do is get a firm grip around the padded handle, and you can make short, light trips from the garage to your garden.

This dump cart can handle just about any job you’ve got in mind. The tight turn radius makes precise maneuvers a reality, and the impressive ground clearance makes obstacles, brush, or stumps a non-issue.

As soon as this cart is delivered to your door, all you need to do is set aside about 30 minutes of your time to get it put together. Half an hour later, you will be able to use this 6 cubic feet cart at its full potential.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Supports an impressive 1,200 pounds
  • Doubles as a hand-towed wheelbarrow
  • Tight turn radius for added maneuverability
  • Padded handle
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Needs to be manually locked back into place after dumping
  • Requires assembly
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9211 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.5
2
Best with Large Bed

Polar Trailer Clam LG7

Features
  • Load capacity: 600 lbs., 7 cu. ft.
  • Release mechanism: quick-release tipper latch
  • Tires: 2-15″ x 4.8″
  • Dimensions: 65 x 31 x 28 in.
  • Weight: 51 lbs.

More features: heavy-duty polyethylene tub, all-steel frame with powder coat finish

The Polar Trailer Clam LG7 is the perfect lawn tractor cart for small jobs that are just a little too heavy for the average wheelbarrow. Don’t be afraid to load this durable dump cart up with a few hundred pounds of gravel or sand for each load.

To dump the load, you first need to activate the quick-release tipper latch. Then, you can change the direction and position of the bed to dump your load exactly where it needs to go. That means a lot less time working to put the cart into the perfect position.

The actual process of dumping is pretty clean too. Since the cart is nicely angled at the rear, the angled portion will rest on the ground as you use a shovel or your hands to gently remove any leftover material from the bed.

There won’t be an issue with large bumps or terrain, either. With 15” tires providing impeccable ground clearance, you don’t have to worry about your cart going airborne or getting caught on obstacles in your path. However, a few people mentioned that they wanted to replace the tired for better performance.

If you’re a little wary about poly dump carts, you can breathe a sigh of relief. This ultra-lightweight poly 51-pound dump cart is reinforced with a steel frame to enhance durability.

    What makes it stand out?
  • 15” of ground clearance for rough terrain
  • Tilt-and-swivel technology for precise dumping
  • Bed offers impressive size dimensions
  • Clean dumping with angled rear
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Tires might need to be upgraded
  • Considered a partial dump cart, so a little manual labor is required
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4279 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.4
3
Features
  • Load capacity: 750 lbs., 12 cu. ft.
  • Release mechanism: foot lever
  • Tires: 16” x 4” pneumatic
  • Dimensions: 48 x 19.4 x 12.8 in.
  • Weight: 93 lbs.

More features: 3-year limited warranty, scratch-resistant, powder-coat paint, universal fit hitch

The Agri-Fab 45-0101 Tow Behind Dump Cart is not just a regular steel dump cart, and it’s also considered as our “Best Steel Dump Cart.” The first thing you’ll notice is the practically unmatchable price for such a heavy-duty cart.

Even though many materials tend to lose durability after long contact with the rain and snow, this steel cart will hold up year-round if you’re taking care of it. The scratch-resistant paint is even better for keeping your cart look neat and remaining strong.

The greatest feature of this dump cart is the universal fit hitch. Whether you’re riding an ATV, lawn tractor, or lawn mower, there’s a really good chance that you’ll be able to latch this cart to your vehicle without any problems.

What’s even more notable is the 12-inch high bed. You may have noticed that a few of our top choices are more low-profile and sleeker, but this dump cart was built to handle heavy loads of sand, gravel, mulch, or firewood.

Since this dump cart weighs 93 pounds and is made of high-grade steel, the foot pedal release mechanism makes dumping much simpler. You just might need a little elbow grease to fully empty the bed completely once it’s been dumped.

    What stands out?
  • Affordable price
  • Universal fit hitch
  • Scratch-resistant paint
  • 12-inch high bed is perfect for heavy loads
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Heavier than most carts
  • Might require some manual work to dump the materials
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4750 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.2
Features
  • Load capacity: 1250 lbs., 12.5 cu. ft.
  • Release mechanism: foot pedal
  • Tires: 16” commercial-grade multi-terrain tires
  • Dimensions: 39 x 48.2 x 13.8 in.
  • Weight: 48.5 lbs.

More features: multi-hitch, excellent ground clearance for uneven terrain, 100-degree unloading radius, premium structural foam cart bed

The Ohio Steel 4048PHYB Pro Grade Hybrid Tractor/ATV Cart is also our “Best Dump Cart with High Capacity”. This model is able to handle loads up to 1,250 pounds and has 12 ½ cubic feet of storage space. It’ll be hard to find a dump cart as durable as this.

You definitely won’t be making as many trips as usual, and you can rest easy knowing your dump cart is more than capable of transporting a little firewood and huge loads of dirt. If you happen to come across some rough travels, its ground clearance is more than enough to keep the load in the bed without tipping.

When you’re carrying loads up to 1,250 lbs., even dumping the load a few feet away can make your job that much harder. With the simple activation of the foot pedal release mechanism, you can easily swivel the bed up to 100° for a more precise dump.

The key feature of this dump cart is the multi-hitch. With one swift motion, you can easily hook this dump cart up to your favorite farm vehicle, whether that’s your ATV, lawn mower, or lawn tractor.

Just remember that, while the cart can withstand up to 1,250 pounds, that doesn’t mean your lawn tractor can too. Check out the towing capacity of your lawn tractor first before loading up your first dropoff.

    Why is it special?
  • 100° dumping radius for precise dumps
  • Supports loads up to 1,250 pounds
  • Ideal clearance for rough terrain
  • Can hook to your ATV, lawn mower, or lawn tractor with ease
    What are the flaws?
  • Requires a little manual labor to completely dump the load
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4309 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
8.9
Features
  • Load capacity: 650 lbs., 10 cu. ft.
  • Release mechanism: foot pedal
  • Tires: 15” x 6” turf tread pneumatic
  • Dimensions: 69 x 39.5 x 27.5 in.
  • Weight: 75 lbs.

More features: 56-degree dump angle, powder-coated steel tow bar, compression-molded polypropylene bed

Coming from such a big name in farming and lawn care, you can’t go wrong with a John Deere lawn tractor trailer. This John Deere 650 Lb. 10 Cu. Ft. Tow-Behind Poly Utility Cart has successfully earned our title of “Best Versatile Dump Cart.”

The first thing you’ll notice is just how sturdy this dump cart is. With an insanely durable steel tow bar and thick poly bed, you can be sure that this cart can really tow loads up to 650 pounds without a problem.

One of the biggest issues that come with towing heavy loads across your lawn is damage to your grass. The good news is, the thick 15” turf tread tires of this model won’t destroy your lawn, but will also help you to maneuver around tricky terrain and bumps.

You can also make this dump cart fit your lawn needs. With a compression-molded poly bad, you can add your own dividers to keep different materials separated.

What’s most important, however, is the 56° dump angle. With such a steep dropoff angle, you can be sure that a majority of your materials will easily flow out of that bed, with only a little manual labor needed to clear out a few pesky pieces of gravel or mulch. As for the drawbacks, the assembly process might take some time.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Turf tread tires keep your lawn safe
  • Slots for dividers
  • 56° angle for a steeper dropoff
  • Durable frame and bed
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Takes a little bit of work to assemble it
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6759 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.7
Features
  • Load capacity: 650 lbs., 10 cu. ft.
  • Release mechanism: foot pedal
  • Tires: 15″ x 6″ turf tread pneumatic
  • Dimensions: 67 x 27.25 x 38 in.
  • Weight: 74.8 lbs.

More features: 56-degree dump angle, heavy-duty poly bed, 2-year warranty

The Brinly PCT-10BH 10 Cubic Feet Tow Behind Poly Utility Cart, our top choice for “Best Dump Cart for Small Loads,” is a low-profile model that’ll help you with basic transportations. This is the perfect cart for gardeners or anyone needing to move some materials at short distances.

With that said, this cart is ideal for anyone tired of the manual labor required of wheelbarrows when gardening. All it takes is a little bit of pressure on the foot pedal, and an entire load of mulch, sand, or dirt will be released immediately.

The best part of this dump cart is the 56° dump angle, similar to the John Deere model we’ve just reviewed. With such a steep angle and an angled rear, you can guarantee that every last bit of material will leave the bed without you needing to help it along.

When it comes to durability, it’ll be difficult to find another dump cart with such heavy-duty steel axles. The ¾” steel axles of this model ensure that you’ll never have an issue with weight support or an axle suddenly snapping mid-travel.

Most important, however, is the high-quality turf tread tires. They won’t damage your lawn, even when you’re towing up to 650 pounds, and will help your dump cart to absorb shock and remain stable during the ride. Unfortunately, we’ve found a few reports about missing parts in the package.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Durable steel axle for added lifespan
  • 15” turf tread tires for lawn protection
  • Easy-release foot pedal mechanism
  • 56° dump angle for precise dumping
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Poor quality control

Things to Consider

Since most lawn tractor dump carts are pretty durable and seem to last for years, knowing exactly what to look for might be a bit complicated or new to you. After all, what makes a dump cart ideal for you doesn’t mean it meets somebody else’s needs as well. You need to take into consideration how you’ll be using your dump cart today and in the future. In this buying guide, we’ll go over all the key features and specs you need to keep an eye on.

How to find the best dump car or lawn tractor?

6 Best Dump Carts for Lawn Tractors – Move Heavy Loads with Ease!

A lot of products look good on paper, but they might fail to live up to your expectations when they’re finally delivered to your front door. That’s why it helps to have some information from others who have actually tried the product out. When you check out dump carts on Amazon, make it a point to glance over the user reviews and learn about how people actually used the product. Put a little more weight into the reviews that describe how the dump cart performed when doing tasks you plan to use yours for. Focus on the reviews that are labeled as “Verified Purchasers” if possible.

Max Load Capacity

Even if a dump cart is highly rated, that doesn’t mean it’ll survive the tasks you need it to complete. That means you need to first consider what you’ll be loading into your dump cart before making your final purchase.

For example, dump carts like the Gorilla Carts GOR6PS can carry up to 1,200 pounds. Based on weight, this model can hold something that weights just like about half a cord of firewood. Considering the volume, the 6 cubic feet of storage should be enough for various materials.

Next, there are models like the Agri-Fab 45-0101 Tow Behind Dump Cart, which can support up to 750 pounds of weight over 12 cubic feet. Since 1 cubic foot of sand is about 95 pounds, you can easily store 8 cubic feet of sand in this dump cart.

You’ll have to find a happy medium between capacity and volume. When you increase one, you might just be decreasing the other.

Release Mechanism

When you finally get your supplies from point A to point B, you want to be able to dump the load easily. Most dump carts nowadays use foot pedal release mechanisms. With this type of cart, all you need to do is firmly apply pressure to the foot pedal, which releases the mechanism and allows the cart to tip back. These are easy to use because the pressure of your body weight can easily trigger the release.

Other products use a hand lever, which basically performs the same task as a foot lever but might require a little more power. For convenience purposes, the foot pedal will likely meet most of your dumping needs more than a hand lever.

Maneuverability

There are a few things that go into determining the maneuverability of a dump cart: the size of the dump cart and the size of the tires. The most maneuverable dump carts are compact with large and thick wheels, such as seen with the Ohio Steel 4048PHYB Pro Grade Hybrid Tractor/ATV Cart.

The larger your dump cart is, the higher the center of gravity is. When the center of gravity is higher, it’s more likely to tip over, even if you’re just attempting to make a few swift turns while en route to your drop off point.

When your dump cart’s tires are larger and thicker, they’re able to get a better hold of the ground beneath it. That means your dump cart will be less likely to tip and keep contact with the ground no matter the twists and turns you make.

Tub Durability

The tub (or bed) of your dump cart is where you’ll be storing your actual supplies. The material your bed is made of can make a huge difference on how long your dump cart lasts and the types of loads it can support.

You’ll notice that most dump carts are considered “poly” carts. This makes a dump cart more lightweight, yet still durable enough to tow heavy loads. They’re also water-resistant, so the weather isn’t an issue, making poly carts some of the best out there.

A few carts, like the Agri-Fab 45-0101, are made of heavy-duty steel. Given the toughness of steel, these dump carts can be a bit more durable and easier to unload because of the removable tailgate. The issue is that steel dump carts tend to rust and corrode if the pain layer is damaged, so any amount of rain or water will impact your cart’s durability.

6 Best Dump Carts for Lawn Tractors – Move Heavy Loads with Ease!

Axle

Just like in regular vehicles, the axle of a dump cart connects two opposing wheels. With a functional axle, your dump cart’s wheels will be able to turn without issues or getting caught up on any obstacles.

The stronger a cart’s axles are, the more weight the cart is capable of supporting. That means you can assume a higher capacity dump cart has thicker steel axles that can support up to 1,200 pounds.

In our list, we touched on the Brinly PCT-10BH 10 Cubic Feet Tow Behind Poly Utility Cart. This model has a ¾” solid steel axle, which is exactly why this compact dump cart can tow 650 pounds with ease.

Tires

The best dump carts for lawn tractors tend to have thick pneumatic tires. Unlike regular rubber tires in the lawn care product category, pneumatic tires are filled with air, just like the tires for your actual truck or car.

With pneumatic tires, you’re also usually getting thicker treads. Overall, the benefit of these tires is that they provide a smoother, more stable ride over all types of terrain. This is the type of tire you need if your property isn’t exactly flat.

You might notice the term “turf tread” thrown around here and there. These tires are usually thicker and easier on the grass, so you won’t destroy your lawn every time you use it.

Dimensions and Weight

There’s a huge range in specs when it comes to the dimensions and weight of a dump cart. In fact, our list ranges from 6 to 12 cubic feet in terms of storage space and 48.5 to 93 pounds in terms of cart weight.

You need to consider how much weight your lawn tractor can actually pull. For example, if your lawn tractor can tow about 500 pounds and your dump cart weighs 90 pounds, that drops your towable load down to 410. A lighter cart might be better for maximizing your load.

Yet, you need to also take into consideration the physical size of what you’ll be transporting. Just because your dump cart can support 1,200 pounds, it doesn’t mean that it can physically fit 1,200 pounds of gravel. Take into consideration the weight and the dimensions before buying.

Prices

No matter which product from our list you decide to buy, you’re going to be getting a durable and user-friendly dump cart. Yet, the prices range wildly, from less than $200 for the Gorilla Carts GOR6PS Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart and close to $400 for the Ohio Steel 4048PHYB Pro Grade Hybrid Tractor/ATV Cart.

You have to take into consideration that not all of these dump carts can be shipped with Prime delivery. In that case, you might be spending well over $100 on shipping alone, which can be even tougher on the wallet.

That means you need to actually consider the type of dump cart you really need. For example, it wouldn’t make sense to spend close to $400 on a dump cart that you plan on using once a year. On the other hand, weekly or even monthly use can make this product worth it.

 

FAQ

What is the pressure requirement for the tires?

Since lawn dump cart tires are usually pneumatic and have thicker treads, you won’t be inflating them the same as you’d inflate your car tires. For the most part, your dump cart tires should be inflated to around 30 to 35 PSI. However, the actual recommended PSI depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the type of tires you have. Make sure you’re checking the inner rim of the tire to figure out the PSI ideal for your specific tires. Don’t just inflate the tires as much as possible. When pneumatic tires are overinflated, they tend to have less traction and make for a bumpy ride.

Can those dump carts for lawn tractors withstand tougher terrains?

Most dump carts have tires ranging from about 13” to about 16”, making them rather useful on rough terrain. That’s because the height of the tires forces the cart to rest higher above the ground while in motion. Since the clearance is much higher than say a 6” tire, your dump cart will be able to avoid obstacles, bumps, and brush during your travels successfully. What’s also important to note is the center of gravity of your dump cart. The higher the center of gravity is, similar to a large truck or SUV, the more likely the dump cart will tip or sway. One large bump or hill might send your supplies flying if your bed sits too high above the ground.

How long do dump carts last?

It really depends on the type of dump cart you purchase and how you treat it. For example, a heavy-duty poly dump cart for a lawn tractor will last you for several years without issues. On the other hand, a steel dump cart that’s used for gravel and is left out in the rain will likely undergo a ton of scratching and corrode. You also need to watch your speed and the terrain you’re encountering. Taking bumps, turns, and hills too quickly can damage the hitch, snap the axle, or even pop the tires. Make an effort to drive slowly and efficiently, when possible.

Our verdict

The winner of our competition is the Gorilla Carts GOR6PS Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart. It offers an unbeatable quick-release mechanism, the ability to convert the cart to a hand-pulled tool, and supports for up to 1,200 pounds.

Our runner-up is the Polar Trailer Clam LG7, which also appears to be the best dump cart with a large bed. This model is ideal for smaller loads, but also boasts a lightweight design and unmatchable ground clearance for rough terrain and obstacles.

Barely trailing behind, we have the Agri-Fab 45-0101 Tow Behind Dump Cart, which we awarded the title of the best steel dump cart. This model is heavy-duty and capable of towing an impressive 12 cubic feet of supplies. It’s also doesn’t cost much.

We hope that our article helped you find the best dump cart for lawn tractor what matched all your needs.

9,8
Total Score
Gorilla Carts GOR6PS Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart - Editor's Choice
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