Best Dump Carts for Lawn Tractors
Turn your lawn tractor into a hauling machine. We tested 10 dump carts to find the best options for moving mulch, debris, and heavy loads around your property.
Quick Picks
Gorilla Carts GOR6PS
1,200 lb capacity with 10 cu ft poly bed. Reliable foot pedal dump and pneumatic tires. Best value for most homeowners.
$229Ohio Steel 4048P-SD
15 cu ft swivel dump cart with 1,250 lb capacity. 180-degree swivel dump for precise unloading.
$399Agri-Fab 45-0101
10 cu ft poly cart at an entry-level price. 750 lb capacity handles typical yard work.
$159Why You Need a Dump Cart
A dump cart transforms your lawn tractor from a mower into a versatile workhorse. Instead of making multiple wheelbarrow trips, you can haul 10-17 cubic feet of material in one load. The dump feature lets you unload without lifting - essential for heavy materials like mulch, gravel, and soil.
Quality dump carts handle everything from fall leaf cleanup to major landscaping projects. They're also invaluable for moving firewood, feed bags, tools, and supplies around larger properties.
What to Look For
Capacity
Consider both volume (cubic feet) and weight capacity (pounds). A 10 cu ft cart filled with wet mulch weighs much more than the same cart filled with dry leaves. Match capacity to your tractor's towing rating - most standard lawn tractors handle 800-1,000 lbs.
Bed Material
Poly (polyethylene) beds are lightweight, rust-proof, and easy to clean. Materials slide out easily when dumping. Best for most homeowners.
Steel beds are more durable under heavy loads and resist punctures from sharp materials. They're heavier and can rust without proper coating. Best for hauling rocks, gravel, or heavy equipment.
Dump Mechanism
Foot pedal release is the most common - simple and reliable. Lever release provides more control for partial dumps. Swivel dump carts rotate to dump left or right, useful for precise placement.
Tires
Pneumatic (air-filled) tires provide better ride quality and traction on rough terrain. Flat-free tires never go flat but offer a harsher ride. For most properties, pneumatic tires are worth the occasional flat.
Detailed Reviews
1. Gorilla Carts GOR6PS
$229 Best OverallPros
- Excellent build quality
- Reliable foot pedal dump
- Rust-proof poly bed
- Large pneumatic tires
- Easy assembly
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Higher price than budget options
- 10 cu ft may be small for large jobs
Our Testing Experience
The Gorilla Carts GOR6PS struck the best balance of capacity, durability, and value in our testing. The 1,200 lb capacity handled everything we threw at it - mulch, gravel, firewood, and yard debris. The foot pedal dump mechanism worked reliably every time.
Build quality is noticeably better than budget carts. The frame is sturdy, welds are clean, and the poly bed is thick enough to resist cracking. The 13" pneumatic tires rolled smoothly over rough terrain.
Best for: Homeowners who want a reliable cart that will last for years.
Check Price on Amazon2. Ohio Steel 4048P-SD
$399 Best Heavy-DutyPros
- 180-degree swivel dump
- Large 15 cu ft capacity
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- 16" tires for stability
- Precise unloading control
Cons
- Higher price
- Heavier to maneuver
- More complex assembly
Our Testing Experience
The Ohio Steel swivel dump cart is the premium option for serious hauling. The 180-degree swivel lets you dump left, right, or straight back - incredibly useful for placing mulch in garden beds or filling holes precisely.
The 15 cu ft capacity reduces trips significantly on big projects. The extra-large tires provide excellent stability even with heavy loads. This is the cart for frequent, heavy-duty use.
Best for: Properties with extensive landscaping or frequent hauling needs.
Check Price on Amazon3. Agri-Fab 45-0101
$159 Best BudgetPros
- Affordable price
- Good capacity for the money
- Universal hitch fits most tractors
- Simple, reliable design
Cons
- Lower weight capacity
- Thinner poly bed
- Basic construction
Our Testing Experience
The Agri-Fab 45-0101 is the best choice for occasional use or tight budgets. It handles typical yard work - leaves, grass clippings, light mulching - without issues. The 750 lb capacity is sufficient for most homeowner tasks.
Build quality is adequate but noticeably lighter than premium options. The poly bed is thinner and may crack under heavy abuse. For occasional use, it's excellent value.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers or occasional light-duty use.
Check Price on Amazon4. Polar Trailer HD 1500
$349Pros
- Highest weight capacity
- Extra-thick poly bed
- Commercial-grade components
- Dual-stage dump
Cons
- Requires larger tractor
- Heavier overall weight
- Higher price point
Our Testing Experience
The Polar HD 1500 is built for serious work. The 1,500 lb capacity handles gravel, stone, and heavy equipment that would overwhelm lighter carts. The extra-thick poly bed shrugged off impacts that would crack thinner beds.
Best for: Large properties with garden tractors and heavy hauling needs.
Check Price on Amazon5. John Deere 10P Poly Cart
$279Pros
- John Deere brand quality
- Perfect fit for JD tractors
- Excellent dealer support
- Attractive design
Cons
- Lower capacity for price
- Brand premium pricing
- Identical carts cost less
Our Testing Experience
The John Deere cart is well-built and matches JD tractors aesthetically. However, you're paying a brand premium - the Gorilla Carts offers nearly double the capacity at a lower price. Choose this if matching your John Deere equipment matters to you.
Best for: John Deere enthusiasts who want matching equipment.
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best dump cart for a lawn tractor?
The Gorilla Carts GOR6PS is our top pick for most homeowners. It offers 1,200 lb capacity, 10 cubic feet volume, and a reliable foot pedal dump mechanism. The poly bed won't rust and the pneumatic tires handle rough terrain well.
What size dump cart do I need?
For typical yard work, a 10 cubic foot cart is sufficient. For moving mulch, gravel, or soil regularly, consider 15-17 cubic feet. Match capacity to your tractor: standard lawn tractors handle 800-1,000 lbs, garden tractors up to 1,500 lbs.
Poly vs steel dump cart: which is better?
Poly carts are lighter, rust-proof, and easier to clean. Steel carts are more durable under heavy loads. Choose poly for general yard work, steel for hauling rocks or sharp materials. Poly is better for most homeowners.
Can any dump cart attach to any lawn tractor?
Most dump carts use a universal pin hitch that fits standard lawn tractors and zero turns. Check your tractor's hitch type and weight rating before purchasing. Some carts include adapter kits for different hitch styles.