10 Best Garden Trolleys of 2024

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The Best Garden Trolleys

garden trolley
  1. Best all-rounder - Timber Ridge Collapsible Garden Trolley

  2. Best for easy storage - LIFE CARVER Folding Garden Trolley

  3. Best for heavy loads - Ollies Trolleys UK Extra Large Garden Cart

  4. Best for lighter loads - Timber Ridge Folding Garden Cart

  5. Best for family use - Fuxtec Garden Trolley with Removable Canopy

  6. Best tipping trolley - Deuba Tripping Garden Trolley

  7. Best on a budget - Amazon Basics Collapsible Garden Trolley

  8. Best for varying terrain - BEAU JARDIN Garden Trolley

  9. Best for day-to-day gardening - VonHaus Tipping Garden Trolley

  10. Best for large gardens - LiftMate Heavy Duty Garden Trailer

Garden Trolley Reviews

Editors Choice
  • Easily collapses small enough to fit in a car boot
  • Comes with a cover that keeps everything compact when folded
  • 80kg maximum load, suitable for a range of uses in the garden and on holiday
  • Rubber surface of wheels offers good grip on slippery terrain
  • Durable oxford fabric and stainless steel frame support content well

  • When loaded to capacity, is a little more difficult to steer
  • No brakes on wheels
Capacity
80kg
Dimensions
89x48x30cm
Frame Material
Stainless steel
Body Material
Oxford cloth
Weight
10.9kg
Collapsible?
Yes
Overall Score 4.9
Design
5
Durability
4.5
Features
5
Value for Money
5

The Timber Ridge Collapsible Garden Trolley is one of the best garden trolleys on the market, especially if you’re looking for a good all-rounder. It’s functional and affordable, available at a very reasonable price.

It has an 80 kg maximum load, which is suitable for a wide range of uses, from camping to beach trips. The trolley is available in two different styles, with either big or normal wheels. With the bigger wheels, this trolley is designed to cover a range of terrains, including grass, sand, and uneven ground. Although they are not pneumatic tyres, the rubber-edged wheels have great grip over different surfaces.

The body of the trolley is made from oxford fabric and has a stainless steel frame. This trolley is durable and the sides are sturdy. The fabric attaches to the frame using Velcro, so it can be easily removed and wiped clean if needed.

The dimensions of the trolley’s body are 89 x 48 x 30 cm, which makes it roomy enough for a variety of objects. For example, it’s large enough for a toddler to sit inside alongside beach equipment.

This trolley collapses quickly and easily, which makes storage and transportation simple. This is ideal if you want to use it on an allotment or don’t have a lot of storage space. It’s also easy to reassemble when it’s needed.

The handle of this trolley is height adjustable to make it comfortable to use. It also has an ergonomic grip. When full, the steering can be a little bit more difficult, but nothing unmanageable.

Overall, this is one of the best garden trolleys all round. With an 80kg weight capacity, foldable construction, and grippy rubber wheels, it’s great for a lot of different uses. Also, the choice of colour and wheel size is a nice touch so you can customise the trolley to your preferences.

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Runner Up
  • 150 kg maximum load suitable for most home uses
  • Folds down to only 20 cm thick for storage
  • Durable materials and strong alloy steel frame
  • Solid rubber tyres which turn in all directions
  • Adjustable handle height for more comfortable pulling

  • Tyres are a little narrow so can struggle on soft surfaces like dry sand
Capacity
150kg
Dimensions
80x44x25cm
Frame Material
Alloy steel
Body Material
Oxford cloth
Weight
approx 10kg
Collapsible?
Yes
Overall Score 4.9
Design
5
Durability
4.5
Features
5
Value for Money
5

The LIFE CARVER Folding Garden Trolley is the best garden trolley for easy storage. It folds down into a unit that’s only 20 cm thick. This makes both storing and transporting the trolley very easy to do. It’s also simple to reassemble when needed.

This trolley has an impressive maximum load of 150 kg. This makes it suitable for work around the garden as well as some heavier uses like towing small children. It’s made from durable Oxford fabric and has an alloy steel frame. The fabric is UV and mildew resistant and easy to wipe clean.

It’s simple to adjust the height of the handle, and it can be extended to allow for a comfortable pulling height. The ergonomic handle grip is shaped to fit the hand, and reinforced with plastic to make it more comfortable to hold onto.

The tyres are made from solid rubber and turn through 360°. This can help with steering and navigating the garden trolley over difficult terrain. However, one downside to this trolley is that the tyres aren’t as wide as on some other models, so they can struggle on softer surfaces like sand.

A nice addition to this trolley is the two mesh drinks holders near the handle. These offer a place to safely store water bottles so they don’t get jostled around in the main trolley. It’s also one of the lightest trolleys here, weighing approximately 10kg. This makes it easy to lift and store when not in use.

Overall, this is a great option for those who want a collapsible trolley that’s easy to move, store, and transport. Despite being collapsible, the 150kg maximum weight is enough for most uses and the construction material is durable.

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Also Good
  • Capable of carrying heavy loads like logs
  • Strong, durable metal construction
  • Can be hitched up to a sit-on mower and towed, or pulled by hand
  • 33 cm diameter pneumatic tyres work across soft and hard surfaces
  • Sides can be lowered to assist with loading heavy items

  • Relatively large for storage, even with sides removed
  • Assembly will require a big spanner to tighten the six large bolts
  • Can be prone to rattling during movement
Capacity
450kg
Dimensions
127x63x28cm
Frame Material
Metal
Body Material
Metal
Weight
27kg
Collapsible?
No
Overall Score 4.6
Design
4.5
Durability
5
Features
4.5
Value for Money
4.5

For those who want to transport heavy loads, the Ollies Trolleys UK Extra Large Garden Cart is one of the best garden trolleys. This is a heavy-duty trolley, able to carry up to 450 kg, the highest maximum load of any trolley on this page. It has solid metal sides covered by metal wire.

The trolley’s body is reasonably large, measuring 127 x 63 x 28 cm. This makes it suitable for carrying a lot of equipment and heavy items around the garden. The sides are deep enough to ensure the load is secure and that items won’t fall over the side during transit.

It has pneumatic tyres that measure 33 cm in diameter. These work well on loose soil as well as solid surfaces like tarmac.

Another useful feature of this trolley is that it comes with a towing attachment and can be hitched to a sit-on mower or mini tractor.

Although this garden trolley can’t be collapsed like some models, the sides can be easily removed. This at least makes it a little smaller for transportation and storage. It’s easy to do, by sliding the lugs out of the side panels. You can also remove the sides when loading heavy items, so you don’t have to pick them up as far.

There is some assembly required when this trolley arrives, which involves attaching six large bolts. Although this is reasonably straight forward, you will need a large spanner to tighten them correctly.

Overall, this is one of the best garden trolleys for transporting larger, heavier items. It is particularly useful because the sides can be lowered to help with loading, and it can be towed by a machine if required.

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4. Timber Ridge Folding Garden Cart

Best for lighter loads

best garden trolley Timber Ridge Folding Garden Cart
  • 68 kg maximum load suitable for gardening and holidays
  • Collapsible for easy storage and transportation
  • Multiple side pockets to stop smaller items getting lost in main cart
  • Durable polyester material with alloy steel frame
  • Can fit in some car boots without having to be collapsed

  • Wheels are hard plastic and don’t absorb shock well
  • Has a lower maximum weight capacity of 50 kg when not on hard surfaces
Capacity
68kg
Dimensions
88x48x30cm
Frame Material
Alloy steel
Body Material
Polyester
Weight
‎11.1kg
Collapsible?
Yes
Overall Score 4.5
Design
5
Durability
4.5
Features
5
Value for Money
3.5

The Timber Ridge Folding Garden Cart is a good, budget option if you’re only looking to carry light loads. It has a maximum weight capacity of 68 kg, ideal for light gardening, family use, or camping trips. The body of the trolley is a decent size, measuring 88  x 48 x 30 cm, with deep sides that make it easy to load.

The trolley body is made from polyester and the frame is constructed with alloy steel. There are several mesh pockets around the side of this trolley, to keep smaller items separate from the melee within the main cart. There are also two drink holders, helping to avoid any spillages.

This trolley is collapsible for easy storage and reassembles easily. It condenses down into a rectangular unit that can easily be lifted into the car or stored in the shed. In fact, this trolley will fit in some car boots without even needing to be folded. It weighs around 11 kg when empty.

The handle is adjustable and has an easy-grip area to make it easy to comfortably hold and steer the trolley. The wheels are sturdy but relatively small. They’re also reasonably hard, so don’t absorb shock very well. The trolley’s maximum weight capacity changes depending on the terrain: 68 kg on hard surfaces and 50 kg on sand.

This is one of the best garden trolleys for smaller loads and a great option to buy on a budget. Although it doesn’t have the size or weight capacity as some options, it’s still more than capable of helping out in the garden and on holiday. Plus, it has the added bonus of being very easy to transport.

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  • Removable sunroof offers SPF 17 protection
  • Foldable to only 20cm thick for storage
  • Available in a choice of five colours
  • Brakes on the front wheels mean it can be secured on slopes
  • Compatible seat belts are available as an additional purchase

  • Smaller wheels are best suited to relatively hard ground
Capacity
75kg
Dimensions
80x46x74cm
Frame Material
Metal
Body Material
Not listed
Weight
12kg
Collapsible?
Yes
Overall Score 4.8
Design
5
Durability
4.5
Features
5
Value for Money
4.5

Whether it’s to carry your camping stuff on family adventures, do some light gardening, or tow younger children, the Fuxtec Garden Trolley with Removable Canopy is the best garden trolley for families. It has a maximum weight capacity of 75 kg and a canopy that will help protect the contents from the sun.

This trolley has a steel frame and rubber wheels that are 19 cm in diameter. These are smaller than a lot of the wheels on this page and are better suited to hard terrain like asphalt and hiking trails. Unlike many of the garden trolleys featured here, this model has brakes on the front wheels so you can park it safely even on slanted ground.

This garden trolley is collapsible and it folds up easily to just 20 cm wide. This makes it very easy to transport and store in the shed. There’s a protective cover included for use when the trolley is folded. The trolley’s handle is adjustable, so you can find a comfortable length.

As mentioned, one of the features that sets this trolley apart from others is its canopy. The canopy offers a small amount of UV protection, at SPF 17, whilst also providing shade to keep the contents of the trolley cool. It can be easily removed when not needed.

There are also mesh drinks holders on the side of the cart and an extra carry bag on the back of the trolley. You can even choose from a choice of five colours, and add seat belts (as an additional purchase) if you’re going to be using it for kids to ride in.

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  • 300 kg maximum capacity ideal for large garden loads
  • Metal and plastic construction is highly durable
  • Easy-to-use tipping function to unload items quickly
  • Large, pneumatic tyres to handle different terrain
  • Can steer angles tighter than 90°

  • Maximum load reduced to150 kg if using tipping function
  • There may be an area of weakness where the handle bolts to the cart
Capacity
300kg
Dimensions
95x52x22cm
Frame Material
Metal
Body Material
Plastic
Weight
17kg
Collapsible?
No
Overall Score 4.5
Design
4
Durability
5
Features
4
Value for Money
5

The Deuba Tipping Garden Trolley is one of the best tipping garden trolleys on the market. Its metal frame and solid plastic body make it durable and sturdy. Plus, since it’s plastic, it’s even easier to keep clean than fabric options – you can just wipe or hose it down in minutes.

The tipping function is easy to operate and allows you to unload compost and fertiliser with little effort. The trolley has an impressive maximum weight capacity of 300 kg, making it ideal for large garden loads. However, it’s important to note that if you’re going to use the tipping function, the maximum capacity is reduced to 150 kg. The body of the trolley is sufficiently large, at 95 x 52 x 22 cm, for most domestic gardening jobs. For reference, it can hold four large bags of sand or soil.

The handle has a rubber grip which makes it comfortable to hold; however, unlike many other models on this page, the handle is not height adjustable. The trolley does have pneumatic tyres though, which are thick and have plenty of grip.

You’ll need a spanner to help with assembly, and some of the bolts are quite large. Assembly generally takes around 20 minutes so it’s relatively straightforward as long as you have the right equipment.

This is one of the best garden trolleys for domestic tasks and is capable of carrying heavy loads around the garden. The fact that it tips up will also help facilitate certain jobs.

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  • 120 kg maximum capacity; ideal for domestic gardening and holidays
  • Lightest trolley featured here, weighing just 8.3 kg
  • Folds and has a carry bag
  • Handle height is adjustable from 93 - 118 cm
  • Easily fits in car boot

  • Has relatively thin wheels so can be hard to steer on loose, soft terrain
  • Stitching can be a little weak inside the trolley
Capacity
120kg
Dimensions
80x45x32cm
Frame Material
Steel and plastic
Body Material
Not listed
Weight
8.3kg
Collapsible?
Yes
Overall Score 4.3
Design
4
Durability
3.5
Features
4.5
Value for Money
5

If you’re on a budget and are looking for something simple but functional, the Amazon Basics Collapsible Garden Trolley is a great option to consider. It’s the least expensive option featured here yet definitely deserves its place on this list.

This trolley has a 120 kg maximum capacity, which makes it very versatile. It can be used for domestic gardening tasks as well as for other applications. The trolley body itself is a decent size, measuring approximately 107 x 45 cm. You can even choose from four colours to suit your taste.

The handle is plastic with a moulded grip area. It is height adjustable from 93 – 118 cm. The foldable frame is made of steel and the body is constructed from fabric. It comes with a cover that can be secured over the folded frame making it easy to carry.

It’s the lightest trolley featured here, weighing 8.3 kg, so a great option for taking away on holiday as well.

On the outside of the trolley there are some drinks holders. These are a useful addition to keep water bottles clean and easily accessible, yet away from the main body of the cart. The wheels are hard plastic, covered with a rubber tyre. They’re quite small, although relatively sturdy, and may struggle over some rough or soft terrain.

This is one of the best garden trolleys if you’re on a budget; it’s affordable and has a generous maximum load weight of 120 kg. Considering its low price, it has a lot going for it, including an adjustable handle, foldable construction and separate drinks holders.

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8. BEAU JARDIN Garden Trolley

Best for varying terrain

best garden trolley BEAU JARDIN Garden Trolley
  • 80 kg maximum weight capacity, suitable for a range of uses
  • 360° heavy-duty wheels for all terrains
  • Handles on either end of the trolley mean it can be pulled or pushed
  • Double brakes on front wheels for use on slopes
  • Wheel spacing can be adjusted to better distribute the weight of the load

  • Tyres are not pneumatic, they’re hard plastic covered by rubber
Capacity
80kg
Dimensions
85x50x27cm
Frame Material
Alloy steel
Body Material
Polyester
Weight
13.6kg
Collapsible?
Yes
Overall Score 4.9
Design
5
Durability
4.5
Features
5
Value for Money
5

Thanks to its wide wheels, the BEAU JARDIN Garden Trolley is a great option for tackling different terrain. The wheels are 7 cm wide and 20 cm in diameter. They also turn through 360° and there are brakes on the front wheels.

One additional factor that sets this trolley apart is that the wheel spacing can be altered, to help better distribute the weight of the trolley’s load.

It can support up to 80 kg. The body is made from polyester whilst the frame is alloy steel. The benefit of the polyester fabric is that it can be wiped down or even removed for easy cleaning.

Another factor that makes this trolley easier to use over different terrains are the handles. There are handles on both ends of this trolley so that it can be either pulled or pushed. If used on slopes, for example, you may find it easier to push the trolley. Not many trolleys offer this option. Both handles are adjustable, so you can choose the most comfortable angle.

The trolley is collapsible and is very easy to fold down and pop back up: it can be done in seconds by one person. It also comes with a cover to protect the trolley whilst folded.

As is the case with several trolleys featured here, there are pockets on the outside of the trolley body. However, unlike other carts, the pockets do up with Velcro. This makes them more secure for storing smaller items, but less convenient for transporting drinks bottles.

If you want the best garden trolley for varying terrain, this is an ideal choice. The sturdy wheels, adjustable handles, and durable materials make it suitable for carrying loads across a range of ground.

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9. VonHaus Tipping Garden Trolley

Best for day-to-day gardening

best garden trolley VonHaus Tipping Garden Trolley
  • 250 kg maximum load capacity, ideal for day-to-day gardening
  • Manages a tight turning circle
  • Large pneumatic wheels can handle a range of terrains
  • Tipping function to make unloading easier
  • Assembly takes approximately one hour

  • No brakes so difficult to use with heavy loads on a slope
  • Sides aren’t as high as with some other models
Capacity
250kg
Dimensions
93.5x52x19cm
Frame Material
Alloy steel
Body Material
Plastic
Weight
14.9kg
Collapsible?
No
Overall Score 4.5
Design
4
Durability
5
Features
4
Value for Money
5

The VonHaus Tipping Garden Trolley is one of the best garden trolleys for day-to-day gardening. The 250 kg maximum load makes it ideal for most domestic garden jobs. The body of the trolley is made from durable plastic and the frame is constructed with powder-coated steel.

This trolley has a tipping function, allowing you to unload with minimal effort. When using the tipping function, the maximum load capacity is reduced to 180 kg; something to keep in mind before purchase.

The pneumatic wheels are 25 cm in diameter. This makes them ideal for handling a wide range of terrain and rough ground. The handle is 78 cm long, with a soft grip area to make it more comfortable to pull. However, the handle isn’t adjustable unlike many of the other trolleys featured here.

This trolley requires assembly upon arrival which takes approximately one hour. It’s relatively straightforward as long as you apply a methodical approach. As always, having a second pair of hands does make things easier.

There are a couple of small drawbacks to this product. Firstly, when using the tipping mechanism, it can be difficult to fully empty the cart as the brim quickly touches the ground. Secondly, there are no brakes so it may not stay in place when positioned on a sloped lawn or angled driveway.

All things considered, when it comes to regular gardening, this trolley is a great all-rounder. The pneumatic tyres and sturdy construction ensure it’s durable and can handle varying terrain. The tipping function, easy steering, and comfortable handle make it easy to use as well.

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10. LiftMate Heavy Duty Garden Trailer

Best for large gardens

best garden trolley LiftMate Heavy Duty Garden Trailer
  • 350 kg maximum load, ideal for large loads
  • Large trolley body measuring 120 x 60 x 27.5 cm for bulky loads
  • 33 cm diameter pneumatic wheels for all terrains
  • Sides can fold down for easy loading and unloading
  • Sturdy metal construction

  • Heaviest of all trolleys at 30 kg, making it difficult to store or transport
  • All metal design means it can rattle a bit during use
  • No brakes so tricky to use on a slope
Capacity
350kg
Dimensions
120x60x27.5cm
Frame Material
Metal
Body Material
Metal
Weight
30kg
Collapsible?
No
Overall Score 4.6
Design
5
Durability
5
Features
4.5
Value for Money
4

If you have a large garden or are doing agricultural work, the LiftMate Heavy Duty Garden Trailer is a good option to consider. It has a heavy maximum load of 350 kg and is designed to be used over a variety of terrain. The trolley body is roomy with reasonably high sides, measuring 120 x 60 x 27.5 cm. This is ideal for transporting large, bulky loads.

It also has some of the largest tyres of any trolley on this page. The pneumatic wheels measure 33 cm in diameter. This makes them functional across various terrain and more than suitable for domestic gardening.

The handle has a padded grip area but its height is not adjustable. It steers the trolley well, allowing for good manoeuvrability despite the trolley’s large size. Unfortunately, this trolley doesn’t have brakes, which can be a little inconvenient on slopes, particularly with large loads.

It’s possible to use this trolley with or without the sides which can help with loading, as well as transporting large objects. It’s useful to be able to remove the sides so that heavy loads don’t need to be lifted as high when placing them on the trolley.

Storing and transporting this trolley will be more difficult than with smaller models though. For starters, this is the heaviest garden trolley on this list, weighing 30 kg. 

Nevertheless, if you have somewhere to keep it, this is one of the best garden trolleys for larger gardens and more heavy-duty work. It’s durable, sturdy, and ideal for large loads.

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Clive's Smart Buying Tips

  1. The most important thing to look for is the trolley’s maximum weight capacity. If you’ll be using the trolley primarily for moving bags of compost and fertiliser around, 50 kg should be enough (for reference, a 40 L bag of compost weighs around 30 kg). This should also be sufficient for beach and camping trips; choose a higher capacity of at least 75 kg if you want to wheel the kids about! For bigger landscaping jobs, look for a weight capacity over 100 kg.
  2. If you want to transport the trolley in the car, look out for a foldable model. Not only is this useful for transportation, but also for storage. Alternatively, choose a solid, stainless-steel frame if you want something that will always be ready for heavy-duty use around the garden.
  3. Another important factor to consider is the base weight of the trolley. Trolleys with fabric sides are less heavy to begin with, and therefore may be easier for some people to pull along.
  4. There are a few additional features to look out for. First of all, an adjustable handle will allow for a more comfortable towing position. Secondly, choose pneumatic tyres if you’ll be towing over a lot of uneven ground and difficult terrain. These better absorb shock and allow for a smoother ride. 

After comparing a range of garden trolleys, my top choice is the Timber Ridge Collapsible Garden Trolley. It has a weight capacity of 80 kg making it suitable for gardening as well as trips to the beach. It also folds down extremely neatly into a unit that will easily fit in the corner of a shed or a car boot.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Timber Ridge Collapsible Garden Trolley
    best garden trolley Timber Ridge Collapsible Garden Trolley
    • 4.9
    • 80kg
    • 89x48x30cm
    • Stainless steel
    • Oxford cloth
    • 10.9kg
    • Yes
  • LIFE CARVER Folding Garden Trolley
    best garden trolley LIFE CARVER Folding Garden Trolley
    • 4.9
    • 150kg
    • 80x44x25cm
    • Alloy steel
    • Oxford cloth
    • approx 10kg
    • Yes
  • Ollies Trolleys UK Extra Large Garden Cart
    best garden trolley Ollies Trolleys UK Extra Large Garden Cart
    • 4.6
    • 450kg
    • 127x63x28cm
    • Metal
    • Metal
    • 27kg
    • No
  • Timber Ridge Folding Garden Cart
    best garden trolley Timber Ridge Folding Garden Cart
    • 4.5
    • 68kg
    • 88x48x30cm
    • Alloy steel
    • Polyester
    • ‎11.1kg
    • Yes
  • Fuxtec Garden Trolley with Removable Canopy
    best garden trolley Fuxtec Garden Trolley with Removable Canopy
    • 4.8
    • 75kg
    • 80x46x74cm
    • Metal
    • Not listed
    • 12kg
    • Yes
  • Deuba Tripping Garden Trolley
    best garden trolley Deuba Tripping Garden Trolley
    • 4.5
    • 300kg
    • 95x52x22cm
    • Metal
    • Plastic
    • 17kg
    • No
  • Amazon Basics Collapsible Garden Trolley
    best garden trolley Amazon Basics Collapsible Garden Trolley
    • 4.3
    • 120kg
    • 80x45x32cm
    • Steel and plastic
    • Not listed
    • 8.3kg
    • Yes
  • BEAU JARDIN Garden Trolley
    best garden trolley BEAU JARDIN Garden Trolley
    • 4.9
    • 80kg
    • 85x50x27cm
    • Alloy steel
    • Polyester
    • 13.6kg
    • Yes
  • VonHaus Tipping Garden Trolley
    best garden trolley VonHaus Tipping Garden Trolley
    • 4.5
    • 250kg
    • 93.5x52x19cm
    • Alloy steel
    • Plastic
    • 14.9kg
    • No
  • LiftMate Heavy Duty Garden Trailer
    best garden trolley LiftMate Heavy Duty Garden Trailer
    • 4.6
    • 350kg
    • 120x60x27.5cm
    • Metal
    • Metal
    • 30kg
    • No

How to Choose The Best Garden Trolley

Using a garden trolley can be useful in both domestic and professional settings.

Not only are trolleys great for transporting heavy items around the garden, like compost, gravel, mulch and fertiliser, they can also be used on family camping and beach trips too.

They’re becoming a lot more popular with gardeners, particularly because they offer more versatility than traditional wheelbarrows.

To get a better idea of what to look out for, take a look at the following information and tips.

Garden Trolley Weight Capacity

One of the most important things to look at when searching for the best garden trolley is weight capacity. This will give you an idea of how much the trolley can transport, and therefore what it’s most suitable for.

A capacity of 50 – 100 kg should be sufficient for light gardening jobs. 50 kg will allow you to transport one large bag of compost as well as some gardening tools. Even this light weight can be useful for transporting equipment or supplies when camping as well. For standard gardening, you probably won’t need to exceed 100 kg.

However, if you’ll be carrying heavier items, you’ll want a trolley that can hold a couple of hundred kilograms. This will be necessary if you want to transport logs, large amounts of dirt, rocks, etc.

The maximum capacity on a trolley might vary depending on the terrain it’s used on, or if it has a tipping function. Be sure to double-check this as it’s easy to miss. Keep in mind that whilst a higher carrying capacity may mean you need to make fewer trips, it can also mean the trolley itself is bigger and harder to store.

Checking the initial weight of the trolley is also important, as you’ll need to pull it around alongside its contents.

Aside from weight capacity, you can also check the dimensions of the trolley body to make sure it will hold the size of the objects you’ll be carrying. Some have a bigger body and higher sides than others.

Selecting a Long-Lasting Trolley

Durability is key to ensuring your trolley lasts well over time. How durable you need your garden trolley to be will depend on how often you’ll be using it and what you’ll be using it for.

In general, trolleys with fabric bodies are less durable than those made from plastic or metal. However, most fabric trolleys still have metal frames which ensure they can stand up to a good amount of wear. Where possible, check customer reviews online for reports that the stitching is secure and that the fabric is durable (nylon and polyester are great options).

If you want to use your trolley a few times a year to go to the beach or to do light gardening, a collapsible fabric trolley with a metal frame will be suitable. It’ll also be much easier to fit in the car and transport. On the other hand, if you’re going to be using it frequently for gardening, something sturdy and robust is key. You might opt for a metal frame and body, or a plastic body with a metal frame.

Ease of Movement

Look for a garden trolley with good steering and check that the handle is comfortable to hold. An ergonomically-shaped handle is good to look out for, as is a rubber grip.

The tyres will make a big difference to how easily your trolley can be moved. Look for trolleys which have wheels that move through 360°. On some trolleys, this will only apply to the front wheels, but for better movement, check if all the wheels rotate the whole way round.

Think about what sort of terrain you want to use your trolley on. If you’re going to be using it on mostly hard ground that isn’t too rough, smaller wheels will be fine. However, if you want it to move easily over varied terrains, such as rough, bumpy ground, mud, or sand, then bigger, thicker wheels will be more suitable.

The diameter of the wheels will typically be listed in the description and they will state that the tyres are either solid or pneumatic. Make sure solid wheels are covered by grippy rubber tyres. They may not offer good shock absorption but they still tend to have good traction.

Pneumatic wheels absorb shock well and are more versatile in terms of the terrain they can be used across. However, they may puncture if used over spiky, broken ground. If pneumatic wheels go flat, they will need to be reinflated which is an additional point of maintenance.

Ease of Assembly

Many trolleys will need to be assembled when they first arrive. Some will be easier to put together than others so check out the description and the reviews so you’re prepared. Some might need tools and a helping hand from another person.

Depending on the type of trolley you choose, many will be collapsible to make storage and transport easy. Look for indications in the description and reviews to figure out how easy they are to fold down and pop back up. Others, like metal and plastic trolleys, might have parts that can be removed for transportation. It’s worthwhile checking how easy they are to remove and put back on if this is something you will be doing regularly,

Additional Features

Lots of garden trolleys will come with additional features, and these can vary quite a bit. Whether these additional features will be useful to you will depend on what you want to use the trolley for.

Some trolleys will have sides that lower which can make loading and unloading easier. This is particularly useful when dealing with heavy objects.

Others might have a tipping function. This can help with emptying out large loads of loose material, like soil and compost. You’ll save time by not having to scoop it out by hand.

Finally, some trolleys come with drinks holders or external storage bags. These are most useful if you’ll be using your trolley on trips and holidays as well as for gardening (although keeping your water bottle nearby whilst gardening is still a great idea!).

Garden Trolley FAQs

Garden trolleys, or carts, are used to carry tools, supplies, bags of compost and more. They serve the same purpose as wheelbarrows – transporting essentials around the garden that may be too heavy to carry.

While wheelbarrows and trolleys serve the same purpose in the garden, many gardeners are more comfortable using a trolley. The sloping sides and single wheel of a wheelbarrow means that they may not be particularly stable on rough terrains, and they are relatively easy to tip over if overfilled.

Garden wagons on the other hand, have 4 wheels and straight sides. While slightly less manoeuvrable in small areas than wheelbarrows, they are stable on most terrains and very unlikely to tip up. Some garden wagons have a tipping function for easy unloading.

Pneumatic wheels offer better shock absorption. This will stop the contents of the trolley bouncing around so much and will also make for a more comfortable ride if children are sitting in the trolley. Pneumatic wheels are generally better over more uneven terrain and bumpy surfaces.

Rubber wheels tend to have a hard plastic core covered by a thick plastic tyre. Like pneumatic wheels, these offer good grip; however, they can be prone to cracking if bounced over unexpectedly uneven ground. The benefit of rubber wheels is that you don’t need to consider maintenance; pneumatic tyres may need reinflating occasionally.

This will depend on how much space you want ‘spare’. To fit two children under 10 years old, the trolley should be around 130 x 60 cm – you won’t be able to fit anything else in it, though!

It should have a weight capacity of at least 100 kg. Your two children may weigh less than this, so you can choose a different design at your own discretion, but it’s better to buy something sturdier rather than risk pushing the limit.

Look for wide tyres (7 cm thick and above) as these will stop the wheels from digging into soft ground and getting stuck. Pneumatic wheels will help if the terrain is bumpy, but the most important thing is that the wheels have a thick rubber tread. On top of this, handles that allow you to both push and pull the cart can help if it is hilly or you don’t want to be twisting to pull the trolley. Wheels that rotate through 360° can stop them from getting stuck.

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