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A lawnmower trailer: these are your transport options

In this blog, I will discuss with you different types of lawnmower trailers, their prices, loading capacity, size, and much more. A lawnmower trailer is also called a dump cart, garden cart, utility trailer, and utility wagon.

A lawnmower trailer, these are your transport options:

There are two main lawn-mower transport options, using a dump cart or a utility cart. The best options will depend on the power and size of your mower, and the size and weight of the material you want to transport. If you have a lower budget or specific needs you can build one yourself as well.

Option1: A dump cart

There are three types of dump carts that are compatible with zero turn lawn mowers and rear engine riding mowers.

1. Poly Dump carts:

The small sizes and less weight of poly dump carts make them well suited for trips around your backyard vegetable garden or across your fresh green lawn. Like utility trailers, they can be attached to lawnmowers and small vehicles. Unlike utility trailers, which carry their cargo on flatbeds, poly dump carts have tubs that utilize a solid wall construction and can be tipped to deposit soil, gravel, mulch, tree trunks, tree limbs, and other loads of material onto the ground.

I have given a table that will show you the differences between prices, loading capacity, size, and weights of poly dump carts from different brands.

Brand
Price
Size
Loading capacity
Weight
Agri-Fab
$ 220
10 Cubic ft
650 lbs
52 lbs
Agri-Fab
$ 550
17 Cubic ft
1000 lbs
130 lbs
Agri-Fab
$ 200
5 Cubic ft
200 lbs
38 lbs
Agri-Fab
$420
17 Cubic ft
800 lbs
111 lbs
Agri-Fab
$210
8 Cubic ft
500 lbs
66 lbs
Ohio steel
$360
12.5 Cubic ft
750 lbs
82 lbs
Ohio steel
$ 275
10 Cubic ft
600 lbs
63 lbs
Ohio steel
$460
12.5 Cubic ft
1250 lbs
125 lbs
Ohio steel
$430
12.5 Cubic ft
1250 lbs
110 lbs
Oxcart
$ 400
12 Cubic ft
1100 lbs
71 lbs
Oxcart
$ 450
12 Cubic ft
1100 lbs
 
Precision products
$ 270
10 Cubic ft
650 lbs
75 lbs

When the manufacturers or the suppliers discuss the material a dump cart is made of, the part they refer to is the tub, which actually holds the load. That includes soil that can stain and corrode the tub’s basin, rocks, snow, stones, pebbles, that can bang against the sides, and branches that can poke through the corners. Dump cart tubs are mostly built using 2 types of materials: Poly or plastic is better for lightweight loads than heavy ones, but it is resistant to corrosion and impact.

2. Steel dump carts

Steel is at the risk of rusting and denting, but it is strong and capable of carrying large weights. Just like the size of utility trailers, the size of a steel garden dump cart can be defined using two criteria: Cubic feet, which measures the cart’s space capacity—dump carts range in size from 10 cubic feet to 22 cubic feet. Weight capacity, which measures the maximum weight the cart can safely hold—dump carts range in capacity from 350 lbs. to 1100 lbs.

I have given a table that will show you the differences between prices, loading capacity, size, and weights of steel dump carts from different brands.

Brand
size
Loading capacity
Price indication
Weight
Precision products
15 Cubic foot
1200 lbs
$300
131 lbs
Precision products
17 Cubic foot
1500 lbs
$330
157 lbs
Precision products
10 Cubic foot
750 lbs
$250
98 lbs
Ohio Steel
14 Cubic foot
1250 lbs
$360
140 lbs

3. Swivel dump carts:

Brand
Size
Load capacity
Weight
Price indication
Agri-Fab
17 Cubic feet
1000 lbs
130 lbs
$550
Ohio Steel
12.5 Cubic feet
750 lbs
82 lbs
$360
Ohio Steel
10 Cubic feet
600 lbs
63 lbs
$275
Ohio Steel
12.5 Cubic feet
1250 lbs
125 lbs
$460
Ohio Steel
12.5 Cubic feet
1250 lbs
110 lbs
$430
OxCart
12 Cubic feet
1100 lbs
 
$450
OxCart
12 Cubic feet
1100 lbs
71 lbs
$400

Option 2: A utility cart

Utility carts exist to transport large items, including other vehicles like small lawnmowers and ATVs. With the aid of a good utility cart, farmers, firemen, hunters, fishers, landscapers, gardeners, ranchers, and outdoors enthusiasts can carry the biggest pieces of equipment they have across long distances and wide-open spaces and be ready to work. There are 4 types of utility carts:

1. Aluminum ATV Cart:

Brand
Szie
Loading capacity
Weight
Price indication
Bosski
30 Cubic feet
800 lb
216 lbs
$1600
Bosski
45 Cubic feet
800 lbs
337 lbs
$2250

Aluminum ATV carts have several features that make them ideal for heavy-duty lifting:

  • Flatbed on which tires can rest
  • Straight side and front panels
  • Drive-up rear ramp
  • Strong axles with shocks

2. Poly ATV Cart:

Because of the weight of the loads they carry, poly ATV carts almost always are made with solid steel construction. The size of a utility trailer is measured using two criteria dimensions or space capacity poly ATV carts commonly range from 4’ x 6’ to 7’ x 12’ Gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, which is the maximum weight the trailer can safely hold poly ATV carts can range from 1200 lbs. to almost 3000 lbs.

3. Steel ATV Cart:

Brand
Size
Loading capacity
Weight
Color
Price indication
Bosski
22 Cubic feet
1100 lbs
522 lbs
 red
$2000
Bosski
22  cubic feet
1100 lbs
522 lbs
 green
$2000
Ohio Steel
12.5 Cubic feet
1250 lbs
125 lbs
 
$460
Bosski
15  cubic feet
 
304 lbs
 red
$1150
Bosski
15 Cubic feet
 
304 lbs
 green
$1150

Steel ATV carts are the powerhouses of tow-behind trailer attachments. Thanks to their sturdy axles and durable construction, they are made to cover rugged terrain (and in some cases are rated for highway and road use, too). As such, they are meant to be towed behind only the most robust vehicles: Truck, Professional-grade zero turn lawnmowers, Garden tractors, ATVs, and UTVs.

4. Swivel ATV Cart:

You might have noticed that some garden dump carts are listed as ATV carts. These are dump carts specifically designed to be used off-road with ATVs or utility task/utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), thanks to certain features:

  • High ground clearance
  • Large tires
  • Durable, heavy-duty axles

How to build a lawnmower trailer?

You can build a really strong and reliable lawnmower trailer at your home within a few minutes if you use the right tools in the right manner. In this way, you can save a lot of money. You don’t need to be tech-savvy.

Below I will give a list of the tools that you will need for the construction of a lawnmower trailer and a simple step-by-step guide that you can follow easily.

  • 2 in (5.1 cm) x 3 in (7.6 cm) rectangular steel tubing
  • 1 inch (2.5 cm) steel pipe
  • Metal mesh
  • Axle kit
  • Blowtorch or other welding tools
  • Metal saw
  • Pencil
  • paper

Step 1. Determine the load towing capacity of your lawnmower:

Before the construction of a lawnmower trailer you must, first of all, consult your user manual to find out the maximum load towing capacity of your lawnmower. The manual will also help you determine what size and dimensions, ie, length x width x height of the trailer you can use which is compatible with your lawnmower.

Step 2. Sketch out the lawnmower trailer with measurement:

You must sketch out the outline of the lawnmower trailer and write down the measurements. You will need to match the dimensions with your lawnmower for the trailer already so you can use them to space the side pieces of the frame after you cut all the pieces to size. For example, if you have a lawnmower of some kind that you want to be able to tow, you can measure the lawnmower and make the trailer at least large enough to hold it.

If you want to haul a plastic tub that is twenty-four inches (61 cm) by eighteen inches (46 cm) big, you could make the trailer about twenty-six inches (66 cm) long by twenty inches (51 cm) wide.

Step 3. Make the base:

The perimeter pieces are the four pieces of metal that form the rectangle for the lawnmower trailer’s base. For a lawnmower trailer, you must use two long pieces six feet (1.8 m) long and two width pieces four feet (1.2 m) long.

Step 4. Attach a tongue, axle, and tires to the lawnmower  trailer

You must use a hydraulic jack to raise the frame. You must block all four corners to keep it elevated. You must weld the axle under the framing.

You must then attach tires and a tongue to your lawnmower trailer.

Step 5. Build the cage

You must weld the angle iron rods together for the cage frame. You must ensure the corners are squared. You must weld support beams made of flat iron across from side to side.

You must bolt pressure-treated 2×6 inch (5.1 X 15.2 cm) boards to the frame, parallel with the sides inside the lip of the angle iron. You must cut lumber with a circular saw. You must drill holes in the angle iron with a variable speed drill and drill-bit designed for metal.

Now, You must attach boards to the frame cage.

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  1. Esther Sims says:

    How do you determine the compatibility of a utility cart with your lawnmower?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To determine compatibility, consider the size, weight, and towing capacity of your lawnmower. Also, look for trailers with options such as dump carts or utility carts that suit your needs.

  2. Hannah Williamson says:

    I look forward to trying out some of the DIY tips mentioned here to build my own trailer

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Hannah! I’m glad you found the DIY tips helpful. Have fun building your trailer!

  3. Felicia Wilson says:

    Are there any safety tips for using a lawnmower trailer?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your question, Felicia! When using a lawnmower trailer, always ensure the load does not exceed the weight capacity, and secure it properly to prevent shifting during transport.

  4. Alexander Harper says:

    The information provided here will help me make an informed decision when purchasing a trailer

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Alexander! I’m glad my post could help you with your decision. Let me know if you need any more information or have any questions.

  5. Bradley Chavez says:

    Useful information on building your own lawnmower trailer at home

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Bradley Chavez! I’m glad you found the information useful for building your own lawnmower trailer at home. Let me know if you have any more questions.

  6. Kirk Roberts says:

    Can you provide more information on the maintenance of these trailers?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your interest! I have provided a detailed breakdown of types of lawnmower trailers, their features, and how to build your own in the blog post content above.

  7. Henry Myers says:

    The step-by-step guide on building a lawnmower trailer is very helpful

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for the feedback, Henry! I’m glad you found the guide helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.

  8. Leona Duncan says:

    Interesting comparison of different options for lawnmower trailers

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Leona! So glad you found the comparison helpful. Let me know if you have any questions or need more information.

  9. Christy Burns says:

    Can you recommend the best brand for a steel dump cart?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      The best steel dump cart brands are Ohio Steel and Precision Products, offering various sizes and weight capacities. Choose based on what you need!

  10. Jennie Simpson says:

    Which type of trailer would be best for carrying heavy loads over rough terrain?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      For carrying heavy loads over rough terrain, a steel dump cart would be your best bet. With a loading capacity of up to 1250 lbs and sturdy construction, it can handle tough terrain well.

  11. Alvin Jensen says:

    Great visuals and videos to demonstrate the features of each type of trailer

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Alvin! I’m glad you found the visuals and videos helpful in understanding the features of each type of trailer.

  12. Jane Harris says:

    I never knew there were so many options for lawnmower trailers, thank you for the detailed breakdown

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for reading, Jane! I’m glad you found the information helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.

  13. Herman Welch says:

    As a beginner in landscaping, this article has been very educational for me

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Herman! I’m glad you found it helpful. Let me know if you have any questions about landscaping equipment. Happy gardening!

  14. Owen Mcdonalid says:

    Is there a guide on how to attach the trailer to the lawnmower?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Owen, for attaching a trailer to a lawnmower, you have the option of using a dump cart or a utility cart. The best choice depends on your mower’s power and the weight you’ll be carrying.

  15. Raymond Silva says:

    How can I determine the towing capacity of my lawnmower for building a trailer? What are the essential tools needed for constructing a lawnmower trailer at home?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To determine towing capacity, check mower manual. Tools for trailer: steel tubing, pipe, mesh, axle kit, blowtorch, saw, pencil. Sketch trailer, build base, attach axle/tires, build cage.

  16. Kyle Knight says:

    This has given me a better understanding of the options available for transporting materials with a lawnmower

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Kyle! I’m glad the post was helpful. Let me know if you have any questions or need more information. Happy to help!

  17. Lorraine Ruiz says:

    I appreciate the detailed comparison tables for different brands of dump carts

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Lorraine! I’m glad you found the comparison tables helpful in deciding which dump cart is best for your needs. Happy gardening!

  18. Ritthy Russell says:

    Very informative article on different types of lawnmower trailers

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Ritthy Russell! I’m glad you found the article informative on the different types of lawnmower trailers. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

  19. Eli King says:

    What are the advantages of a swivel dump cart compared to others?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Swivel dump carts offer versatility and maneuverability, making them ideal for tight spaces and off-road tasks. With options like Agri-Fab and Ohio Steel, they provide a range of sizes and load capacities for your needs.

  20. Marc Peters says:

    Is there a weight limit for the material you can transport using these trailers?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Marc, the weight limit for trailers can vary depending on the type and brand. Refer to the tables provided in the blog post for specific details on loading capacity and weight.

  21. Maxine Obrien says:

    This article has motivated me to consider getting a lawnmower trailer for my gardening needs

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Maxine! Good luck with your lawnmower trailer. If you need any further help or advice, feel free to ask. Happy gardening!

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