Photo: Erik Rank
Photo: Erik Rank
Photo: Erik Rank
Photo: Erik Rank
Photo: Erik Rank
Photo: Erik Rank
Large Cart
Best for: Moving heavy or bulky loads — mulch, firewood, construction debris, household appliances — across smooth terrain.
Look for: Two wheels, sturdy wood or metal box, and a folding body (left) for easy storage.
Shown: Tipke Foldit aluminum cart, $250.
Powered Cart
Best for: Moving heavy loads up and down hilly terrain.
Look for: Large cart with gasoline engine or smaller cart with electric motor and rechargeable batteries.
Shown: LUV electric cart from CartCraft Co., $350.
Small Cart
Best for: Trundling tools and flats of plants into the garden.
Look for: Four wheels for stability and a handle/cover that flips over so you can sit on it.
Shown: Ames Lawn Buddy gardening cart, $28.
Standard Wheelbarrow
Best for: Transporting large gardening tools and heavy supplies, especially loose materials such as loam, gravel, sand, compost, and mixed concrete.
Look for: Sturdy wooden handles, 6-cubic-foot-or-larger tray of easy-to-clean, nonrusting plastic.
Shown: Brentwood ProBoss poly-ethylene wheelbarrow, $128.
Folding Wheelbarrow
Best for: Easily loading leaves, rocks, soil, or firewood without lifting, as the tray unhooks and lies flat on the ground.
Look for: Single wheel, tough fabric tray, metal frame.
Shown: Allsop WheelEasy canvas wheelbarrow, $60.