6 Best Utv Dump Beds For Hauling Manure That Simplify Farm Chores
Simplify manure hauling with the right UTV dump bed. Our guide reviews the top 6 models, focusing on capacity, durability, and ease of use for farm chores.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of morning chores, and for many of us, that means mucking out stalls. Shoveling manure into a wheelbarrow and making trip after trip to the compost pile is a back-breaking ritual that eats up precious time. A quality UTV dump bed isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental tool that transforms one of the worst farm jobs into a quick, efficient task.
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Why a Good Dump Bed Is a Farm Game-Changer
Moving manure is a constant. Whether you have a couple of horses, a flock of chickens, or a small herd of goats, managing their waste is critical for animal health and nutrient cycling on your property. A UTV with a dump bed turns a multi-hour, multi-trip job with a wheelbarrow into a 15-minute task. This isn’t just about saving time; it’s about reclaiming your morning or evening for other, more productive work.
The physical savings are just as significant. Repeatedly lifting and pushing a heavy, unbalanced wheelbarrow takes a toll on your back, shoulders, and joints. A dump bed lets the machine do the heavy lifting and hauling. You fill it up, drive to the pile, and dump it with minimal physical strain. This longevity is crucial for anyone planning to farm for the long haul.
Beyond convenience, a good system for moving manure streamlines your entire farm operation. Quick removal from stalls and coops reduces fly populations and improves sanitation. Getting that "black gold" to the compost pile efficiently means your garden will have the nutrients it needs, when it needs them. It’s a linchpin in a well-run, sustainable hobby farm.
Polar Trailer HD 1500: Top Heavy-Duty Choice
When you need to move serious volume, a pull-behind trailer is often the best answer, and the Polar HD 1500 is a beast. This isn’t a bed replacement but a dedicated trailer that hooks up to your UTV. Its defining feature is a massive, high-impact polyethylene tub that can handle up to 1,500 pounds of material.
The poly tub is the key to its success for hauling manure. Unlike steel, polyethylene will not rust or corrode from the ammonia in urine and wet manure. You can leave wet bedding in it for a day or two without worrying about long-term damage. Just hose it out, and it’s good to go.
Functionally, its tandem walking arm axle and large tires allow it to float over ruts and uneven ground without tipping. The frame features a quick-release tipper latch that makes dumping heavy loads surprisingly easy. It’s a large, stable workhorse designed for farmers who need capacity and chemical resistance above all else.
Yutrax Trail Warrior: For Uneven Farm Terrain
Not all farms are flat pastures. If your path to the compost pile involves winding through woods, crossing ditches, or navigating bumpy terrain, the Yutrax Trail Warrior is built for the challenge. This pull-behind trailer is designed specifically for stability on the move.
Its major advantage is the pivoting tandem wheel design. The wheels on each side work independently, allowing the trailer to "walk" over obstacles like rocks and logs while keeping the bed relatively level. This feature dramatically reduces the chances of a top-heavy load of manure tipping over on a side hill or a tight, rutted corner.
While its capacity might be less than some heavy-duty competitors, its maneuverability is unmatched. The Trail Warrior is for the farmer whose property dictates the equipment, not the other way around. It ensures you can get the load from point A to point B safely, even when the path is far from perfect.
MotoAlliance Power Dump: Upgrade Your Stock Bed
Maybe you already have a UTV with a standard, manual-tilt bed. The MotoAlliance Power Dump is a brilliant solution that adds a powered lift mechanism to your existing setup. This aftermarket kit converts your manual bed into a fully electric or hydraulic dumping system, saving you the cost of a brand-new, high-end machine.
The primary benefit is adding immense convenience to the UTV you already own. With the push of a button, you can lift a bed full of heavy, wet manure without straining your back. Installation is straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic tools, instantly upgrading your vehicle’s utility.
The tradeoff, of course, is that you’re still working with your stock bed. If it’s a small steel bed, it will still be prone to rust and limited in volume. However, for those with a decent-sized poly bed on their UTV, this upgrade provides 90% of the benefit of a premium dump model at a fraction of the price. It’s a smart, targeted investment in efficiency.
Agri-Fab Steel Cart: A Durable, All-Steel Bed
Sometimes, you just need something tough and simple. The Agri-Fab steel cart is a classic pull-behind trailer that prioritizes raw durability. Made entirely of steel, it can handle abuse that might crack or puncture a poly bed, making it an excellent multi-purpose tool for the farm.
The all-steel construction means you can haul manure one day and a load of sharp rocks or firewood the next without a second thought. It’s a true workhorse. Its simple, single-lever dump release is reliable and easy to use, even with gloves on.
The obvious downside is rust. Manure is corrosive, and a steel bed requires more maintenance. You must hose it out thoroughly after each use and can’t let wet material sit in it. For maximum longevity, many owners will coat the inside with a durable spray-on bed liner, which is a worthwhile investment to protect the steel.
Black Boar Dump Bucket: A Versatile Hitch Mount
The Black Boar Dump Bucket offers a completely different approach. It’s not a trailer or a bed; it’s a heavy-duty bucket that mounts directly to your UTV’s rear 2-inch hitch receiver. This unique tool excels at small-scale, precision tasks.
Think of it as a mini front-end loader for the back of your UTV. It’s perfect for cleaning out a single chicken coop, moving a few bags of feed, or transporting a small amount of compost directly to a raised garden bed. You can lower it to the ground, scoop material directly into it, lift it, and drive away.
This tool is all about versatility. While it’s not designed for mucking out an entire barn, its ability to scoop, haul, and spread material makes it invaluable for dozens of other farm chores. It’s the best choice for a farmer who needs a multi-function tool for landscaping and small material handling in addition to light manure transport.
John Deere Gator Bed: The Integrated OEM Option
For those in the market for a new UTV, considering a model with a high-quality, factory-installed dump bed is often the most seamless solution. John Deere’s Gator lineup, for example, is renowned for its durable, well-integrated cargo beds, many with fully electric or hydraulic dump options straight from the factory.
The advantage of an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) system is flawless integration. The controls are perfectly placed on the dash, the bed’s payload capacity is perfectly matched to the vehicle’s suspension and frame, and the entire system is covered by a single warranty. There’s no guesswork involved; it’s designed to work as a cohesive unit from day one.
This is, predictably, the most expensive route. You’re paying for a premium feature on a new vehicle. However, if your budget allows and you rely heavily on your UTV for daily chores, the reliability and ease of use of a fully integrated system are hard to beat. It represents a long-term investment in a core piece of farm equipment.
Key Features for Hauling Corrosive Materials
When you’re dealing with manure, the single most important feature to consider is the bed material. Manure and urine create a highly corrosive slurry that will aggressively attack steel. For this reason, a high-density polyethylene (poly) tub is almost always the superior choice. It is impervious to rust and corrosion and is far easier to clean.
Next, look at the dump angle. A steep angle of 45 degrees or more is crucial. Wet bedding and sticky manure can cling to the bed, and a shallow dump angle will force you to shovel or rake the last bit out—defeating the whole purpose. A smooth, seamless interior with no exposed bolt heads also helps ensure the entire load slides out cleanly.
Finally, consider the small usability features that make a big difference.
- A removable or swinging tailgate makes dumping bulky material easier and allows for quick hosing out.
- A single-lever or push-button dump latch that can be operated from the driver’s seat or with one hand is a massive convenience.
- Greaseable fittings on pivot points, especially on trailers, are a sign of a well-built product designed for a long service life.
Ultimately, the best UTV dump bed is the one that fits the scale of your operation, the terrain of your land, and your budget. Whether it’s a rugged pull-behind trailer, a versatile bucket, or a fully integrated power bed, the right choice will save your back and give you back valuable time. It transforms a dreaded chore into a simple, manageable part of your farm’s rhythm.
