6 Best Dump Carts For Hauling Manure That Old Farmers Swear By
Move manure efficiently with these 6 farmer-vetted dump carts. Our guide covers the most durable and reliable models for handling this tough farm chore.
There’s no getting around it: if you have livestock, you have manure to move. It’s a task that’s as constant as the seasons, and doing it with the wrong equipment turns a chore into a back-breaking ordeal. The right dump cart, however, can make all the difference between a frustrating afternoon and a job well done.
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Choosing a Cart That’s Built for Heavy Muck
Moving manure isn’t like hauling a few bags of mulch. It’s heavy, wet, and acidic, a combination that will destroy a flimsy garden cart in a single season. You need something built to handle the unique stress of this job.
The first big decision is the cart bed material: poly or steel. A high-density polyethylene (poly) tub won’t rust, which is a massive advantage against corrosive manure. They are also lighter and less likely to get dented. However, cheap poly can crack in extreme cold or under a sharp impact from a pitchfork. Steel beds, on the other hand, are incredibly tough and can handle abuse from tools and rocks. Their weakness is rust. Even with a powder coat, a single scratch is an invitation for corrosion if you don’t keep it clean and dry.
Beyond the bed, look at the bones of the cart. The axle and frame carry the entire load, so they need to be robust. Check the tire type, too. Pneumatic (air-filled) tires offer a smoother ride over rough pasture, but they can go flat. Solid or "flat-free" tires are worry-free but provide a much rougher ride. Finally, pay close attention to the dump mechanism. A steep dump angle is non-negotiable for getting sticky, packed manure to slide out cleanly.
Polar Trailer HD 1500: The Toughest Poly Cart
When you need to haul serious weight over rough ground, the Polar Trailer is the one to beat. Its high-impact polyethylene tub is mounted on a heavy-duty all-steel frame, giving you the best of both worlds: a rust-proof bed with a rock-solid foundation. This isn’t a glorified wheelbarrow; it’s a piece of serious equipment.
What sets the HD 1500 apart is its rugged design, often featuring a tandem axle and a tilt-and-pivot frame. This allows the wheels to "walk" over obstacles like rocks and ruts, keeping the load stable instead of bouncing it all over the place. The high ground clearance is another major benefit, preventing you from getting hung up on uneven terrain when you’re far from the barn.
Of course, this level of durability comes at a price. The Polar is one of the more expensive options on the market. But if you see a cart as a long-term investment, the cost is justified. This is the kind of tool you buy once and expect to last for decades, handling everything from manure and compost to firewood and field stone without complaint.
Gorilla Carts GOR10-COM for Quick Unloading
Gorilla Carts have earned their reputation for one simple reason: their dump mechanism is brilliant. If your main goal is to make lots of trips and unload them as fast as possible, this cart is your best friend. The patented quick-release dumping system allows you to empty the entire load with minimal effort.
The design is straightforward and effective. A sturdy steel frame supports a durable poly tub, but the magic is in the handle. A simple pull allows the bed to tilt and dump completely, saving you from the awkward shoveling and scraping required with poorly designed carts. This feature is a true back-saver, especially at the end of a long day.
The tradeoff for this convenience can be raw hauling capacity and extreme-duty toughness. While perfectly capable for most hobby farm tasks, it’s not built for the same level of abuse as a Polar or a heavy steel cart. Think of it as the perfect tool for moving finished compost to the garden or cleaning out a small barn, where speed and ease of use are more important than sheer brute strength.
The John Deere 17P Poly Cart: A Trusted Classic
Sometimes, you just want something that works, made by a name you trust. The John Deere 17P Poly Cart is exactly that. It’s a well-balanced, no-nonsense workhorse that has been a staple on farms for years for a good reason. It hits the sweet spot for capacity, durability, and usability.
The 17 cubic foot tub is made from thick, compression-molded polyethylene that resists dents and, of course, will never rust. It’s tough enough to handle the occasional knock from a shovel. The cart features a steep 45-degree dump angle, which helps ensure most of the contents slide out on the first try. It’s a simple, proven design without unnecessary gimmicks.
While it’s branded to match their tractors, the universal hitch works with just about any lawn tractor or ATV. It’s a safe, reliable choice that you know has been tested and refined over time. For the hobby farmer who wants a dependable tool without overthinking the decision, the John Deere 17P is a classic for a reason.
Agri-Fab 45-0101: The Steel Bed Workhorse
If you believe tools should be made of steel, the Agri-Fab 45-0101 is your cart. There’s an undeniable toughness to a steel bed that poly just can’t match. You can toss rocks in it, scrape it clean with a metal shovel, and not worry about cracking or gouging the tub.
This cart is a true multi-tasker. Its strength makes it ideal not just for manure, but for hauling gravel, firewood, or construction debris. The removable tailgate and foot-pedal dump lever make unloading straightforward. It’s built on a solid steel frame and axle designed to handle heavy loads day in and day out.
The obvious downside is rust. The powder-coated finish provides good initial protection, but it will get scratched. You absolutely must hose this cart out after every use and store it under cover. If you’re willing to commit to that small amount of maintenance, you’ll be rewarded with a cart that can handle the most punishing jobs on your farm.
Ohio Steel 1530P-SD Swivel for Tight Spots
Maneuverability is a feature that’s often overlooked until you desperately need it. The Ohio Steel Swivel Dump Cart is designed for exactly those situations. If you have to navigate narrow barn aisles or dump compost in a tight, walled-off bin, this cart will save you immense frustration.
Its killer feature is the swivel dump, which allows the poly tub to pivot and dump its load to the side or at any angle within a 100-degree radius. This means you don’t have to back your tractor up perfectly straight to your target. You can pull up alongside your compost pile, hit the foot pedal, and dump the load exactly where you want it.
The cart itself is well-built, with a 15 cubic foot poly tub and a decent load capacity. However, the swivel mechanism is the main reason to choose it. If all your hauling is done in wide-open spaces, you might find a standard cart offers more capacity for the money. But for anyone working in confined areas, this feature is a game-changer.
Brinly-Hardy PCT-101BH: A Reliable Tow-Behind
Brinly-Hardy has been making quality farm attachments for a long time, and their 10 cubic foot tow-behind cart is a testament to that experience. It’s a compact but mighty performer that combines durability with smart design features. This is a fantastic all-around option for smaller properties.
The one-piece, heavy-duty poly bed is molded for strength, and its design includes a very steep 56-degree dump angle. That extra angle makes a huge difference when you’re trying to empty wet, sticky material. It also features a hands-free foot pedal dump release, so you can stay on the tractor while you unload, saving time and effort on every trip.
This cart competes directly with the likes of John Deere and Gorilla Carts, offering a compelling balance of features. Its smaller 10 cubic foot capacity makes it highly maneuverable and easy to store. For cleaning out a few stalls or moving mulch around the garden, it’s a tough, reliable, and user-friendly choice.
Cart Maintenance for a Lifetime of Service
A good dump cart is an investment, and like any tool, it will last longer with a little care. Manure is not just heavy; its acidic nature is highly corrosive to steel and even the hardware on a poly cart. Leaving it caked on is asking for trouble.
The single most important thing you can do is rinse the cart out after each use. A quick spray with a hose prevents material from hardening and neutralizes corrosive elements. For steel carts, this is non-negotiable. While you’re at it, check the tire pressure. Properly inflated tires roll easier, put less strain on the axle, and are less likely to be damaged.
Once a year, take a few minutes for deeper maintenance. Grease the wheel bearings and any pivot points on the dump latch. Check the bolts on the frame and hitch to make sure everything is tight. Finally, store your cart under a roof. Protecting it from constant sun and rain will dramatically extend the life of the poly tub, the tires, and the steel frame.
Ultimately, the best cart is the one that fits the unique layout of your property and the scale of your chores. Choosing wisely means less time hauling and more time enjoying the farm you’ve built. A good cart doesn’t just move manure; it buys you back time and saves your body for more important work.
