Yard cart

I have owned a small wheelbarrow for over 30 years.  It has moved everything from concrete to scientific equipment.  Works great for a few loads and when the land is not sloped.  The investment in a Cub Cadet ZTS1 zero turn mower and the addition of a 2" trailer hitch and ball changed how I view tools that help as I age.  The thought of a trailer cart to replace the need for moving items in the yard in May 2023.  The cart will not necessarily replace the wheel barrow but a substitute. 

Commercial trailer carts are available with prices ranging from a reasonable $150 to outrageous prices over $2000.  I decided to try to make it with some scrap wood and left over 1x10x8 boards from other projects.  Wheels are from a dead lawnmower that was scrapped years ago.  A 1/2 inch rod was purchased for the wheel axil $15 and a 2" ball coupler from Home Depot for $20.  Agreed if I had to buy new materials to build the trailer cart, it would be cheaper to buy the $150 from Harbor Freight.  

After several redesigns and testing, the dimensions of final trailer bed are 29 by 48" with 19" sides.  The walls are stabilized with metal shelf brackets in the back of the cart and a wood cross brace in the front of the cart.  Two short sections of 2" diameter plastic pipe was added to allow further extension of sidewalls when hauling branches or as a tool holder.  No, my trailer cart can not move heavy loads but nor can my wheel barrow because of an aging operator.  Someday, I may consider a 3/4 or even 1" axil and beefer wheels but for now the cart meets my needs.  Instead of 2 trips with the wheel barrow it was 1 trip with the yard cart. 

 It has worked great for moving trimmed tree branches, compost and other yard wastes.  The yard cart is perfect for moving tools, push mower, materials and potted plants to and from the greenhouse in the spring and fall.  Not a commercial solution but has worked for what I want to haul.  

Thoughts and Hacks 

• Add a 1/4" bungee cord to strap down large loads.

• During winter store the cart so standing upright to take weight off axils and prevent bending by heavy snow loads.