Craftsman 12 cu. ft. Steel Dump Cart

The Craftsman 12 cu. ft. Steel Dump Cart is a versatile and practical addition to any yard maintenance arsenal. As someone who has used various garden carts over the years, I was eager to test this model and see how it measures up. This cart is designed to attach to riding mowers and zero-turn mowers, making it a convenient option for those who already own these types of equipment.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things I noticed about this dump cart is its robust construction. Made from heavy-duty steel with a corrosion-resistant powder-coat finish, it promises durability. The cart has a load capacity of 750 lb and a volume of 12 cubic feet, which is ample for most yard work tasks. The bed is constructed of a relatively thin gauge steel, but once fully assembled, the cart feels sturdy and capable of handling substantial loads.

Assembly

The assembly process was a bit more involved than I anticipated. The cart arrives in several pieces, and while the instructions are relatively clear, it does take some time to put everything together. One piece of advice: don't tighten the screws until the instructions specifically tell you to do so. This makes the alignment of various parts easier and helps avoid issues with holes not lining up properly.

I found that having an extra set of hands was beneficial, particularly when mounting the tires. Turning the cart on its side and using body weight to press the tire onto the axle made this step much easier. However, be prepared for a bit of a workout during assembly, as the cart is quite heavy, weighing in at just over 98 lb.

Features and Usability

One of the standout features of this cart is the foot pedal dump release and removable tailgate, which make emptying the cart a breeze. The cart offers a 40° dump angle, which is sufficient for most materials, though I found that heavier loads, like gravel, required a bit more effort to fully empty.

The 16-inch pneumatic tires provide smooth rolling, even over uneven terrain. I was impressed by how well the cart handled on both grass and gravel paths. The tires are robust and seem capable of handling the full weight capacity without issue. However, it's worth noting that the cart's performance is closely tied to the power of the mower it's attached to. If your mower isn't particularly powerful, you may find it struggles to pull a fully loaded cart.

Performance

In terms of performance, the cart excels at carrying a variety of materials. I've used it to haul dirt, mulch, gravel, and even logs. The steel bed is durable and shows no signs of wear after several months of use. However, I did notice a couple of weak points in the design. The brackets that hold the sides of the cart upright at the rear gate are made of relatively soft steel and can bend under heavier loads. This can cause the side panels to lean outward, making the rear gate difficult to secure. A simple fix is to reinforce these brackets with additional corner braces, which I found to be a worthwhile modification.

Another area of concern is the lip at the back of the cart, which can dig into the ground when dumping heavier materials. This can be problematic if you're trying to dump materials onto a delicate surface, like landscape fabric. Adding a couple of pieces of PVC to the support at the back can help mitigate this issue.

Durability

Durability is a crucial factor for any garden cart, and this model performs well in this regard. The steel construction and powder-coat finish help protect against rust and corrosion, and the cart feels solid even when fully loaded. I've had minor issues with dents and dings, but these are to be expected with regular use. The cart's overall build quality gives me confidence that it will last for many years with proper care.

Value for Money

At around $350, the Craftsman 12 cu. ft. Steel Dump Cart is priced competitively for its class. Considering its load capacity, durability, and the convenience of its features, I believe it offers good value for money. It's not the cheapest option on the market, but its performance justifies the price tag.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Craftsman 12 cu. ft. Steel Dump Cart is a reliable and sturdy tool that can significantly ease the burden of yard work. While the assembly process is a bit tedious and there are a couple of design flaws, these issues are minor compared to the overall benefits the cart provides. Its robust construction, ease of use, and compatibility with riding mowers make it a valuable addition to any garden or yard maintenance toolkit.

Would I recommend this cart? Absolutely. Despite its few shortcomings, it performs well under a variety of conditions and offers features that enhance its usability. If you're in the market for a durable, high-capacity garden cart, the Craftsman 12 cu. ft. Steel Dump Cart is well worth considering.