LAWN CARTS
Light-duty lawn carts have a “V” or hopper shaped bottom and can be used for bulky materials such as tools or shrubs as well as seed fertilizer, etc. These metal and plastic carts are manufactured in 3 and 4 cu. ft. capacities and will tip flush to the ground for emptying.
Increased gardening activity has brought larger capacity hand carts with flat bottoms into the market. Metal carts are fabricated with one end at 45 to allow the cart to be tipped forward and the load removed. These carts come in sizes from 5 to 8 cu. ft. Additional capacity can be obtained by making the cart sides from plywood. Larger diameter wheels (often spoked) help these carts roll easily.
Cart handles are shaped like a flattened “U” for safety and convenient storage on a garage wall. Cart bodies that fold up have additional space-saving advantages.
DUMP/TRAILER CARTS
Dump carts are pulled behind garden tractors and riding mowers (off-highway only). The smaller, 4 to 7 cu. ft., dump cart is similar to hand carts and usually has a dumping mechanism located on the trailer towing bar or tongue. The cart can usually be dumped by pulling a lanyard (rope), releasing the body from the tongue.
Larger, heavier carts in the 500-1,500 lbs. capacity range from 8 to 17 cu. ft.
HAND TRUCKS/DOLLIES/BAG TRUCKS
Tubular framed trucks are used to haul trash cans, packages, firewood, etc. Ranging from 100 to 400 lbs. Capacity, trucks have either a solid metal toe plate or tubular shape to support the load. Handle styles include pin, safety, continuous or upright.
Bag trucks or caddies perform similar functions as hand trucks with an important addition. A hoop holds plastic trash bags with an elastic cord encircling the hoop. The hoop attaches to the frame at several heights to hold varying sizes of lawn/trash bags. The bag rests on the toe plate or frame and may be transported from garden to garage.
Heavy-duty bags should be at least 1.5 mil. thick; most frequently sold sizes for yard work are 32- and 45-gal.
TRASH CAN CADDY
Constructed from steel or aluminum tubing or polyethylene, trash caddies carry two or three trash cans. Most are designed for a specific can size, such as two 20-gal. cans. However, there are adjustable models to hold two of any size metal or plastic trash cans.
WHEELBARROWS
Homeowner, light-duty wheelbarrows have shallow trays with 3-4 cu. ft. capacity. Tubular steel under- carriages are easy to assemble. Several widths of semi-pneumatic tires are available. These wheelbarrows perform the same function as lawn carts, but have only one wheel.
For heavier work, medium-duty barrows have deep front trays generally 4-4 1/2 cu. ft. A choice of under-carriage is available-hardwood handles to support the tray or a one piece square tube frame. The legs are made from steel channel or strap stock. The wheel and tire is wider than 3″, usually fully pneumatic allowing the tire to roll easier. Diameter of the tire is 14″ or more. A “ball” type wheel can be found for use on rough or soft terrain.
For heaviest yard work and construction use, the contractor barrow has 4 1/2-6 cu. ft. tray with deep fronts for added capacity and extra bracing. Trays are produced by folding and welding a piece of steel, by deep drawing for seamless construction or from cross linked no-rust polyethylene. Handles are usually one piece hardwood or heavy-gauge round steel tubing. Rugged channel legs and stamped braces add to long life. Wheels are stamped steel holding 16″ pneumatic tires.
SPREADERS
Lawn spreaders are a quick, efficient way to spread both seed and fertilizer.
Although spreaders have some construction differences, several characteristics are common to all:
Flow settings from fine for grass seed to coarse for fertilizer granules.
Hand control dials to adjust flow settings.
Variety of hopper capacities and spreading widths.
Spreaders are made with (1) steel hoppers with nickel stainless steel coatings on all operating parts, or (2) hoppers of rust- and corrosion-resistant polyethylene that is not susceptible to scratches or dents.
Other differences include the shape of the hopper (drop or rotary), the dispensing mechanism (lever-, fan- or wheel-type) and handling method (shoulder-carried, pushed or powered).
The size of the lawn is the determining factor in the type of spreader needed. Rotary spreaders are designed for larger areas and offer the advantage of “feathering,” eliminating sharply defined edges of spread.
For small areas, a drop spreader that dispenses with the pull of a hand lever is sufficient.
But for larger areas, a fan- or wheel-type mechanism is better. Seed and fertilizer are distributed by a fan or wheel which is turned by a crank as the user pushes the spreader.
Although manual operation-pushing the spreader or carrying it on the shoulder-will satisfy most home needs, powered units are available as are units with connections for garden tractors.
LAWN SWEEPERS
Lawn sweepers use brushes with a rotary sweeping action to pick up leaves, rocks, clippings, etc. A container, usually 6-bushel capacity, holds collected debris.
Quality construction features include heavy-duty chassis, steel wheel gearing, some means of locking the fiber into the brush assembly, alternating fiber tufts to prevent fanning the debris back down onto the ground, simple adjustment for brush height and angle of front shield, swivel casters under the hamper for maneuverability and durable canvas construction of the hamper, weatherproofed to prevent mildew.
Another kind of sweeper uses brushes just like a hand carpet sweeper. Rather than clearing lawns, it sweeps sidewalks, driveways and patios, picking up small stones, glass, sand, twigs and other debris. It empties just like a hand carpet sweeper.
Another version of the sweeper is designed for cleaning indoor/outdoor carpeting-especially that used at poolside. It will also clean any hard surface.
LAWN ROLLERS
Lawn rollers consist of a large hollow drum about 18″-24″ in diameter, which can be filled or partially filled with water depending on weight desired. These are usually rental items due to bulkiness and infrequent use-most homeowners will use a roller, at best, only once a season.
Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.
