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In todays world, I think nothing of firing up my tractors, pickups, or my ATV to fetch and carry heavy and bulky items. But if some thing damages the electric grid, and we loose power and our ability to refine and transport gasoline and diesel, I will be rationing my remaining fuel.
I use a variety of hand carts and wagons around my place today. Some are better suited for hauling stuff around the rough ground and steep terrain. I imagine some members would use a cart like these for bugging out. Hauling their grub stake and camping gear. I use them today for hauling compost, mulch, soil, or firewood. Or Transporting the fruit, grains, nuts, and squash that I harvest in the garden.
Here are three carts and wagons I recommend.
Vermont Garden Cart,
I bought my Vermont cart in 1986 and it has sat outside every winter since. I have patched the tubes and replaced the tires many times, and rebuilt the plywood box twice. It waa designed as a three sided box, but adding a fouth side, is not difficult. It has 26" bike tires, giving it sufficient ground clearance, and decent flotaion on soft ground. The manufacturer suggests a 400 lb max capacity, which I believe is generous. Plan to limit your load to your body wt.
Gorilla Dump Wagon,
I probably wont bother to repair my Vermont cart, because I bought one of these. It has a 32" x 46" polly tub bed which dumps, and the tow bar can be hitched to the ATV or towed by hand. It has the same ground clearance as my Vermont cart, but it has four, wider tires so it handles better on soft ground. The manufacturer lists it as 10 cu ft/1,500 lb max capacity, which is crazy unless you have it hitched to the tractor. Filled with grain or potatoes it would hold about 500 lbs.
Deer/Game Cart,
This is a far more specialized cart and not well suited for carrying soft, loose material. It handles well on rough terrain, especially since it has a second handle allowing a person on each end of it. I have used mine for relatively light loads (200ish lbs), but two guys could move more if necessary. I would not try towing a game cart with a bike or ATV.
I use a variety of hand carts and wagons around my place today. Some are better suited for hauling stuff around the rough ground and steep terrain. I imagine some members would use a cart like these for bugging out. Hauling their grub stake and camping gear. I use them today for hauling compost, mulch, soil, or firewood. Or Transporting the fruit, grains, nuts, and squash that I harvest in the garden.
Here are three carts and wagons I recommend.
Vermont Garden Cart,
I bought my Vermont cart in 1986 and it has sat outside every winter since. I have patched the tubes and replaced the tires many times, and rebuilt the plywood box twice. It waa designed as a three sided box, but adding a fouth side, is not difficult. It has 26" bike tires, giving it sufficient ground clearance, and decent flotaion on soft ground. The manufacturer suggests a 400 lb max capacity, which I believe is generous. Plan to limit your load to your body wt.
Gorilla Dump Wagon,
I probably wont bother to repair my Vermont cart, because I bought one of these. It has a 32" x 46" polly tub bed which dumps, and the tow bar can be hitched to the ATV or towed by hand. It has the same ground clearance as my Vermont cart, but it has four, wider tires so it handles better on soft ground. The manufacturer lists it as 10 cu ft/1,500 lb max capacity, which is crazy unless you have it hitched to the tractor. Filled with grain or potatoes it would hold about 500 lbs.
Deer/Game Cart,
This is a far more specialized cart and not well suited for carrying soft, loose material. It handles well on rough terrain, especially since it has a second handle allowing a person on each end of it. I have used mine for relatively light loads (200ish lbs), but two guys could move more if necessary. I would not try towing a game cart with a bike or ATV.
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