Gorilla Carts

Gorilla Carts makes poly dump carts with 1,200-1,600 lb capacities — the kind of equipment that turns a two-hour wheelbarrow job into a 30-minute dump-and-go operation. They’re a manufacturer of lawn and garden carts, material handling equipment, ladders, step stools, and hose reels, but it’s their heavy-duty dump carts that matter most for Montana contractors hauling gravel, topsoil, and construction debris.

The Two Models That Matter

Their 12 Cu. Ft. Heavy Duty model handles 1,600 lbs with a bed measuring 48.5” L x 34” W x 11” H. That’s enough capacity for a half-yard of wet topsoil or a quarter-yard of gravel — real working volumes, not the fantasy numbers you see on homeowner wheelbarrows. The 16-inch pneumatic tires roll over rough ground without bogging down, and the 2-in-1 convertible handle switches between manual pulling and ATV towing.

Specification	12 Cu. Ft. Model	6.5 Cu. Ft. Model
Load Capacity	1,600 lbs	1,200 lbs
Bed Dimensions	48.5” L x 34” W x 11” H	39.5” L x 27” W
Tire Size	16 inches	13 inches
Weight	96 lbs	54.25 lbs
Hitch Bore	3/4 inch	5/8 inch

The 6.5 Cu. Ft. model (also listed as 7 cu. ft.) weighs just 54.25 lbs but still hauls 1,200 lbs. It’s the better choice for tight spaces or when you’re working solo. The 5/8-inch hitch bore fits standard lawn tractor hitches, and 13-inch pneumatic tires with zero-turn steering make it maneuverable enough for residential job sites.

Why the Poly Construction Matters in Montana

Both models use maintenance-free, impact-resistant polypropylene beds with powder-coated steel frames. Here’s why that combination works: The poly won’t rust when it sits outside all winter covered in snow. It won’t crack at -30°F like cheap plastic wheelbarrows. And unlike metal beds, frozen material slides right out instead of freezing solid to the surface.

The powder-coated steel frames handle the actual load-bearing while the poly takes the abuse. You can throw rocks, concrete chunks, or sharp metal scraps in these beds without worrying about dents or punctures. The brand emphasizes rustproof materials and sturdy steel frames — exactly what you need when equipment sits outside through Montana winters.

The Quick-Release Dump That Actually Releases

Both carts feature patented quick-release dumping systems. The roll-over dump mechanism on the smaller model lets you empty the load without wrestling the entire cart vertical. This matters when you’re dumping 1,200 lbs of wet clay — you pull the release and the bed rolls forward while the frame stays planted.

Some users mention that the hydraulic lift or dumping mechanism could be less smooth or reliable over prolonged use. Fair point. These aren’t hydraulic dump trailers. They’re manual-release systems that require some muscle. But compared to tipping a loaded wheelbarrow? It’s the difference between manageable effort and throwing out your back.

Applications include garden and lawn clean-up, large-scale landscaping projects, farm and ranch work, construction site material transport, tree branch removal, and property clearing. In other words, the daily grind of landscape and construction work where wheelbarrows waste time and labor.

Known for heavy-duty frames, all-terrain wheels, and high-capacity beds, the company has been in the industry for over two decades. They’re not trying to compete with homeowner wheelbarrows. Professional contractors generally view the 12 Cu. Ft. Heavy Duty model as a durable and practical tool for heavy-duty yard work and construction tasks.

Skip these carts if you’re just moving a few bags of mulch on weekends. Size and weight might make maneuvering difficult in tight spaces, and at 96 lbs empty, the big model isn’t something you casually toss in a pickup. But for contractors who measure productivity in yards moved per day? The substantial 1600 lb weight capacity and large 12-cubic-foot poly bed make it suitable for hauling heavy materials efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the actual weight capacity difference between Gorilla Carts models?

The 12 Cu. Ft. Heavy Duty model handles 1,600 lbs with a 48.5” L x 34” W x 11” H bed, while the 6.5 Cu. Ft. model (sometimes listed as 7 cu. ft.) carries 1,200 lbs in a 39.5” L x 27” W bed. Both use maintenance-free polypropylene beds with powder-coated steel frames that won’t rust or crack in freezing temperatures.

Q: Can I tow these Gorilla Carts behind an ATV or lawn tractor?

Yes, both Gorilla Carts models feature 2-in-1 convertible handles that switch between manual pulling and towing. The 12 Cu. Ft. model has a 3/4-inch hitch bore while the 6.5 Cu. Ft. model uses a 5/8-inch bore for standard lawn tractor hitches.

Q: How heavy are these carts when empty?

The Gorilla Carts 12 Cu. Ft. model weighs 96 lbs empty, while the 6.5 Cu. Ft. version weighs 54.25 lbs. The larger model’s weight makes it less suitable for tight spaces or situations where you need to frequently lift the cart into a truck bed.

Q: What’s the difference in tire size between models?

Gorilla Carts equips the 12 Cu. Ft. model with 16-inch pneumatic tires for tackling rough terrain, while the 6.5 Cu. Ft. model uses 13-inch pneumatic tires with zero-turn steering for better maneuverability in residential job sites. Both tire types are air-filled rubber, not solid or foam-filled.

Q: Does the quick-release dump mechanism work with heavy loads?

Gorilla Carts’ patented quick-release system uses a roll-over dump design where the poly bed tilts forward while the steel frame stays planted — you’re not lifting the entire 1,200-1,600 lb load vertical. Some users report the manual dumping mechanism becomes less smooth with extended heavy use, but it still beats wrestling a loaded wheelbarrow.

Q: What else does Gorilla Carts make besides dump carts?

Gorilla Carts manufactures lawn and garden carts, wheelbarrows, ladders, step stools and platforms, hose reels, garden hoses, and replacement tires. The company has been in the industry for over two decades, focusing on heavy-duty outdoor and material handling equipment.