Why the 7 Cubic Foot Gorilla Cart is a Game-Changer for Our Acreage
Every homestead has that one tool that seems to outshine everything else. For us, that tool has become the 7 cubic foot Gorilla Cart. Whether it’s moving dirt, hauling mulch, or even cleaning up the yard, this cart handles it all with ease. Here’s a breakdown of its standout features and a few downsides we’ve discovered along the way.
Features of the 7 Cubic Foot Gorilla Cart
- Easy Assembly
- Durability
- Efficient Dump Function
- Maneuverability
- Impressive Capacity
- Versatile Functionality
Easy Assembly
Putting the Gorilla Cart together was a breeze. The steel frame came together seamlessly, with all bolts aligned perfectly and no need for finagling or extra drilling. This can be rare nowadays with mass produced items where quality control isn’t what we hope it will be. It’s the kind of assembly that doesn’t require a degree in engineering, making it accessible for anyone. Best part is it only requires a few simple tools (socket or wrench) which most homeowners have on hand.
Durability
We were initially torn between the poly and steel wagon options. I was primarily concerned about rust over time with the steel box, and cracking come cold weather and winter with the poly version. Ultimately, we settled on the poly style because of the lability to wash it out and not worry about rusting. We would take our chances when it came to cracking come the cold. After using the cart in various conditions and even loading it with heavy boulders, we can confidently say the poly dump bin has held up beautifully. It’s been through the wringer and hasn’t shown any signs of wear. Plus let’s be honest, if it’s cold enough outside that you worry about the poly tub cracking, we probably aren’t working outside anyways.
Efficient Dump Function
The dump feature is a game-changer. With a simple spring-loaded latch, anyone can tip the cart back to unload its contents. This is particularly useful when you’re dealing with heavy loads, as the cart’s design allows for easy dumping without needing excessive strength. This is quite a bit different from a wheelbarrow where it takes some serious stability to dump heavier loads straight forward without tipping or spilling side to side. This has let the kids pitch in the get work done, making chores faster and more rewarding.
Maneuverability
The 7 cubic foot Gorilla cart is equipped with 13-inch air-filled tires- this cart rolls over obstacles effortlessly. The zero-turn steering makes navigating tight spaces a piece of cake, as long as you can fit the wheelbase where you need it to go. Even when fully loaded, it doesn’t feel tippy, providing a sense of stability that we’ve come to appreciate when moving heavy loads. Again, vastly improved when compared to a standard wheelbarrow.
Impressive Capacity
With a capacity of 7 cubic feet of volume and a weight limit of 1200 lbs, this cart is built for serious hauling. While we haven’t maxed out the weight limit, we’ve moved substantial loads of soil and mulch with ease. Even moving the large boulders along our driveway was easy- the only limit here being what our manpower was capable of tipping. The sheer volume it can carry is more critical for our needs than the weight limit itself.
Versatile Functionality
One of the standout features is the dual handle. You can pull it like a wagon or attach it to the tractor for larger jobs. This versatility saved us from having to invest in a separate trailer, especially when moving large amounts of wood chips from the driveway to the garden area. The best part about this was allowing us to save some money as we set up the property, without buying multiple carts and trailers right off the bat.
Downsides of the 7 Cubic Foot Gorilla Cart
- Weight Capacity (Lifting limitations)
- Challenges with Reversing
Weight Capacity (Lifting limitations)
While the cart boasts a 1200 lb capacity, the reality is that dumping heavy loads can be tricky. If you can’t lift the contents, you won’t be able to dump them. This limitation means that while the volume is impressive, you need to be mindful of how much weight you’re loading in. Only I (Jeff) was able to dump the cart full of soil. Therefore, while the capacity is great, the weight can be tricky.
Challenges with Reversing
Another downside is the difficulty in reversing the tractor with the cart attached as a trailer. The zero-turn wheels designed for stability don’t lend themselves well to backing up. While it’s great for moving forward, navigating tight spots in reverse can be a challenge or near impossible, which is something to consider if you’re planning on using it as a primary trailer. I would say it accomplishes about 90% of trailering tasks. However, there were a couple times where we had to dump the load in a less that ideal location because we were not able to back into a tight spot.
Final Thoughts
After five months of using the Gorilla Cart, it’s clear that this tool has transformed how we work on our acreage. It’s simple, reliable, and gets the job done—qualities that are invaluable to us. If you’re looking for an affordable, effective tool that can handle a variety of tasks, this cart should be at the top of your list. Sometimes, it’s the simplest tools that make the biggest difference.
What about you? What’s one tool you couldn’t live without on your property? Let me know in the comments!