Who here loves summer gardening?
Everyone!
Who hates heaving a heavy hose around to water the plants?
Also everyone!
That’s why hose carts were invented – to take the strain out of transporting a gardening hose to the far-flung corners of your property if you happen to be blessed with a larger yard to maintain.
And these days, there’s a wonderful variety to choose from, whether you’re concerned solely with practicality, or you prefer a beautifully designed garden tool that could function just as well as a decedent ornament or modern art.
Check out this review of the best hose reel carts with wheels 2024. A buyer’s guide and FAQ section will follow to help you wrap everything up.
See if you can find the perfect home for your hose.
Contents
- The 14 Best Hose Reel Carts with Wheels of 2024
- Suncast JSF175 Hosemobile Reel Cart Hose
- Ironton Garden Hose Reel Cart
- Liberty Garden 871-M1-1 Garden Hose Reel Cart
- PayLessHere Garden Hose Reel Cart
- Liberty Garden Industrial 2-Wheel Hose Reel Cart
- Yard Butler HTC-1 Compact Hose Reel Truck
- Liberty Garden 870-M1-2 Garden Hose Reel Cart
- Goplus Garden Hose Reel Cart
- Strongway Garden Hose Reel Cart
- Liberty Garden Decorative 2 Wheel Hose Cart
- Gardena 18513-20 Hose Cart Set
- AMES 2517000 NeverLeak Decorative Metal Cart
- Eley Portable Garden Hose Reel Cart
- Costway Garden Hose Reel Cart
- How to Choose the Right Hose Reel Cart with Wheels
- FAQs
- Summary
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you shop through the links on YardThyme, we may earn an affiliate's commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. For more information, read full disclosure here.
The 14 Best Hose Reel Carts with Wheels of 2024
Suncast JSF175 Hosemobile Reel Cart Hose
Up first, we have this space-saving hose cart caddy from reputable USA home and garden company Suncast. It can compact up to 175 feet of 5/8 inch hose to keep your property tidy, in a durable, molded plastic unit that won’t rust and is corrosion resistant.
Featuring sturdy, six-inch wheels for easy transportation around your lawn, hose hooks for convenience, and an easy-link system that ensures a watertight seal between the reel and hoses.
The unit arrives fully assembled and is finished in a brown taupe so it blends in with exterior paint colors and won’t look out of place in most gardens.
Pros
- Great price.
- Easy-to-use.
- Highly rated.
- Lightweight.
- Durable construction.
Cons
- Some reported issues with the hose connection.
Conclusion
A durable and sturdy budget hose cart with wheels that might not win any awards for style but certainly could for functionality.
Ironton Garden Hose Reel Cart
A totally different design and approach now with this tubular steel-framed wheeled hose cart from Ironton.
At the base, you’ll find four, 10-inch pneumatic tires with solid-steel axles for handling all kinds of terrain, so you’ve no need to worry about pushing this unit over any kind of lawn.
Made to hold 300 ft of 5/8 inch hose, there’s more than enough room here for a generous hose length for most needs.
A six-foot leader hose is included, as is a handy, integrated basket close to the push handle in which you can store all kinds of attachments and accessories. As with most hose reel carts full assembly is required.
Pros
- Durable frames.
- Powder-coat finish.
- Easy-rolling.
- Foam-padded handle.
Cons
- Brand sticker doesn’t last long and feels cheap.
Conclusion
One of the cheapest steel-framed hose carts available, you can wind a lot of hose around this product and the wheels provide excellent ground clearance. Say goodbye to the Ironton brand sticker in the sun, though – it won’t last.
Liberty Garden 871-M1-1 Garden Hose Reel Cart
Specializing in garden hose storage, Liberty Garden Products have been on the scene since 1989 manufacturing quality units to keep your yard tidy.
This is a similar design to the Ironton, offering slightly less storage space with a maximum of 250 ft of 5/8-inch hose. At eight inches, the pneumatic tires are slightly smaller, too, and it includes a five-foot leader hose for your convenience.
Made from 13-gauge steel with a durable powder coat finish that is weather-resistant, the low center of gravity prevents it from tipping over, while the storage basket is a nice addition to keep accessories close at hand.
Pros
- Solid construction.
- Brass hose connectors.
- Non-slip handles.
- Rust-resistant.
Cons
- Brass connectors are quite thin.
- Reports of occasional problems with the wheels.
Conclusion
A step up from plastic hose reel carts, this is a no-frills metal version from Liberty Garden Products that will get the job done without ever really changing the game.
PayLessHere Garden Hose Reel Cart
This easy-to-assemble hose cart holds up to 300 ft of garden hose and should be more than enough for most yard-watering requirements.
With a reinforced, heavy-duty steel frame, it has been powder-coated to protect the unit from the elements, while the 10-inch rubber pneumatic tires ensures it can tackle any kind of terrain.
A storage basket is included for convenient access to any accessories or other gardening tools, and the foam-covered handle makes it comfortable to push around your property with ease. An attractive green finish completes the package.
Pros
- Durable yet lightweight.
- Non-slip grips.
- Easy to maneuver.
Cons
- Shorter leader hose.
- Accessory basket seems a little on the small side.
Conclusion
Another decent hose cart with wheels that prides itself on being easy to assemble and use. Finished with a fine shade of green, this will look good in anyone’s yard.
Liberty Garden Industrial 2-Wheel Hose Reel Cart
This is a slightly different design from Liberty Garden that opts for using two wheels instead of four – which actually makes it really sturdy when in situ.
Once again designed with a low center of gravity to prevent it from tipping, the large, 15.5-inch pneumatic tires with attractive spoke frames can easily conquer any terrain in your yard.
The reel can hold up to 300 ft of 5/8-inch hose, while the 13-gauge steel frame has been treated with a powder-coat finish to protect it from the weather. A five-foot inlet hose is included with all brass fittings, and a good-sized storage basket for all your accessories.
Pros
- Practical design.
- No-slip grip reel handle.
- Durable construction.
- Very stable.
- Detailed assembly instructions.
Cons
- The bolts aren’t the best quality – you might want to switch them out for stainless steel.
- It looks a bit like a wheelchair – but maybe they all do?
Conclusion
The two-wheeled design makes a nice change from other models and adds extra stability when in use, and it’s an attractive looking unit with great spoke frames.
Yard Butler HTC-1 Compact Hose Reel Truck
Designed for holding a smaller amount of hose pipe at 100 ft, this is another alternative design that might give you a selection headache. It features a Max-Flo outlet pipe and kink-free center spool, in a compact, lightweight unit that has two, bolt-on wheels.
Assembly is super-easy, and the heavy-duty construction ensures you will have years of leak-free hose use around your garden.
The Yard Butler is tough and durable, made with premium materials, with a drip-less swivel wheel and steel frame that is covered in a mottled-gray, powder-coated finish to keep it from rusting.
Pros
- Quality construction.
- Supply hose included.
- Non-slip grip handles.
- No-fuss assembly.
Cons
- Not as sturdy on the ground as other designs.
- No accessory cart.
Conclusion
A compact, space-saving design that is targeted at homeowners with smaller yards. This is a well-built unit that is highly portable and easy-to-use. The design won’t be for everyone, though.
Liberty Garden 870-M1-2 Garden Hose Reel Cart
This won’t be the final entry from Liberty Garden as they bring us another quality hose reel cart for your consideration. This is a return to the four-wheeled variety, fit for a 300 ft hose around the large reel drum.
Four, 10-inch tires are nicely spaced and raised to give good ground clearance and maneuverability over any terrain, while the low center of gravity prevents it from tipping.
A 90 degree brass swivel connector offers durability and protection against hose damage when you’re winding it back up, and a hose hook near the handle has been added for convenience.
Pros
- Sturdy build.
- 13-gauge steel construction.
- Attractive tan color.
- Highly rated.
Cons
- No accessory basket.
Conclusion
Liberty Garden Products have made another well-built hose cart here that’s a joy to use, performs well, and is ideal for larger gardens.
Goplus Garden Hose Reel Cart
Goplus have manufactured a great hose reel cart here that is very easy on the eye with its simple but effective lines. It can hold a maximum of 200 ft of 3/4-inch hose, and has one, six-foot inlet hose included, suitable for all standard fixtures; with a drip-less swivel and brass fittings.
10-inch air-filled wheels are suitable for any terrain, while the cushion-grip handle makes it comfortable to pull or push across your yard to where you need it to be.
An easy-to-wind crank reel keeps you moving, and the powder-coated steel frame is protected against the elements with a smart, green finish.
Pros
- Simple design.
- Easy-to-assemble.
- Ideal for all garden sizes.
Cons
- Again, consider replacing the bolts provided with stainless steel.
Conclusion
An attractive, easy-to-operate hose reel cart for your garden hose. It’s durable, yet lightweight and easy to move around, and the easy-turn handle is very welcome.
Strongway Garden Hose Reel Cart
Now, here’s a hose reel cart that actually looks like a cart! Yet another design for you to consider, this unit from Strongway features four, 10-inch, flat-free tires that offer heavy-duty traction and ground clearance over all types of terrain.
A six-foot leader hose is included with brass fittings and couplers that won’t rust or corrode. With a tubular steel construction that has been finished with a weather-resistant powder-coating, the large reel drum can take up to 400 feet of a 5/8-inch hose – making it one of the larger carts out there.
What really sets this apart, however, is the unique pull-behind handle for transporting it like a wagon, and the large accessory basket underneath for all your extra gear.
Pros
- Strong and sturdy design.
- Extra-large capacity.
- Non-slip swivel grip.
- Solid axles.
Cons
- None that caught my eye.
Conclusion
A highly-maneuverable product that’s probably the best heavy-duty water hose reel cart at this price. Ideal for larger gardens – or anywhere you’re going to need a lot of hose. If you’re getting one of these, you might as well check out these zero-turn lawnmowers to cover just as much ground.
Liberty Garden Decorative 2 Wheel Hose Cart
Our final Liberty Garden hose reel cart is a decadent affair that wouldn’t look out of place in Downtown Abbey (apart from the wheels, perhaps).
This decorative hose reel cart can hold up to 200 ft of 5/8-inch hose, with two 8.5-inch never-flat tires, a non-slip handle, and 90 degree brass swivel connector.
Made from 13-gauge steel with a powder-coated finish to protect it from the weather, a five-foot inlet hose is included for easy connection to the faucet.
An integrated basket is placed within easy access from the main handle, and the low center of gravity in all Liberty Garden’s models is once again included here to prevent the unit from tipping.
Pros
- Attractive, vintage design.
- Durable materials.
- Extra-wide base and support.
Cons
- The storage basket can come loose.
Conclusion
A beautifully designed reel cart that has more going for it than merely style over substance. This will do the job while looking fabulous at the same time.
Gardena 18513-20 Hose Cart Set
Gardena have been around since the 1960s, and have become a household name in garden tools and lawn care – particularly when it comes to dispensing water where it is most required.
This super-sturdy, frost-proof, hose cart set is made from a combination of heavy-duty plastics and high-quality aluminum, and can hold up to 198 ft of 1/2-inch hose.
The one-piece crank handle and profile wheels offer smooth operation around your yard on this highly rated unit.
But perhaps the most enticing feature is the fact that it comes complete with Gardena’s trademark quality hose – 66 ft of it to be exact – complete with a five-foot leader hose and spray nozzle.
Pros
- Name to trust.
- Solid construction quality.
- Everything you need is included.
Cons
- None to speak of.
Conclusion
For watering your garden and lawn, Gardena has been a by-word for quality for nearly 60 years. This is an excellent hose reel cart at an affordable price considering what you get.
AMES 2517000 NeverLeak Decorative Metal Cart
Here we have another decorative option this time from Ames. It’s a hugely popular and highly rated hose reel cart that can hold up to 150 ft of 5/8-inch hose.
It’s compact and low on the ground, so the unit is never at risk from falling over, while the NeverLeak water system is eight times stronger than plastic watering systems.
Featuring collapsible handles for easy storage, a rubber grip on the crank, no-air rubber-tread wheels, and a four-foot leader hose, this stylish and well-built cart is as practical as it is attractive.
Pros
- Sturdy metal design.
- Rust-proof coating.
- Brass fittings.
Cons
- Maneuvering the cart might be a little awkward for some.
Conclusion
Astonishingly, Ames have been around since 1774, and they continue to manufacture quality gardening equipment and tools.
This is no exception, and for a metal unit, it might be the greatest rust proof hose reel cart with wheels out there. It looks rather nice, too.
Eley Portable Garden Hose Reel Cart
Hailing from Nebraska, family-owned Eley have been in the hose reel game since the 1990s – and this model is right out of the top drawer.
Made from die-cast aluminum with brass swivel, this is a seriously heavy-duty hose reel cart that will make you the envy of all your neighbors.
A 6.5-foot inlet hose is included, and the unit will take up to 150 ft of 5/8-inch hose around its super-sturdy drum. The flat-free, 10-inch tires look like they could compete in an off-road rally challenge, while the wide base and tip-free design ensures once this baby is in place – it isn’t going anywhere.
Pros
- Beautifully designed.
- Premium materials.
- Super-strong construction.
- Well-balanced.
Cons
- Very expensive.
Conclusion
Is it a hose reel – or is it a work of art? Either way, this is a highly rated piece of kit that will stand the test of time, such is the quality of the materials and construction. It will cost you – but it’s oh so worth it.
Costway Garden Hose Reel Cart
The Costway garden hose reel cart is a practical and flexible option built with solid steel materials and a strong, durable plastic frame.
Designed to resist all weather conditions with an anti-leak construction, the triangular structure increases stability, while the quick-connectors and adjustable nozzle ensure that hose use is as stress-free as possible.
The handle and large wheels allow easy transportation all around your home and garden, and the flexible rocker is great for effortlessly rolling up the hose.
And with plenty of storage space on board, you’re sure to be able to use the right length hose for your watering needs.
Pros
- Attractive look.
- Easy to assemble.
- Lightweight yet durable design.
- Versatile use.
- Compact and portable.
Cons
- Might be a little too small for some.
Conclusion
A tough, durable, and easy-to-use garden hose cart that is a breeze to transport wherever you need it, with a no-nonsense, efficient design. And for all that, it’s not a bad price point, either.
How to Choose the Right Hose Reel Cart with Wheels
Below you’ll find a comprehensive buyer’s guide to what you need to look out for before purchasing your new hose cart.
Hose Capacity
Hose reel carts come in a variety of different sizes and are capable of storing hoses of differing lengths.
The unit you choose will depend on the size of your hose, with options ranging from 100 ft, to 175 ft, through to 225 ft, 250 ft, 300 ft, and 400 ft.
Other sizes may also be available – you just have to make sure you check the individual product.
And bear in mind that this is for a standard 5/8-inch hose. Obviously, hoses with a smaller or larger diameter will change how much or how little hose a reel will be able to take.
Understanding the size and length of your hose is key to choosing the right hose reel.
Materials
By and large, the frame of a hose reel cart is available in one of two types of material.
Either a heavy-duty plastic, or a durable steel that has been treated with a powder-coated, rust and corrosion-proof finish.
Other versions might use a combination of metals and plastics.
While each have their clear advantages, they’re not without their downsides.
Plastic doesn’t last nearly as long as steel – not matter how heavy-duty it is. Although it’s never going to rust, it just doesn’t have the longevity of metal hose reel carts.
Rust is the main enemy of steel models – even though all such products claim to have been fully treated with an anti-corrosion and anti-rust finish. The quality of this will differ from hose reel to hose reel.
Many experienced consumers advise replacing nuts and bolts with stainless steel hardware, and giving the whole unit an extra coat of rust-proof paint or other such protective sealants.
Nothing lasts forever, and unfortunately, that is especially true when it comes to gardening tools and equipment – but you can take extra steps to ensure your product has the longest life possible.
Connectors
When it comes to hose connectors – similar to the actual frame itself – there are usually two types – metal or plastic.
The main concern here is leakage, as it is at the connection points where this is most likely to take place.
Solid brass is usually favored over plastic polymers as it’s more durable and will last longer. They are more expensive and much heavier, of course.
Heavy-duty plastic or galvanized brass fittings seem to be the regular choices here, and it’s really up to you as to which you prefer.
Leader Hose
You’ll notice that almost all the reel carts come with a leader hose as part of the set. This is the hose section that will connect from the reel to the faucet or water outlet.
The length of this can vary, usually between five and eight feet. Choose one that’s suitable for your needs, although this is often negligible as you can easily swap it out for another attachment if you prefer.
Wheels
When choosing the garden hose reel cart with wheels – the wheels are pretty important.
As you can see, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the style and design of the cart.
It doesn’t matter if you prefer four wheels or two – but you should be looking out for quality wheels that turn easily and offer decent ground clearance.
If the wheels aren’t up to scratch, trying to drag a hose cart over difficult terrain can be as frustrating as pushing a shopping trolley with a dodgy roller.
And don’t just consider what they offer in mobility. A hose reel cart needs to be stable when it’s actually in use.
Look out for products with a low center of gravity that are not likely to tip over if you suddenly yank the hose too hard.
Color and Design
As I mentioned in the introduction, hose reel carts come in all kinds of designs and color schemes ranging from ugly and practical to beautiful and useless – and everything in between.
I’ve picked a mix of styles in this review – and it’s up to you to decide what is a priority when choosing the right model.
While some can certainly be style over substance, for the most part they will do the job they were built for.
Cost
How much a product costs is usually a big factor when it comes to choosing pretty much anything, and it certainly is the case here.
To be honest, in my research in locating and choosing these hose reel carts, it seemed to me that there wasn’t much of a difference in quality if you’re spending up to $150.
It’s only when you go over $200 that it improves significantly.
Always buy the best you can afford – but you don’t have to break the bank here as they should all get the job done.
You get what you pay for, after all.
FAQs
What is the best hose reel cart?
It depends entirely on what you’re looking for and what would be most suitable for you and your yard.
Consider the buyer’s guide above and then check back through the review and you’ll surely be able to narrow it down.
I think the best models have sturdy metal frames, brass connectors, with large wheels offering decent ground clearance.
How do you use a hose reel cart?
Using a hose reel cart is pretty straightforward.
Simply attach the leader hose that comes with the unit to your outdoor faucet.
Bear in mind that you don’t have to use this inlet hose (the cart might not come with one in the first place) and you can switch it out for a longer version should you wish.
Attach the hose you’re using to the cart’s connector, then, with one hand turning the reel, use the other hand to guide the hose into position so it wraps neatly around the drum.
You’re now good to go all around your yard to water anything that needs a bit of TLC.
How do you attach a hose to a hose reel cart?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but it is really just as simple as making sure the two connectors are compatible with each other, and then either clipping them in, or screwing them together – depending on the make and materials used.
Can I use an expandable hose with a hose reel cart?
While some people believe that you can, manufacturers of the best expandable hoses do not recommend it, for the obvious reasons that it could restrict the hose’s performance and possible damage the tool in the process.
Check out that link if you’re looking for quality expandable hoses as an alternative to using a reel cart.
How do I prevent rust on a hose reel cart?
Most hose reel carts that are made of metal will be pre-treated with anti-rust and anti-corrosion finishes – which will protect it against the elements.
However, rust can and still does occur, so you might want to take extra steps to prevent it.
For many of the hose reel carts, users recommend switching out the original nuts and bolts and purchasing stainless steel replacements.
For additional peace-of-mind, consider spraying the unit with an extra layer of rust-proof lacquer or paint.
Do hose reels work?
Yes. Next question.
Summary
There we go folks, the search for the finest hose reel cart with wheels is potentially over. I hope you managed to find the one that’s right for you and your needs.
If I was in the market for a new cart, I’d like to think I’d go for the Eley model. Yes, it might be on the expensive side, but it’s a thing of beauty, as solid and a rock, and will last for years.
Let me know the product you’ve gone for and why.
Stay safe out there – and happy hosing!