Hose Carts

About Hose Carts

Hose carts are practical garden and outdoor equipment solutions that combine robust hose storage with wheeled mobility, making watering and cleaning tasks significantly more efficient across larger areas. Unlike fixed wall-mounted reels, these mobile units allow you to transport your garden hose easily across extensive properties, navigate around obstacles, and access multiple watering points without the back-breaking work of dragging heavy hose pipes across lawns, gravel paths, or paving. The wheeled design protects your hose from abrasion and wear whilst keeping it neatly organised when not in use.

Whether you're a professional landscaper maintaining commercial grounds, a keen allotment holder with extensive vegetable plots, or a tradesperson requiring portable water access on construction sites, hose carts deliver a versatile solution for hose management. Available in capacities ranging from 30m to 100m, these units typically feature frames constructed from durable materials including reinforced plastic, powder-coated steel, or galvanised metal, with wheels designed for smooth operation across grass, gravel, and uneven terrain. Many models incorporate ergonomic winding handles, guide systems for even hose distribution, and stable bases that prevent tipping during operation.

Tooled-Up.com stocks hose carts from leading manufacturers including Hozelock, Gardena, Draper, and Sealey, offering both complete trolley sets with pre-fitted hose pipe, connectors, and spray guns, as well as empty cart units that allow you to fit your own preferred length and type of hose. This flexibility ensures you can select the perfect solution for your specific watering requirements, whether that's maintaining a domestic garden, servicing multiple client properties, or supporting site work with reliable mobile water access.

Jargon Buster

Hose Capacity

The maximum length of hose pipe that a cart can accommodate, typically measured in metres. Common capacities range from 30m to 100m, with the measurement usually based on standard 12.5mm or 15mm diameter hose. Always check capacity if using thicker diameter hose, as this reduces the length you can store.

Empty Unit/Bare Cart

A hose cart supplied without hose pipe or connectors, allowing you to fit your own existing hose or choose a specific type and length to suit your requirements. This option suits users who already have quality hose or prefer particular specifications.

Complete Set/Kit

A hose trolley supplied with hose pipe, connectors, spray gun or nozzle, and all fittings required for immediate use straight out of the box. These offer better value if you're starting from scratch and need everything for a working watering system.

Quick-Connect Fittings

Snap-fit connectors that allow you to quickly attach and detach the hose from taps, spray guns, and accessories without threading or tools. These create reliable, leak-free connections and significantly speed up setup and changeover between tasks.

Winding Mechanism

The cranking or rewind system used to coil the hose back onto the drum. Manual crank handles are most common, with some featuring gear ratios for easier winding of longer hoses. Quality mechanisms include guide systems to ensure even distribution and prevent tangling.

Free-Standing Design

A hose cart configuration that remains stable when stationary but can be easily wheeled to different locations, typically featuring a weighted base, supporting feet, or wide stance for balance. This prevents tipping when winding hose under tension.

Who Uses Hose Carts?

• Professional Gardeners and Landscapers - maintaining multiple client properties requiring efficient water transport between sites
• Groundskeepers and Estate Managers - caring for extensive grounds, sports facilities, parks, and commercial landscapes
• Allotment Holders and Keen Gardeners - managing large vegetable plots and garden areas with multiple watering zones
• Garden Centres and Nurseries - watering stock across different greenhouse and outdoor areas throughout the day
• Agricultural Workers - cleaning equipment, watering livestock areas, and general farm maintenance tasks
• Building and Construction Professionals - requiring mobile water access for mixing, cleaning, and dust suppression on site
• Vehicle Valetors and Car Wash Operators - needing portable water supply for cleaning multiple vehicles efficiently
• Caravan and Camping Site Operators - maintaining facilities and providing flexible water access across extensive grounds
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners - with larger gardens requiring convenient hose storage and transport
• Sports Ground Maintenance Teams - watering playing surfaces and maintaining pitch quality

How to Choose the Right Hose Carts

Hose Capacity and Length: Consider the size of the area you need to cover. Measure the distance from your water source to the furthest point you'll need to reach, adding extra length to allow for movement around obstacles and elevation changes. Hose carts typically accommodate between 30m and 100m of standard diameter hose. The Gardena CleverRoll range, for example, comes in S, M, and L sizes to match different capacity requirements.

Empty Unit or Complete Set: Decide whether you already have a suitable hose that you want to continue using, or if you'd prefer the convenience of a complete kit with everything included. Complete sets from brands like Hozelock and Gardena typically include hose, connectors, and spray attachments, offering better value if you're starting from scratch. Empty units provide flexibility for those with existing equipment or specific hose preferences.

Frame Construction and Durability: Consider where and how frequently you'll use the cart. Powder-coated steel frames like those found in the Gardena Metal CleverRoll range offer superior durability for professional daily use and resist corrosion in the UK climate. Robust plastic models from Hozelock and Draper provide excellent longevity for domestic applications at a lighter weight, making them easier to manoeuvre.

Wheel Size and Terrain: Larger wheels roll more easily over uneven ground, grass, and gravel. If you'll be moving the cart across rough terrain, up slopes, or through soft ground regularly, look for models with substantial wheels and pneumatic tyres rather than small solid wheels. This becomes particularly important for professional users covering varied terrain daily.

Winding Mechanism: Manual crank handles are standard and reliable across most models. Some feature ergonomic designs and gear ratios that make winding easier, particularly important when handling 60m or more of water-filled hose. Consider models with enclosed drums if you want protection from UV damage and weather degradation, extending hose life significantly in the UK's variable climate.

Storage and Stability: Check that the cart has a stable base when stationary to prevent tipping during winding operations. Consider where you'll store it between uses. Some designs like the Gardena CleverRoll range feature space-saving profiles and can be stored vertically, which is useful for sheds and garages with limited floor space. Adjustable height facilities on some models allow customisation for different users.

Brand Reputation and Parts Availability: Hozelock and Gardena are the leading brands in the UK market, offering extensive warranties and readily available spare parts through stockists including Tooled-Up. Draper and Sealey provide excellent value options with good build quality suited to both trade and domestic use, backed by established service networks.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement Garden Hoses - various lengths and diameters to suit different cart capacities and watering requirements
• Hose Connectors and Quick-Connect Fittings - creating leak-free connections between hose, taps, and accessories
• Spray Guns and Adjustable Nozzles - offering multiple spray patterns from fine mist to powerful jet for different watering tasks
• Tap Connectors and Adapters - fitting various outdoor tap types common in UK properties
• Hose End Fittings and Repair Kits - maintaining and extending the life of your existing hose economically
• Y-Connectors and Splitters - enabling two hoses to run from a single tap connection
• Watering Timers and Controllers - automating watering schedules for efficiency and water conservation
• Flow-Through Connectors - allowing continuous water supply whilst hose remains connected to the cart
• Replacement Wheels and Axles - maintaining cart mobility after extended use
• Garden Storage Boxes - protecting accessories and small tools when not in use

Frequently Asked Questions

What length of hose can a typical hose cart hold?

This varies by model, but most domestic hose carts accommodate between 30m and 60m of standard 12.5mm diameter hose, whilst larger professional models can hold up to 100m or more. Always check the manufacturer's specifications, as capacity decreases if you're using thicker diameter hose. The Gardena CleverRoll range, for example, comes in S, M, and L sizes to suit different capacities, with the L model handling up to 60m of 13mm hose comfortably.

Can I use any hose with an empty hose cart?

Generally yes, but check the cart's specified hose capacity and diameter compatibility before purchase. Most UK hose carts are designed for standard 12.5mm or 15mm diameter hoses. Ensure your hose length doesn't exceed the cart's capacity, as overloading can damage the winding mechanism and make operation difficult. Brands like Hozelock and Gardena clearly state compatible hose specifications for their empty units, and mixing incompatible components may void warranties.

Are hose carts suitable for professional daily use?

Absolutely. Professional-grade models with metal frames and reinforced components, such as the Gardena Metal CleverRoll series and Hozelock's metal cart range, are specifically designed for intensive commercial use. These feature robust construction, smooth-rolling wheels with reinforced axles, and reliable winding mechanisms that withstand the demands of daily operation by landscapers and groundskeepers. Look for models with powder-coated finishes that resist corrosion in the UK climate.

Do hose carts come with spray guns and connectors included?

This depends on whether you choose an empty unit or a complete set. Complete kits include everything needed for immediate use: hose pipe, connectors, spray gun or nozzle, and tap fittings. Empty units provide just the cart mechanism, allowing you to fit your own hose and accessories. Check the product description carefully at Tooled-Up.com – complete sets offer better value if you're starting from scratch, whilst empty units suit those with existing quality hose and fittings.

How do I maintain my hose cart for longevity?

Regular maintenance is straightforward: drain and dry the hose before storage during winter months to prevent frost damage and mould growth, particularly important in the UK climate. Store the cart in a shed or garage when not in regular use to protect from UV degradation and weather exposure. Periodically check and lubricate the axle and winding mechanism with suitable grease, and inspect wheels for wear or damage. Quality brands like Hozelock and Gardena offer replacement parts, so even well-used carts can be economically repaired rather than replaced.