Hose Carts

About Hose Carts

Hose carts are essential garden and outdoor equipment solutions that combine the functionality of a traditional hose reel with the added convenience of wheels for enhanced mobility. Designed to make watering tasks more efficient and less physically demanding, these mobile storage units allow you to easily transport your garden hose across large properties, around obstacles, and between multiple watering sites without the hassle of dragging heavy, unwieldy hose pipes across lawns and pathways.

Whether you're a professional groundskeeper maintaining extensive commercial landscapes, a keen gardener with a large plot, or a tradesperson requiring water access for site work, hose carts offer a practical solution for hose management and storage. Available in various capacities and configurations, these units typically feature sturdy frames constructed from plastic, steel, or powder-coated metal, with wheels designed for smooth operation across different terrain types including grass, gravel, and paving.

At TooledUp.com, we stock hose carts from leading manufacturers including Hozelock, Gardena, Draper, and Sealey. You can choose between complete hose trolley sets that include pre-fitted hose pipe, connectors, and spray guns, or empty hose 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 and budget.

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 a standard 12.5mm or 15mm diameter hose.

Empty/Bare Unit

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.

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.

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.

Drum/Reel Mechanism

The cylindrical winding system around which the hose is coiled. May feature manual wind handles, crank systems, or automatic rewind mechanisms depending on the model.

Free-Standing/Mobile Design

A hose cart configuration that remains stable when stationary but can be easily wheeled to different locations, typically featuring a weighted base or supporting feet.

Who Uses Hose Carts?

• Professional Gardeners and Landscapers - maintaining multiple client properties requiring efficient water transport
• Groundskeepers and Estate Managers - caring for extensive grounds, sports facilities, 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
• Agricultural Workers - cleaning equipment, watering livestock areas, and general farm maintenance
• 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
• Caravan and Camping Site Operators - maintaining facilities and providing flexible water access
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners - with larger gardens requiring convenient hose storage and transport

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. Hose carts typically accommodate between 30m and 100m of standard diameter hose.

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.

Frame Construction and Durability: Consider where and how frequently you'll use the cart. Powder-coated steel frames like those found in Gardena's Metal CleverRoll range offer superior durability for professional use, whilst robust plastic models provide excellent longevity for domestic applications at a lighter weight.

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 or up slopes regularly, look for models with substantial wheels and pneumatic tyres rather than small solid wheels.

Winding Mechanism: Manual crank handles are standard and reliable. Some models feature ergonomic designs that make winding easier, whilst others incorporate guide systems to ensure even hose distribution on the drum. Consider models with enclosed drums if you want protection from UV damage and weather.

Storage and Stability: Check that the cart has a stable base when stationary and consider where you'll store it. 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.

Brand Reputation: Hozelock and Gardena are the leading brands in the UK market, offering extensive warranties and readily available spare parts. Draper and Sealey provide excellent value options with good build quality suited to both trade and domestic use.

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
• 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
• 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
• Pressure Washers - for heavy-duty cleaning tasks requiring higher water pressure
• 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.

Can I use any hose with an empty hose cart?

Generally yes, but check the cart's specified hose capacity and diameter compatibility. 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.

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, and reliable winding mechanisms that withstand the demands of daily operation by landscapers and groundskeepers.

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 – complete sets offer better value if you're starting from scratch.

How do I maintain my hose cart for longevity?

Regular maintenance is straightforward: drain and dry the hose before storage during winter 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. Periodically check and lubricate the axle and winding mechanism, and inspect wheels for wear. Quality brands like Hozelock and Gardena offer replacement parts, so even well-used carts can be economically repaired rather than replaced.