Jeremy's Pushcart

Back in 2020 I saw this cart at a neighbor's garage sale. The bicycle wheels were tacoed. The walls were busted up and I don't think it had a front gate. But the 1 1/4 inch plywood floor was solid, and I had been looking for a cart for years. So I bought it with some other stuff and pushed it home. It lurched to the side every few feet because of the wheels, and it squeaked terribly. But I got it home.

Over the next two years I replaced the walls and wheels. The front gate just slides into a space between the walls and some angle iron. But my favorite feature is the chainsaw holder at the back. It was inspired by a tractor accessory. By providing an additional place to hold tools, it leaves room in the dump bed for wood or branches or leaves. I am very happy with it. My boys love taking rides in it.

I need to finish painting the rails red. I would also like a cargo net so that I can really pile it high. But the biggest upgrade would be to build an open toolbox that can straddle the rear wall. That would hold my chisels and other timber framing tools.

Jeremy VanGelder wrote: I would also like a cargo net so that I can really pile it high. But the biggest upgrade would be to build an open toolbox that can straddle the rear wall. That would hold my chisels and other timber framing tools.

I love your cart! The wooden body makes it relatively easy to repair and modify as needs change. Just a thought for the toolbox - would it be worth making it at the front end rather than the rear? That way the extra weight of the tools will balance the load in the cart and maybe make it easier to lift and push.

Thanks, Nancy! I am pretty happy with the way it balances now. But that is a good thought. I have a rail on the front gate to act as a handle, but I could put the gate in upside down to hang a toolbox off of the front. I will think about it.

Several years later and I am still using the cart several times a week.

New, those sorts of carts are pricey where I live. It's lovely to see one being salvaged, repaired and being lovingly put to work!

I have a dog push-cart that's on my list to turn into similar. The project stalled, mostly due to lack of workshop space, but maybe this winter I'll be able to dust-off the plans and get it working. It will be lower to the ground, but still useful.

Wheels have to be pretty much my favorite "simple machine", although levers are a close second!