Customer Reviews

Tipke 2100 Marine Fold-It Utility Cart

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I purchased both the 1300 and 2100 model. The 2100 was...more expensive. Other then that the 2100 is painted blue, I was unable to find a difference in the two models. The only actual problem with either cart is that when loading the cart you have to balance some of the weight up near the legs because if you put all the weight by the wheel the cart will tip.

I bought one of these carts about 6 years ago. I am an artist who participates in art and craft shows so I use it to haul my display, canopy and products. It has held up perfectly over the years. It's been the best cart I could have purchased. It folds up small enough to fit in the back of my Toyota Tercel hatchback with plenty of room for everything else. It hasn't rusted or dented. I barely even have to oil the 2 hinged elements (I think I've done that once or twice since purchase). I've loaded it up with sand bags and heavy umberella stands and it takes a lot of weight. All I do is add air to the tires about twice a year. I use it every weekend so it's seen a lot of use. I've had lots of other crafts people ask me where I got it. They all recognize how much better it is than a dolly that requires straps or bungee cords to secure everything in. This is a great price for it... I almost feel like getting another one, but mine is still fine so I don't need it.

Before we called Customer Service from the manufacturing company and were informed of an easier way to fold the cart, it was a difficult and time-consuming process. It is light-weight and works well otherwise. We did have a problem with the way it was presented online. It is pictured with the rear endgate, which is a bit deceiving since that endgate is not included in the purchase. We based our purchase on that picture, only to find out after it arrived that we would need to purchase the endgate separately.

This aluminum cart made it easy for me to move a variety of things, from dirt to computer monitors. It cleans up easily, it folds, and it will not rust. I bought with intent to haul compost. It did a good job. Then I moved my business, so I washed off the cart, folded it up, and took it in to the office. The cart fits in elevators and through doors, and did a fine job of carrying all sorts of heavy things. When I first looked at these I thought the folding might be nice. Yes, it is. But also, the cart is strong, light, well-balanced... its aluminum construction gives it some nice extras. If you're looking for a cart, I recommend this one.

This cart was great at first, but it has not held up over time. The problem is one of the wheels keeps coming off! Because the cart needs to fold, it does not have an axle. Instead, a screw attaches the wheel to a fitting that, with use, has lost its grip. This fitting is not welded (it's a friction fit) and it is this cart's Achilles heel!

My recommendation is, unless you really need the folding feature, buy a cart with an axle.

The garden cart is well made of stainless steel and marine grade aluminum. There is even a cup of grease provided for lubricating the axels & a sheet metal screwdriver to tighten the bolts that hold the wheels on.

Putting the wheels on and installing the front gate - is the only assembly that is required. The cart does not come with the rear gate - as is pictured in the listing.

The "bicycle" type tires are not a problem in the sandy soils here in northern Florida.

Enjoy!
Norman

Arrived quickly from Amazon, 4 days despite being close to 50lbs with packing. Arrived with no visible damage. Huge box!

Positives:

This is like a *very* large garden cart. Easy to assemble with two people, everything about it seems to resonate build strength & quality. Folding and unfolding is just a little tricky and once you do it, easy to figure out. The wheels are large, making it easy to manuever, and the wheel balance point couln't be more perfect. My 50# child hopped in it and it was like there was no load in the thing, moving around on a flat surface. The handles are comfortable and well designed. Wheels are compsite plastic (no steel spokes). Feels like stainless and aluminum (like it says it all is).

Minuses:
-Sharp edges on the sheet metal... I thought I had sliced my hand when assembling. The factory needs a line that polishes bent and cut metal.
-Pnuematic tires
Bad. One was almost flat when it arrived. Though the tires are nice, the fact that you will likely have to inflate the tires to use it each season is a bummer. This means you really will need a tire pump where you are using it - and the tires will be flat when not used for several months or seasons. They make a permanent tire foam that fills pneumatic tires and I will probably buy some.

Despite the negatives, I think this will be a *very* welcome and lasting item at the cottage. For those looking for a garden cart, it's a fantastic alternative and given the matierials, will last longer. I can't whole heartedly recommend this till a few years of use, but it looks good.

I had seen these utility carts used for years (over 20) at large marinas and thought they were so fabulous and handy! Well, I finally purchased one for camping as the sites I use are a distance from where you can park. Wow! I am very happy with my purchase! I had no problems assembling it and immediately put it to use. It is sturdy, strong and love the air tires! I had several people ask about it. The only question that arose was when we were stamping our name into the metal, oh yeah want to do that so your cart doesn't disappear, was a spring fell out on the floor. We couldn't figure out its purpose so we contacted the Tipke Manufacturing. They were great! The spring slides into the cart on the left side before you put in the handlebar, it allows the handlebar to spring out when you press the release button to open it. In most cases you will never completely remove the handlebars, so you won't notice it. I can't say enough great things about this cart! The cart will last for years, you may even need to add it to your Will! LOL Oh, and don't forget to purchase the bike trailer hitch for those energy saving trips to the store! Amazon provided great service and shipping!

Bought it for a garden cart to replace the wheelbarrow that was 30 years old...love it and it takes up so little room when not in use. Although this item is a little expensive, believe that due to the construction material, it will last a lifetime. It's also nice to NOT have to fight the balancing act required when using a normal wheelbarrow. - GAC

A very handy, easy-to-assemble cart which appears to be totally weatherproof because of its stainless steel construction (even the screws) and plastic wheels. It lacks a back gate which makes hauling lime or fertilizer tricky; further, other users report that fitting the optional gate is difficult--so much so that I decided not to order the back gate. Aside from the utility of its folding, its light weight relative to wooden carts is its best feature.