Today I am going to talk a little more on handcarts. Researching something quite different, I found myself on a page on USMC TOEs and once again encountered the following illustration. Each machine gun section was provided with a MC-1942 handcart. Each 81mm mortar section was provided with two. The 60mm mortar sections, however, had no handcarts!
![](http://survive.phillosoph.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/lmghandcartsection-174x300.jpg)
Looking for more information on the MC-1942 I instead found myself on this page on US Army handcarts. Notable was the information that such handcarts were intended for motorized troops. A pair of loaded carts fit between the seats of a 21⁄2 ton truck. When the truck could go not further, the infantry advanced with their handcarts.
![](http://survive.phillosoph.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/MarleneDietrichCart2-min-300x255.jpg)
![](http://survive.phillosoph.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/M4A3-min-300x143.jpg)
Given the bulk and mass of some modern weapons and their ammunition, handcarts could still prove useful.
AfriCart
The marine and army carts use a T-shaped handle. Is this the best configuration? I wondered. A quick look at rickshaws and similar devices suggested that a rectangular arrangement might be better. That, in turn, led me to the following interesting blog:
![](http://survive.phillosoph.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/africartload-min-300x225.jpg)
![](http://survive.phillosoph.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bamboo_cart-min.jpg)
Note how the bicycle wheels are supported on both sides. Also not the easily adjustable handle and the folding stand legs. The cart bed is 24 x 32" area, exactly the same as used in the US Army cart.
![](http://survive.phillosoph.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/africart-plan-view-min-300x266.jpg)
I am sure many of my readers could construct similar carts for their own use. Don’t forget attachment holes for lashings or bungees and drainage holes. A wire-mesh base is a possible option if you can source a suitably sized piece. Non-pneumatic tires may be a sensible investment.