Golf Cart Pros and Cons

[jayste]

Well, a good friend of mine is trying to get me to buy a golf cart or car or whatever you call those things. I have to admit it would be handy BUT do I REALLY need it? I have a four wheeler that's a little old and it would be nice to use the cart around the place running back and forth to the barn, mailbox, working on fence or whatever. Can you guys who own one give me your suggestions. I'm looking at an electric model....

 

[milkman]

We've had a gas Club Car for about three years and used it really hard and it goes wherever I want to go, in the fields across ditches and hauling stuff around the farm. Kinda reminds me of the FEL, wonder how I got by without it. I really want a RTV, but can't justify that kind of money unless I run onto a really good deal on a used one. Might just have to paint the CC orange.

 

[nanaman]

I have an electric Club Car purchased used 7 years ago. It is a rare day when it isn't used for something. I replaced the batteries last year.

 

[jayste]

I have an electric Club Car purchased used 7 years ago. It is a rare day when it isn't used for something. I replaced the batteries last year.

On average how often do batteries have to be replaced and how much does it set you back in $$$?

 

[/pine]

I would have a hard time living without my (electric) EZ-GO cart...

I had the bag holders replaced with a utility box w/tailgate...I use it many times a day on our hilly property...the electric carts have more torque than you would think...exceptional...(more than the gas carts)

I use it as a support vehicle for my tractor when I'm using the tractor any distance from the barn...

I just replaced the batteries (6-6v) after getting 6 good and 1 marginal year with the last ones...
If you find a (battery) distributor you can get "blemished" batteries for about $80/ea....that would normally sell for much more they merely have minor blemishes that do not effect the performance etc...

 

[Rockin RK]

I have a EZGO electric and I use it every day, I made a hitch for it so I can pull my lawnmower cart with it. Makes moving tools around the place a lot easier.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I would have a hard time living without my (electric) EZ-GO cart...

I had the bag holders replaced with a utility box w/tailgate...I use it many times a day on our hilly property...the electric carts have more torque than you would think...exceptional...(more than the gas carts)

I use it as a support vehicle for my tractor when I'm using the tractor any distance from the barn...

I just replaced the batteries (6-6v) after getting 6 good and 1 marginal year with the last ones...
If you find a (battery) distributor you can get "blemished" batteries for about $80/ea....that would normally sell for much more they merely have minor blemishes that do not effect the performance etc...

I have a EZGO electric and I use it every day, I made a hitch for it so I can pull my lawnmower cart with it. Makes moving tools around the place a lot easier.

+1 for each. I have the same cart raised on those balloon knobby tires. Bought with used batteries and new tires about 6yrs ago. Tires are about 1/2 worn out -- batteries are still ok. You have to keep the connections good, and fluid to the correct level. It comes with an intelligent charger so we charge ours near every night whether it needs it or not -- gotta check fluid every month when you do that. It will climb a 28 degree slope. 30 might bring it to a halt but I havnt tried.
larry

 

[impdaddy]

I bought a 1978 +/- model electric club car last year for our cabin property. Best money I ever spent. My wife has ra so doesn't get around real good. Holy s%^& she absolutely loves the thing. Now I am hooked and looking for an electric maybe 4WD or something newer that I can lift and use to go to the tree stand etc. They are a cool vehicle IMHO.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[foggy1111]

I have an electric EZ Go cart. I had a bad experience shortly after getting mine. I bought my machine (2002 PDS) with batteries which had recently been replaced by the former owner (1 year-old batteries). But....they batteries only lasted about six months before they all went dead on me. I am not sure how that happened...but they were top-shelf T-105 model Trojans....and Trojan would not stand behind them.

So, I ended up replacing them at a high price. $700. :confused2: Then two of those batteries went dead. :confused2::confused2: This time Trojan stood behind those. The service manager told me that he only gets about two bad batteries a year out of Trojan.....out of over 1000 he sells each year (large repair facility)....so I guess I was just snake bit on this cart.

I cannot attribute my problems to anything but a bit of bad luck. I did everything right.....kept em charged...yadda yadda....but sometimes life just throws you a curve ball. These batteries should last 5 years and longer....and most often do just that. If I have another battery problem anytime soon.....I will NOT continue to own a cart. (not a threat....a promise :laughing

Having said this.....my battery problems seem to be behind us now.....and we again love our cart. It is a very handy vehicle....and I like the quiet ride around our land.

Good luck on the cart.....I think you'll like it. Just mind the batteries if you go electric. Keep it plugged in when not in use.

 

[impdaddy]

Hey Foggy do you use it in the winter also? We do ours but the range is a lot less due to the cold. We keep it in the unheated garage and charge it always.. For all you ever wanted to know about golf carts see buggiesgonewild.com It is as good as this site with real nice ppl. I rotate betweeen these 2 sites lol.:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[Dmace]

What are the typical ranges (hour wise) that you guys are getting from these electric go carts?

I thought about one for the wife to go get the mail, visit friends in our neighborhood and to bring camping and am torn between gas and electric. I love the torque of the electric models but like being able to bring extra gas with me on long trips that batteries might not handle. By long trips, I am talking about 2-3 hours total and maybe 20 miles tops and not all at once.

I've driven both many times at various golf courses and really like them both. Those Yamaha gas carts are so smooth and quiet!

 

[foggy1111]

Hey Foggy do you use it in the winter also? We do ours but the range is a lot less due to the cold. We keep it in the unheated garage and charge it always.. For all you ever wanted to know about golf carts see buggiesgonewild.com It is as good as this site with real nice ppl. I rotate betweeen these 2 sites lol.:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

I live in MN.....so I don't use it much in the winter. I have driven in some snow...and was surprised how well it works in snow. I do use it through our hunting season....and really like it for getting silently to our stands.

I put a lift kit on mine and larger wheels and tires, a flip / flop rear seat and HD springs. I did this the first winter after getting my cart.....and after first trying it in the fall. AFTER I did the work I had all the problems with the batteries.....so there was no going back on it. :laughing:

In spite of my battery problems.....I really do like the cart. My wife and I or friends and family can ride silently through our woods and talk at a normal tone.....or sneak up on wildlife, etc.

I have read some cart sites to gain some knowledge on these things....but it's not my passion to know more. Mostly, I just want a reliable cart to drive.

We also have two 4-wheelers. All have their place....but most often I would rather drive the cart. Riding side by side is nice. :thumbsup:

 

[foggy1111]

What are the typical ranges (hour wise) that you guys are getting from these electric go carts?

I thought about one for the wife to go get the mail, visit friends in our neighborhood and to bring camping and am torn between gas and electric. I love the torque of the electric models but like being able to bring extra gas with me on long trips that batteries might not handle. By long trips, I am talking about 2-3 hours total and maybe 20 miles tops and not all at once.

I've driven both many times at various golf courses and really like them both. Those Yamaha gas carts are so smooth and quiet!

I believe an electric cart without any modifications (and in good condition) should be able to operate for about 3 hours or more of intermittant use. Some slow / some fast. If you run it flat out / wide open for 3 hours....I beleive that would drain the batteries to "0".

Think of it this way....you should be able to use it for 18 holes of golf or more without a charge. :thumbsup:

We always plug ours in when we finish driving it. Maybe someone with more long-term use has better advice?

 

[Nitro-Fish]

Love my EZ-GO Electric cart, a real workhorse! 5 years on the batteries so far, but I'm sure I'll be in the market for some soon.

Hey Foggy, do you have a 36V or 48V cart? Did you have the batteries checked to confirm they were bad? On the 36 volt cart (and probably the same with the 48's but I'm not sure) if the batteries aren't putting out a minimum voltage (I can't remember what the figure is, something around 26 Volts I think) the charger won't pick up & charge. I have had this happen to me 3 times since I purchased my cart; all in the winter time.

There is an easy fix for this on the 36V carts; you charge them 2 at a time with a regular 12 volt automotive charger hook to one battery's negative and the consecutive battery's positive until you have done all six , you don't even have to un-hook them. This usually takes me about 2 hours each pair of batteries, but it sure beats buying new ones when you don't really need them. You used to be able to find this method of charging on buggiesunlimited's website, I don't know if it's still there, but trust me it works; you just get enough charge in the batteries so that when you plug in the cart charger it picks up & starts charging!

 

[ronjhall]

I have a 2002 Club Car that was purchased in May of 2004. Still running the same batteries. But they are getting weak. Will replace in the spring.
Put knob tires on rear for use in light snow and mud use. Like the quietness of a battery operation. Neighbors have gas models that are a lot louder.
Have a box on cart for carrying just about anything.

 

[jayste]

Thanks guys for all the information. I seriously considering getting one and the tech info on the batteries is really helpful! :thumbsup: BTW, like Ron did, pics are always helpful. Thanks again.

 

[The Dougster]

Like everyone else, my wife and I love our 48-volt Clllub car... use it daily around the ranch... now, when it came time to replace the batteries I went into sticker shock... approx $80 each for 8, 6V... I bought six marine batteries from Wal Mart for about $75 each.. they have a free replacement for 3 years... only time will tell if that was a good or poor choice...

 

[jinman]

BTW, like Ron did, pics are always helpful. Thanks again.

Okay, here's my picture:

My only problem with an electric golf car is that if/when you run out of "juice" you can't go get the gas can to get it going. You have to tow/push the darn thing back to where you can get an extension cord to it. Electric cars are quiet, easy to operate, and easily modified to do a lot of jobs even if they can't match the carrying capacity of gasoline/diesel models specifically designed as UTVs. I've seriously considered buying one for my brother who is semi-disabled. I think he would be less likely to mess up an electric cart than a gasoline one. With ethanol and trash a possibility in gasoline models, you could make the argument that there will be plenty of times a gas can won't help you get one of them back to the house either.

 

[yankeerider]

We have an old (late 80's) EZ-Go gas cart that we got about 20 years ago after it was retired from ground maintenence duties at the golf course. In all the time we've owned it, all I've ever done is put gas/oil mix in the tank and air up the tires. it has wide, smooth turf friendly tires and the only traction problem I ever have is in mud. With a big steep hill separating the house/shop portion of our property from the woods/garden/chickens/fruit farm, the cart is a godsend. We recently (2 years ago) bought a Gator HPX for heavier work duties-my wife wanted a hydraulic dump- but I prefer the golf cart if I'm looking to just transport myself and a few small tools, or using the electric spray rig.

 

[ronjhall]

Like everyone else, my wife and I love our 48-volt Clllub car... use it daily around the ranch... now, when it came time to replace the batteries I went into sticker shock... approx $80 each for 8, 6V... I bought six marine batteries from Wal Mart for about $75 each.. they have a free replacement for 3 years... only time will tell if that was a good or poor choice...

Hmm? My 48 volt Club Car has 6 8volt batteries. Newer ones have 4 12volt batteries.