All purpose country buggy

[OkeeDon]

Cisco, I responded in another post about using a converted car, but of the choices you posted, I'd pick the golf cart on steroids. There are some neat lift kits, knobby tires and such available for them, and used golf carts are pretty cheap.

I'd love to have a Gator or mule type, but they are just too expensive. They have way more off-road capability than I'll need. As for the ATVs. they're fun and I wouldn't mind having one, but for my work buggy I'd rather have something where I can slide into the seat rather than have to straddle it, and I'd rather it be self contained (have it's own carrying bed) than have to pull a trailer.

If you convert an electric cart, you won't have to worry about refueling it.

 

[CTyler]

I'm trying to figure this out myself. Just want something to run up the drive, 650'+, get mail, trash take out, run around the 28 acres through the woods etc...

The EZ-Go with some bigger tires and a lift would be nice and quiet. I'm wondering how the bigger tires affect performance for hills. My drive has a fair slope to it and the woods have some steep hills but they are very short. Rear wheel braking only it could get interesting in the winter.

I got looking into used Trakers, Samurai's etc.. and you get 4wd, lights, heat etc.. for about the same money as an Ez-Go. This is MUCH cheaper than a Kubota, Polaris, etc.. Still kinda like the simplicty, ease and quiet of a modified Ez-Go though.

If I really need to haul anything around I've got the tractor, truck and couple trailers. So would just be a convieniance vehicle. I'm still undecided so these threads are very welcome.

 

[Tractors4u]

For those ineterested in the plans for the buggy picture I posted, I found the guys business card in my wallet.

Horseless Carriage Replica

Jimmy Woods
PO Box 216
Coker, AL. 35452

Phone 205-339-8138

The plans were $20

 

[fishman]

I just use my lawn tractor and a pull-behind cart for that sort of thing. I thought about taking the deck off my old lawn tractor and using it for beater transportation, but ended up giving it away.

It works great for driveway and smooth ground, but the deck interferes if it gets to rugged. Then out comes the big tractor! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

As long as speed isn't an issue (and on 7.5 acres I think it probably wouldn't be) this option should work great for you. A lawn cart trailer is only about $100.

 

[cisco]

Nice wooden buggy - but I'd be afraid of defacing it with all the tools and crud I intend to place in whatever "workhorse" vehicle I buy.
Prices I've obtained -
1. about $6-7500 for a wider track, larger tire, 4WD & roof option "all purpose" golf cart with headlights (a number of hunting outlets have them - high capacity batteries for, allegedly, 28 miles at 20 mph between charges); the narrower width and regular wheel golf carts would not suit my needs
2. about $9-12000 for a Deere, Kubota or Kawasaki type 4WD, with a bit higher speeds possible, wider range, far more hauling/towing capacity, but also oil changes, diesel/gas needs and noise - only reason I'm considering one is a week spent hunting on a friend's ranch in Texas - 10 plus year old Kawasaki mule with thousands of mile on it started on the first crank, in freezing weather, and rode over anything, and hauled 4 guys and 2 dogs and a couple of deer - incredible
3.$10-12000 for mid-sized engine 4WD ATV's (2 of them), more independence and fun factor, not as practical for work related activities
4. and yes, a fourth option, a used 4WD jeep or similar - my Texas host had 2, but I far preferred the Kawasaki

My wife, aka "the boss", is leaning towards the off road capable golf cart, because it's quiet, kid friendly, and needs little maintenance aside from plugging in the battery charger at night - she'll probably prevail (which is OK, if I can get the camo option, 4WD, head/tail lights and gun rack).
Thanks for the replies - there is no "right" answer, just a bunch of great options.

 

[jinman]

Cisco, I like the golf cart for your described needs. I'd just say that you could spend $4000 or less on a good used golf cart or utility vehicle and see how you like it. After awhile, you will know what size vehicle is best and you can sell your used vehicle if needed. If you buy a new one, you'd take a pretty hard hit in depreciation if it didn't work out. It's a hard decision because once you get one of these things you suddenly have so many jobs you wonder how you ever got along without one.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Cisco.

Here is the Easy-Go with a Drunken Boxer wearing a straw hat.

 

[JazzDad]

Tom, I think I'm going to notify a moderator: the strangest picture to EVER appear on TBN!

(I love it!)

 

[mdbarb]

I've been considering this for awhile also. I have 9 hilly acres and often it seems the 50lb thing I need at the top is at the bottom or visa versa (funny how that always works out that way)
Anyway my neighbor recently bought a slightly used golf cart to get the groceries up from the garage to the house. The guy selling them drove it over and I took it for a spin.
I like the quiet very much and it does seem stable and kid safe. I suppose I would have to get a lift kit and knobby tires and convert the back bench to some kind of utility bed (more projects! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif) Anyone know how much that costs?
One of my concerns is the STEEP driveway up to the mailbox, especially if I was carrying some weight in the back.
His unit seemed to handle if fine, but he mentioned something about the batteries - the old carts probably would struggle with the hill but his had more super duper batteries or something - I wish I took notes.
Anyway his carts were too nice and new and $- I need a beater cart with enuf power but it appears the beater carts are older and underpowered.
I'll just keep my eyes open and be ready when one falls in my lap.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Keep an eye out. Sometimes you see a cart sticking out of a barn that maybe has dead batteries or something and they don't want to put any money into it. The batteries are a bit expensive but if you take care of them they last a long time.

I replaced my batteries 2 years ago. They should last me at least 10 years. The last ones were used (from a golf course) and lasted 7 years for me.

We go up and down some pretty good hills. It will tell you when it needs charged.

Gas is fine but this is soooo quiet and smooth.

Tom