How much UTV do you need?

EddieWalker · May 25, 2017

I completely agree with the golf cart. I went from having a Honda ATV to getting a used battery golf cart and being amazed at how much more I could do with it. Just having a passenger next to me made me realize its the way to go. Over time, it slowly fell apart and I decided it wasn't worth the money buying new batteries for it when so many other things where wrong with it too. I started my search for another golf cart, but eventually went for a Kawasaki 4x4 Transmule. I'm glad I did, but I still might get another golf cart just for running to the mail box or from barn to barn type stuff.

aczlan · May 25, 2017

I would swap out the springs ($75 on Amazon will get you a set of heavy duty springs with bushings), replace the rear tires with some larger ones (say a 20x10-8 vs the stock 18x8-8) and if needed, replace the rear leaf spring shackles with some that are a little longer and it should be good for a few more years.

Aaron Z

BrokeFarmerJohn · May 25, 2017

MutzFarm said:
It is a lot of feed. We have had more with me and my son on it.

We do take a pick up in there at times, but we was unloading the feed off a trailer this time and the tractor key was in the house so the golf cart was the next tool of choice.

I like quads they are fast!

In the market or showing off? BOTH....

Nothing wrong with showing off lol, how much is a gas powered golf cart in your area?

JRobyn · May 25, 2017

I started off wanting a golf cart, mostly because of the quiet. Main use would be running back and forth to in-laws and up the road to the mailbox. But when I realized that we'd occasionally take it out in steep pasture areas or woods trails, the 48vdc electric Polaris Ranger EV made a lot more sense -

Industrial Toys · May 25, 2017

I think the Electric Gator is a GREAT alternative. Quiet and great for stop and go service like a Golf Cart, but with a tilting Cargo Bed that can carry a lot and a trailer hitch. I prefer it to my Diesel Mule for most tasks.

BrokeFarmerJohn · May 25, 2017

How long does the battery last? That would be great, I do a lot of my work at night, I feel bad running a quad or something when the neighbors are sleeping so I end up not doing the task I needed to do.

What's the life expectancy on the battery's?

How much to replace the batteries and lastly was the electric version more money?

Industrial Toys · May 25, 2017

Battery questions are hard to answer. Mine are on their last legs and I can play around for most of the day. We have a large hill separating our property and this is where the battery gives up the ghost. The "Curtis" fuel gauge suddenly stopped functioning and I must address that.

How long batteries last depends on usage and maintenance.

I bought the Electric Gator at an auction cheap, but bought new plastic and OEM seats.

The downside is that JD thinks they have a license to STEAL on all things TURF! I just paid $30.00 for a $3.00 Motor Bearing, not knowing it wasn't anything special.

An electric Motor is a few grand, as is the tranny. Same for the controller.

Yesterday, I think I broke an axle shaft. Electric vehicles have tremendous torque and at 4000 something hours, I guess the shaft just had enough. Fortunately, I had bought an entire used drivetrain and controller for $500.00 some time ago. I will just switch out the whole motor/axle assembly. I really, really miss that machine when it's not in service.

The E-Gator is really just an Electric Golf Cart, with the guts made by the same people (Curtis) as make the guts for the golf carts, but built as a Utility Vehicle.

Oldoak · May 25, 2017

It all boils down to individual choices based on "needs", "wants" and "finances". Although "needs" is debatable. While they are very handy, none of us "need" a UTV or electric cart. We all got along without them until they became popular and corporate advertising wanted us to feel like we "needed" their product.

Me, my choice was a JD XUV 855D.

Industrial Toys · May 25, 2017

View attachment 510578 View attachment 510579

Bed removed, waiting for the transplant.

I had what they called a "side by side" back in 2001 long before they became popular. Never had any desire for a machine with handlebars and a bicycle seat! As a kid, I didn't have a bicycle, I had a go cart. Not everyone follows societies norms.

MutzFarm · May 25, 2017

EddieWalker said:
I completely agree with the golf cart. I went from having a Honda ATV to getting a used battery golf cart and being amazed at how much more I could do with it. Just having a passenger next to me made me realize its the way to go. Over time, it slowly fell apart and I decided it wasn't worth the money buying new batteries for it when so many other things where wrong with it too. I started my search for another golf cart, but eventually went for a Kawasaki 4x4 Transmule. I'm glad I did, but I still might get another golf cart just for running to the mail box or from barn to barn type stuff.

Having a passenger or help with you was one of the first things we realized also. Major difference. Sure is quiet also.