Golf Cart Pros and Cons

[sld]

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 don't own one but I do play a lot of golf. The course by my house is about 5 miles long when playing 18 holes. The electric carts they have will play 2 rounds without recharging. So with stop and go driving they are getting about 8 hours and 10 miles in one charge. Not bad....

Some kind of hybrid would be cool. A small gas motor to charge the batteries when needed and for a backup.

 

[beppington]

I have a Kawasaki Mule (a UTV), & it gets used ALOT. Think about how quickly you can ride a UTV with tools in the bed versus walking it. They're quick, easy, nimble, strong, great on gas. Say you're going just 500 feet and back. That is aboslutely nothing for a Mule or cart, but walking it will take you a little while, & you can't carry all the stuff a Mule can ... & another person/ people.

Now, my Mule doesn't drive quite as easy as a golf cart, so I recommend for my mom, who wants to dot around their 16 acres, either a gas cart (still a little motor sound) or, for her, an electric one just because they make no noise, are smooth as can be, very strong, and a battery charge lasts a long time. Turn the key to ON & press the GO pedal. GO for miles effortlessly.

My Mule:

 

[txdon]

My only problem with an electric golf car is that if/when you run out of "juice" ....

So don't run out of juice, get a gauge, like this one I got from BuggiesUnlimited. If you tend to run out of gas or juice in any vehicle maybe maybe your head is not really into operating that vehicle. (Of course this does not include last week when mowing with my antique Farmall with no gas gauge......I just wanted to get all the old gas out.)

 

[Bogart]

I've owned a Yamaha 2 stroke for 20 years and 2 kids. The thing is bullet proof. I had to put a "clutch" in it 10 years ago, $40 at the time. Very handy, wouldn't be without it.

 

[Dmace]

I'd love to have one of these guys: Bad Boy Buggies - All Electric 4WD Vehicles

I was surveying some conservation land for the USDA and they had a few for getting around. They are incredibly useful and tough to get stuck.:thumbsup:

 

[nickel plate]

I have a 1970+- (manufactured between 1968 and 1975) Cushman gasoline Golfster that we use on occasion to visit neighbors, cruise the local antique tractor show, weed spraying etc. We will be moving up into higher elevations and steeper slopes so it is now for sale in our TBN Market Place, Private Party Ads, Cushman Gas Golf Cart and still on the first page. Wonderful machine and a true piece of American workmanship.

 

[Phil_R]

I have both a Kubota RTV900 and an EZ-GO TXT. RTV takes care of all towing and any rough terrain or heavy load use, EZ-GO all short/quick/light jobs. TXT is a standard golf course model, no lift or oversize tires.

Golf Cart Pros: Ease of use, turn key and go, no engine warm-up, no engine noise, low (used) purchase price.

Golf Cart Cons: Limited range, recharge time, battery maintenance, ground clearance, not 4-wheel drive.

Range: usually go at least 2 weeks on a charge. Recharge: charge overnight. Keep battery connections clean and tight, check the water, use distilled water. Never actually been stuck, needed a tow.

 

[jayste]

Well we came across a good deal the other day and bought a golf cart. We basically got it for the cost of 6 batteries. It's a 1995 EZ-GO TXT, 36v and your basic cart. Last used on the course. I plan on putting a bed on the back and putting lights on it. Like TxDon mentioned I'll first be installing a volt meter on the dash. It came with a charger that shuts itself off when fully charged. The batteries where replaced about 6 months ago and I've since found out that they are Trojans with a mfg date of (H8) August of 2008.

 

[jinman]

Very nice Jay! You'll love having that windshield when it turns cold and the roof will keep light showers away so you can make a run for it before the heavy downpour comes.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Wished I'd a bought a golf cart instead of a go kart a few yrs ago. Go cart always has something wrong with it, and it is so bouncy to ride. I just checked online, can get some reconditioned ez go carts for around $2k locally.