Golf Carts, ezgo, clubcar, electric, or gas???

jinman · Dec 22, 2008

Probably for 80% of our jobs and use, an electric golf cart would be just fine. The other 20% involves rough terrain were differential lock is necessary. About 5% or less of our use involves needing 4wd and 1% involves both differential lock and 4wd.

Our 4wd Kawasaki Mule with hydraulic bedlift, roof, and windshield was just over $9,000. If you don't need a rough terrain vehicle ever, that electric golf cart can be a huge money-saver and do everything you need. The heavier UTVs will do heavier work, much heavier work, but your true needs should determine your purchase.

Jimbrown · Dec 22, 2008

Gas powered Club Car.Only way to go.

EddieWalker · Dec 22, 2008

We have my brothers very old electric Club Car. It's from the early 90's and there's no telling how many times the batteries have been changed. It's 36 volt and only has two seats. We let the kids drive it and it's been a great toy for them to play around on. The electric motor is very quiet and we've come around turns to find deer standing there. This never happens in anything else. I'm sure they can hear us, but maybe the wind was just right in those times that it's happened. Steph has also come up on a coyote twice while out driving around our land with the kids.

We have 68 acres and can go anywhere we want with it. It will start slowing down on us when the batteries start to lose their charge, which is enough to make it back to plug in again. The biggest drawback is that it wont' go all day on a charge. It might be the batteries are getting old, or it might be that it's just an older cart and we're getting all that we can out of it. It's great for trips or a drive around the land, but it's not good for all day use.

I really like the idea of not having to buy gasoline and fill it up when we want to use it, but I think gasoline would have more power and the ability to run it all day long if needed. When the batteries are drained, the cart is down for the rest of the day.

I'm hoping to one day buy one of those six or eight passenger people movers. EZGo and Club Car both sell them, and for taking friends and family for rides around our land, they seem like the perfect thing.

Eddie

klm · Dec 22, 2008

Welcome to Bad Boy Buggies ::

schmism · Dec 22, 2008

My experience with electrics have left me stranded far from the house with no go juice.

Now the same may be true when you run out of gas in the gas version so the walk back is the same, the difference is hopping on the tractor (or walking back the gas can) and putting a gallon of fuel in and your back on the trail.

On the other hand you have to try to get that electric one towed back to the house for charging likely requiring 2 peeps, or you have to rig up your generator/charger combo in the middle of no were to get it charged up some 6-8 hrs later.

My neighbor that has the vineyard has a gas with flip up/down backseat. with four peeps it struggles a bit to make it up and down the hills but still does it. He runs a set of bar tires on the rear.

HickoryNut · Dec 22, 2008

48v Club Car, remarkable how much abuse these things can take

Phils · Dec 22, 2008

I've planned for more than a year to get DW a Kawasaki Mule (or equivilent) so she can 'tour' our trails, cart food and plants around, take guests for rides, etc. There AREN'T ANY available used, and new ones cost over $10,000. So I had to regroup and rethink my plans.

I started looking for a Suzuki Samurai. Even that was hard but I finally found one before Thanksgiving. Since it's a Christmas present, I was able to have it delivered to my neighbor's, then later "hide" it in our woods. Friday I pulled off the doors, top and windshield. Saturday I spent waxing and cleaning, while she was shopping.

This is her present, currently wrapped in a blue tarp out in the forest. I got a tiny toy that looks just like it and wrapped it for under the tree. Altogether less than $2000, including tax, license and fees. I'll 'non-op' it next time the registration comes due.

Phil

bg71361 · Dec 22, 2008

My vote for the electric Club Car too! I have a 1988 36v Club Car, been great, never had to put gas in it yet!
Bill

Pirate · Dec 22, 2008

I bought a gas club car. I use it on some real steep hills around here. I didn't lift it, just put bigger tires on it. I also had to clutch springs changed to give it more torque. It slowed it down but I could care less. Only way to go is gas.

Now - If I was using it on level terrain, I would probably go with electric.

jeffinsgf · Dec 22, 2008

I notice that sparkies say that electric is the only way to go and that smokers say that gas is the only way to go. Whatever you've got is what everyone else should have.

I'm no different, I'm a sparky.

I am very happy with my EZ-GO. It's about 5 years old. Lifted, knobbies, utility box, shade and windshield. I bought it with the accessories. If I ever do it again (which it doesn't look like I will, since this thing will last forever) I would buy a straight off the course lease return and do the modifications myself. Save some bucks and know exactly how things have been done.

If you want to learn more about these things than you ever dreamed possible, spend some time at Buggies Unlimited Forum