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super99

super99

Well-known Member
I am looking for a older golf car to take to shows so I don't have to walk so much, I'm 61 and arthritis is kicking my butt. Question is, gas or electric? A guy at work has a gas and says they are only made to drive a short distance and shut off, if you drive them too long, they overheat and you have to let them sit and cool off before driving them again. I see golf cars at all the shows I go to and they seem to work OK. Is his a lemon or are all of them like that? Any particule models to stay away from? I'd like a Gator, but too expensive right now. Chris
 
The guy must have a problem with his cart. They are not supposed to run hot and have to cool before they can be run again. I work at the local golf course and we have gas cart for working and electric for the golfers. If you get a good 48 volt cart with 6-8 volt batteries you have got the capacity for a long run time between charges. The more lead in the battery pack, the longer run time. The electrics are much quieter and more trouble free. They do not require gasoline, oil changes and have smelly fumes like the gas carts do. They do however require some good maintenance on keeping the batteries filled with distilled and careful monitoring of the battery"s state of charge. I personally much prefer the electric for most of mu own use. Gene Davis
 
If I was getting one it would be gas. His must have an issue, I see them run pretty long distances at shows like the Half Century of Progress with no problem. My problem with an electric one is when the battery goes dead, you are done for awhile, and if you are on the far side of the grounds you have to find someone to pull the dead cart back so you can charge it.Seen that happen more than once.
 
u might want to look at jd gators the ones made late 90s 2 wd run great easy to get on and off and u can get en cheep just look for a nice one jjust a thought
 
Ive got a 89 EZGO gas and I use it for all kinds of stuff don't want a batt model as the batts are very expensive to replace. You are not going to hurt it driving around at a show ect. Mine was stolen from the golf course and ran into the river they nad to use a back hoe to get it out. Put a new sleeve and piston in for 150 and its just great for tons of stuff easy to get on and off even pull a section of harrow in the garden and trailers . Go for it.
 
This is my golf cart experience. I bought a used gas cart from our local golf course. It was a gas EZGO, with a Robin 2 cyl engine. I lifted it and put traction tires on it. The motor was a little weak. And heat came up from the motor on hot days. One day my wife took our twin grand daughters, down to the pond. Darned thing wouldn't start. She was stranded. Had to carry one about 100 ft through the fescue, set her down and go back and get the other one. One of them screaming all the time. When I got home the wife said we are going to go tomorrow and get a better cart! We got a new electric EZGO 2plus2. 36 volt. It has been to quite a few shows. Never has used even half of a charge in one day. Outs will go 8 miles wide open on a charge. a lot farther if you go slower. But I would get a 48 volt next time. Vic
 
Chris,
How far can you drive a battery powered cart before the battries are drained. Not sure of the actual miles. Brother and friend have one in Florida. They probably couldn't go as far as a gasser.

Son told me of a golf course in Plainfield that went to gasssers.

I went with a gasser. Got a 2012 Kawasaki mule 4010. Love it. Used mules were almost as expensive as a new one. So I went with a new one.

Golf carts are some what limited. Mule is 4x4 and climbs hills.

Many times batteries may last around 5 years and when one goes bad, you should replace all them. Older carts use six 6v.

GO GAS.
George
 
Gas Gas Gas I have a gas 99 EZgo workhorse and my father has a EZgo electric. I have spent alot more money on his in the last 10 years than I have on mine. I had to put a battery in mine last year and other than yearly maintenance thats the most money I've spent on it since I've owned it. I've put three sets of batteries in his in the last 10 years at a cost of $600 a set. Worst thing on a electric is not using it and keeping the batteries charged My father lets his sit for months at a time and then there is always something wrong with it. Here in Florida electric carts are cheap and they almost always nead batteries. Just my 2 cents
 
I had an electric EZ Go with recent batteries, but didn"t use it a lot. Always had problems with battery charge and cables when I needed it. They"re fine at a golf course when they"re used every day, but for my use, it didn"t work out. It would also not make it through a two day show on a charge. I now have a late model Yamaha gas. I change the oil once a year, takes 10 minutes and a quart of oil. That"s all the work it"s ever needed. The gassers cost more, but it"s worth it.
 
For going to shows, my choice is gas. If they are running good mechanically, they will run all day and all night without any problems. The problem with electric when used at shows that last more than one or two days is that you need to have a place to charge them up and that is usually not available at shows or motels. Just my opinion. LOL.
 
Ive got a gas ClubCar, id love to sling it across the woods. Pile of junk. its an 89, engine cant be replaced for less than 1300. Sure I could do so rigging up of something else, but it aint worth it. For 600 I could have repalced the batteries twice for what the enginealone cost. We have 2 electric carts at work, that may go 4 or 10 miles a day back and forth, and they dont get charged every day. Will I own another gas cart, no!
 
For shows, gas because you don't have to worry about running out of juice. For puttering around home, electric by all means. I've been around and worked with both kinds, on the golf course and at a show. Each one had advantages and disadvantages. Seems like a 36 volt electric is good for about six miles if the batteries and connections are good and the terrain is flat and you're on hard surfaces. Jim
 
I go to several large shows where I might cover SEVERAL MILES and use the cart FOUR OR MORE HOURS PER DAY (and lots of starts n stops).......THE ONLYYYYYYYYYY CART THAT WILL COME NEAR ALL THAT MANY MILES AND HOURS PER DAY USE WITH ALL THE STARTS N STOPS IS A GAS.

If youre at say the Florida Flywheelers all day with 4 grown men riding with a lot of starts n stop in that sand !!!!!!! Give me a break NO WAY AN ELECTRIC CART would last all day and all those miles.

If his is overheating or only good for short trips or short times HIS HAS A PROBLEM. Mines an old 1995 Yamaha Gas and I can use it all day for miles n miles and it NEVER gets hot or has a problem.

THAT BEING SAID if you have a newer 48 volt electric cart they can indeed last longer but of course until I run out of gas, theres no way they can go the miles n miles n hours n hours I can go WELL DUH

I use mine in the summer to run the pasture n check fence etc and drive up the road to the neighbors (plus grandkids drive it a ton) and 5 gallons of gas will last seems like half the summer.

So an elec is fine for whats it can do, but if you wanna run all day n miles n miles n miles with lots of starts n stops an elec will eventually run down its batteries while I can still keep going maybe 10 times as much or more till I run out of gas ITS A NO BRAINER IF YOU NEED HOURS OF USE PER DAY N LOTS OF MILES YOU NEED A GAS CART

John T
 
JohnT,
You're an Indiana boy. How does your gasser do in the snow, mud, off roading, pulling a small trailer?

I have a go-cart for the grandkids, live axle and it gets stuck in 3 inches of snow.

This might be something supper99 may want to know.

This is why I went with a mule.

That said, when I was looking for a mule, using searchtempest, I discovered the older 5 wheel gators went as cheap as a golf cart. Guess no one wanted an ugly duckling.
George
 
I agree with John T and others: Go with a gas cart!

We have a couple ancient Yamaha gassers that see hard use/abuse at the Christmas tree farm/pumpkin patch where I work in season. We started out using electric carts. But they simply did not have the stamina needed. Incidentally we have yet to have a gasser overheat despite running almost continuously 7 - 8 hours a day.

Also....my son has a gas cart he uses as if it were a Gator around his small farm. He's got it badged "Freightliner", but I believe is too is a Yamaha. Aside from a few broken suspension parts from overloading, it just keeps running.
 
I dont know of any regular stock Golf Carts that can compete with Gators and Mules etc with their higher HP, transmissions, knobby tires and high clearance etc for pulling loads or working in the snow, they are two completely different vehicles. Id prefer a smaller lighter golf cart for cruising tractor shows while a mule or gator etc if I were using it as a work or tow vehicle in harsh conditions.

As far as gas versus electric be it a mule or a cart, my original post remains my preference GAS

John T
 
I am 75 with arthritis and neuropathy and have to walk the shows I go to. I just love those with the gas golf carts that feel they have the right away to everyone and everything. As I am making my way to look at something and a golf cart whips around me and get up as close to what I want to look at and stop. I have to stand and wait for them to set in the cart close so as not to have to get out and then they start up the smoky thing and blast me with smoke. By the time I hobble to another vender here comes another. Once people take a golf cart to a show they get their sorry but glued to the seat so they cant park it and get off rather than take up the space of six people that could look as well.
Maybe none up you are that inconsiderate of others but they sure are plenty around.
 
JohnT,
I'm with you, gas is better than electric when it comes to carts.

Chris started out saying he would like to have a gator, but the $ isn't there. I was point out that if he needs a gator, a cart isn't a good substitute for off roading, snow, mud and doing some things.

In Florida, the cops will hand out tickets for golf carts on the road. Not sure if the same applies to UTV's.

BTW, not all gators and mules are 4x4, some are 2x4.
George
 
This is getting sounds like a discussion of 'your is better than mine'. I stated a gas cart is best for shows because of it's longevity. When I was a very active official at our local show I used a gas cart and I loved it. An electric would have run out of poop by noon. However, here at home on the farm I have a 36 volt electric that I absolutely love. I'll hop on and go quietly and effortlessly. But I use it on hard graveled yards with practically no slope. I have no desire to own a gator or four wheeler. When I was involved at a 9 hole fairly flat golf course electrics were good for 18 holes with no problem. Put an electric on a hilly 18 hole course and you won't make it around. You have to match the tractor to the task. There, it sounds like farming. Jim
 

After the last RPRU here in PA. you guys are re-affirming why I'm so reluctant to go to shows. The danged carts were constantly bumping the pedestrians in the walk ways.
 
I modified my gas golf cart (now carries a MVIN # all state approved) with lights and turn signals and have it legally licensed and registered as a street legal vehicle with a license plate and all which helps in SOME places but despite all that and carrying my registration and insurance and current license plate showing it to be street legal, some cops still have a hard time with it lol

Yep, I've seen plenty of BOTH 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive mules/gators etc but if Im using one on the farm towing and hauling around hills and mud n snow etc I'd prefer the 4 x 4 and NOT the lighter less width Golf Cart more for cruising tractor shows

Fun chat

John T
 
I agree with you Dick , I get tired of getting out of the way so 3 or 4 carts can go by and none of them looking at anything , just riding .
 
There are kits available to replace the golf cart engines with V-Twin Briggs and Honda engines. There are complete with all the things needed.
 
The life of the batteries is more dependent on the owner than the batteries. They do require some attention for things like cleaning the corrosion and keeping the water topped off. The life of a battery is greatly compromised when you run it below a 60% state of charge. The more you look after a set of batteries, the longer they last you. I customarily get 7-8 years out of the ones in my 1989 Yamaha G-2 electric. The major thing you have to consider is that the more the battery weighs shows how much lead is used in the construction of the battery. More lead means more amp hours of use. Cheap batteries really lack this for oomph. If you look at the cheaper batteries most of the time they are going to have less lead in the cells and will be lighter.

Always remember that most of the time you get what you pay for. Carts that are running the old 36 volt resistor coil technology common until the early to mid 90's on most brands will use more battery power than the newer 48 volt units. We have 48Volt Club Car Precedent carts at the golf course where I work and with the 6 8volt battery setup they are able to go 18 holes on a course with some steep hills and then are plugged in every day. We also monitor the battery energy units used and rotate the carts so we equalize the load and do a complete service of them each 3 months. We spot check them for needing water when we read the meters each month and fill batteries if needed. True gas carts will out distance an average electric setup, but wait till they come up against some of these guys running 72 volt carts on the drag strip and they are also some experimenting with converting the 72 volt d;c; to ac and such. They do a lot of off roading and hill climbing with them. It all boils down to what you like. I have both and for grand kids just riding all day of course the gas is better. The rule here at this house if you run it as much as 10 minutes you plug it up and no riding past 30 minutes continuously which keeps the state of charge above 60%. The quietness of the electrics is what appeals to me.
 
I know some people have bother walking around shows....I have travelled from Northern Ireland to visit shows in America for 7 years now and I only ever saw golf carts on golf courses back home ....Until I went to America. The shows you guys put on over there are destroyed by the inconsiderate use of golf carts. Surely all of these riders are not disabled? We have several large shows here in the UK and NO golf carts! Anyone with a permit is allowed a small disability scooter or someone pushes them around on a wheelchair or even an electric wheelchair. Please reconsider your needs for golf carts at these shows.
Sam
a117485.jpg
 
I believe in gas and mine doesn't overheat unless the fan screen is plugged. I was seriously burnt in a fire in 2010 just before Memorial Day and my wife bought one so we could tour the country. It kept my mind off not being able to get out and farm.

We have a G8 gas Yamaha and drive it everywhere. We have went on a over 30 mile tour several times. Buggy gets about 30 mpg.
 
Gas is my choice.

I had an electric. I chose it because it was quiet and low maintenance. The problem I had was it seemed to be out of juice before I was ready to be done.

I went to an EZ GO ST350 work horse and it has been great. Never left me stranded like the electric did.
 
I can't believe how many people ride around in golf carts at shows either. I respect that some legitimently need a cart, but come on,the rest of those riders are lazy. Stroll up to the machinery to look at it; don't just glance and ride by. After all, it's a tractor show, not a golf cart expo. Actually perpetuates the fat,lazy american myth to me. Mark
 
Love my gas golf cart. It gets used hard and used a lot, but not abused. Its an old Yamaha G1.

It is by no means a 4x4 Gator or Mule but it didn"t cost $14K either. It does everything I need around my acreage selling trees, tool hauler, etc.

Cant tell you if a gas is better than electric, but over the last 15 years, I have only put a voltage regulator and a new starter on it. I think that is good for something that is run almost every single day of the year.

When it comes time to replace, I will look for the same.

Rick
 
Rick,
At the end of 2012 I found a new 4010 mule selling for $7500. After taxes and dealer prep $8500. The 4010 comes with, fuel injection, power steering, 2 cylinder, water cooled, 2x4 or 4x4 with differential lock out, hi-low tranny, top speed 25 mph, roll cage, seat belts, lights, horn. I love it.
George
 
Thats a fair amount cheaper than the 4x4 diesel gator. I agree a mule or gator will do more than my golf cart. Towing, hauling heavier loads, etc.

I am hoping to get another 5 years out of mine before I have to worry about replacement.

One thing I do like about a golf cart is they fit a lot easier in the bed of a truck than the big side by sides.

Rick
 
Good point, mine won't fit in the bed of my turck, but it does fit nicely in the bed of my 6x10 dump trailer. Not much will fit in my truck, because I have tool boxes on both sides and across the front. 4x8 plywood will fit on the floor.
 
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