Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

Sorry Brightspot. I didn't mean to imply that gas cart drivers are inconsiderate, and I find my own comments offensive! I do apologize, I misspoke. :redface: I know there are lots of reasons for choosing gas over electric. It is certainly a matter of personal choice. :bow:

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

Not to mention the gas cart drivers who are shouting at each other as they drive by your lanai in order to hear each other. :o :

Seriously, a key factor in battery longevity is keeping the batteries at the proper water level and charging regularly. Battery companies such as Surrette, Rolls and Trojan all manufacturers of heavy duty "deep cycle" batteries such as used in carts will tell you that if the battery is not allowed to discharge more than 80% of it's capacity it should be good for some 1500-2000 charge cycles. If it is allowed to go less than 80% frequently your number of cycles will drop dramatically, like in half (= $$$$).

Consult with a knowledgeable battery guy about what this means for your cart and how it relates to your gauge.

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

Russ.................We live in Mallory, and it's not umcommon for us to put 25 miles on in a day. They say range is what, 30 miles, but that's under ideal conditions. Say we make a trip to Spanish Springs, then run to the bank near the library, then run to Publix in the Colonial shopping center, that's about 24 miles. And I haven't even played golf yet !! It's going to get worse when Brownwood in finished. So that's why I feel range is a problem. If I had to do it again, I'd go gas.

Regards
Mark

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

Plan2beforever................Yes, replacing the bateries ever 2 years is terrible BUT........I talked at length with an engineer from Trojan (the battery manufacturer) and he did his calculations and says the way we use our cart (15 miles a day, 5 days a week) our batteries will only last 2 1/2 years. The golf cart salesmen either don't know, or are not telling us that how we use our carts determines how long the batteries will last. Each battery only has so many "Charge" cycles in it, and if you run the batteries down to 80% discharge before charging, you will have fewer charge cycles than if you charged it after the batteries were down to 20 % discharge.

I'd like to take this opportunity to say that I firmly believe that TROJAN has a problem with the reliability of their batteries. My friend has an electric that is 18 months old..........he's starting to have battery problems. Another friend has a PAR car..........he's having battery problems after only a year. I recently replaced my final 2 batteries and went with Exide batteries to see how they perform. Can anyone tell me where the Trojan batteries are manufactured ?

I'd like to hear about anyone's battery problems.

Regards
Mark

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

To judge...or to be totally oblivious and uncaring about what goes on around us and our environment.* When I see someone dumping their ashtry out their window at an intersection - I can't help but judge.* When I see trash flying out of a Waste Management truck driving down the highway I judge.* When I see smoke and fumes belching out of any kind of motor vehicle, I judge.* Judge me for this. ;)* There are personal reasons everyone has for doing whatever they do.* Nonetheless, these personal reasons do not make the action environmentally responsible, neighborly or considerate.*

There are circumstances where I would distance myself from an individual because of the vehicle he drives (based on my judgement).* For example, if he insisted on driving his oil-leaking vehicle onto my driveway.* Or if he frequently drove his straight piped Harley past my house setting of my security alarm with the 110 db exhaust racket and vibration.* In other words, there is a point when we would be stupid and masochistic not to "judge."* True, a gas-powered golf cart does NOT reach to that level.* They are only slightly annoying, but tolerable.*

I'm slightly annoying.* OK, very annoying.

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

I bought a brand new gas cart last week. I considered electric very carefully, and was finally swayed by 2 factors.
1st, I really really like driving my cart around instead of a car. I will take a drive for better than an hour to smoke a cigar. I use it to go the the stores, restaurants, get coffee, whatever. Despite what proponents say, electric doesn't cover enough ground between charges for me.
2nd, I have a real problem with batteries. I get stressed using a flashlight for fear I will wear out the battery. ANYTHING I use with batteries stresses me out. I would drive myself crazy worrying about how much power I had left, would I make it home, would I forget to charge it.
A few things I noticed driving around in my new cart: 1st, Mrs SteveFromNY and I could easily talk without yelling, and 2nd, there are a LOT of other gas carts out there. It seemed like way better than half. Could just be the fact that I noticed them more.
Seems like out here in TOTV land there are rather strong anti-gas feelings. Perhaps it's just a vocal, "annoying" few.
Well, I got gas, and I'm proud of it! ;)

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

:agree: Gas for us!

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

I always felt the same about batteries. Don't over use the flashlight, Don't play the radio with the car not running. etc. However, I purchased an electric Club Car in 2001 and was very happy with it. I used it 7 days a week to go from Marion county to SS and to Summer trace. I do runs to the Publix and Walgreen's in Mulberry. I play golf 6 days a week and use it at least 3-4 days a week for golf. After 4 years I replaced the 6 batteries for $375 (SPANO). After two more years I decided that I wanted a new cart and figured I could get a good trade-in price for the Club Car. Last month, I bought a new EXGO RXV electric cart. I expect at least 7-8 years out it of it before I trade up again. And then it will probably still be electric.

I ride it gas carts and they are noisy. The smell gives me headaches. I figure that the money I save on gas by replacing the batteries for $300-400 every four years is a plus.

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

I own a gas cart, I don't find them annoyingly noisy and my hard of hearing husband has absolutely positively no problem hearing me talk (maybe I'm just loud...lol), the fumes do not give me headaches, and I LOVE the smell. I don't have to worry about how much mileage I put on in a day and if I'm going to run out of power.

I LOVE MY GAS CART!!!!!

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

Zcaveman,

I think you have had that new EZGO for a while now. How about a report on What you like or dislike about it. How is the range issue? I see that they are using 48 vac motor and claiming improved efficiency, do you see it?

Thanks for any info.

Bob

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

I'm claiming ignorance on this one because I just don't know the answer. I play a lot of golf and I have used both gas and electric. For that purpose, I much prefer the electric. I recently purchased a new electric Yamaha that is supposed to get 60 miles to a charge. I am concerned, after many of your experiences, with the life of the batteries. I also worry about the batteries losing their charge when I am out for a while. My question is why don't golf carts have a battery gauge like cars do that tells how much of a charge you have left? My laptop has one, my cell phone has one, and my car has one. Why doesn't the golf cart have one? Maybe it does and I just didn't notice it. I haven't received my cart yet. I apologize if this was a stupid question and I wasted your time.

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

I had to get used to the gas/electirc(?) pedal and the braking. Since it is an electric brake it is a little more sensitive. Also the forward/reverse is on the key instead of on the switch on the undercarriage.

Unfortunately,I have been undergoing some surgical procedures and have not had the opportunity to exercise the cart as much as I have wanted to. I am not allowed to golf for a couple of more weeks. I am hoping to take a few rides to both town squares (weather permitting) in the next week. I will give a report soon.

I can say that I really enjoy the ride. It did not take much of an up hill to slow my old Club Car down. The new EZGO does not know the difference. We just cruise.

I really want to go to SS and cross the 441/27 bridge and come back to see what the new EZGO does on that bridge. Then to Panara's or Marquarritataville or Beijing for lunch. Then a trip to LSL and home. That will be about 15 miles.

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

My Columbia Par Car has a battery gauge. I thought all golf carts has them. :dontknow:

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

I totally agree with Barefoot At Last on this one. Electric carts are friendly to all and help us save the earth. If I had a vote, I would ask all to use a electric cart for the good of mankind (and womenkind too)

Carlent

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

Barefoot says her electric cart has a battery gauge. Do all? I too lean to electric for all the reasons outlined in the discussions.

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

I have driven many types of electric carts. They all have gauges.

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

Yes, they are either a gauge with a needle, or a series of 4 or 5 led lights that show the proportion of discharge, e.g. 20%, 40%, 60%, etc.

After having test driven carts at the Par Car dealer, the Club Car dealer, the EZ Go dealer, and the Golf Cart Connection (Star and refurbed Clubs) I am leaning toward...

Because...
- Power of cart
- Price with desired options
- Reputation of dealer
- Ride quality

Anyone want to guess which one?

- I like the design of the Par Car the best (short of $15,000 for a Yesteryear cart) and the range. But the turning radius seemed not as good as the others.
- I like the reputation of the Club Car and some of the new features (but "stand out" unique options are not available at this dealer.)
- I like the power train (AC with regenerative braking) and feel of the EZ Go but price is $500 to $1,000 more than I would like to pay.
- I like the value of the Star for a new cart.
- I liked the power, pricing, and options availble on the refurbed Club Car and Golf Cart Connection.

Barring any other discoveries, I will likely purchase the last item - with a few "tweakings."

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

New club cars don't come with battery gages only 1 light indicating 25% battery left. I felt a bit uncomfortable with that light so I had a gauge put in for about $25 or so BUT after driving it for a few months with the gauge I don't really think it gives me any more real useful information and I don't think I needed it.

BTW 2 Votes for > Electric club car Precident > a nice ride and Handling car.

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

The discharge numbers seem contrary to info regarding other battery usage that recommend discharging to near dead before recharging to prolong battery life??

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

All my manuals say to plug the charger into the cart when not using it. And that is what I do. When I come home from anywhere I plug it in. I got 4 plus years on a set of batteries.

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

I have been anxiously awaiting someone answering Buc's question, but since no one did I thought I would bump this thread one more time and ask it again. My husband is 6'4" and Buc said he is 6'6" (so we can sympathize with his question) and we are wondering if there are any cart manufacturers that have a roomier interior than others. Maybe even so far as to have a tilt steering wheel. My husband can't get his legs under the normal steering wheels in a golf cart and has to have his knees off to the side of the wheel. Most carts have their cup holders right there and they dig him in the side of the leg. He also has a problem with his head touching the ceiling in the cart and his line of sight is over the top of the windsheild. Just wondered if anyone else has run into this issue and how they solved it. Thanks

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

The Columbia Par car can be ordered with an adjustable seat. Not sure if it will solve your problem,but something to check out. :don'tknow: Steve ??? ???

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

Hi we are also looking and were told the following info.

If you have a crash and EZ go cart is riveted and hard to dismantle and work on.
Yamaha I really liked.
Club cars number 1 in sales and easy worked on
Star cars has potential problems. Several class action law suites against the maker. So ask questions. I believe they are Korean or Chinese made. Parts may be a problem.

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

A few electric / gas comments:

most new carts warranty (Club car, ez-go, par car, yamaha ) the batteries for 3 or 4 year. Rebuild and Star carts warranty them for only 18 mts to 2 yrs when I checked in Feb 08,

I can go from one end of TVs to the other end, play 9 holes of golf and come back with lights on in my 08 Club car precedent. Yes it takes 8 hrs to get a full charge but you can do a partial charge with no problem and if your back and rear end can take more then that amount of driving in a cart your a tougher dude then we are. Go for it!

With Electric you simply plug it in when you get home you don't have to search for a gas station and make a special trip. BTW I understand the gas station at the South End of the villages by Colony cottage went out of business so make sure you travel to 466 or 441 and have enough gas to get to a gas station.

Come to think of it I guess there is one thing an electric cart can't do > its backfire like those carts seem to like to do.

BTW the new 2008 E-Z GO models have recall, over 20 people have been injured by the hip restraints breaking and people falling out of them.

Electric!

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

Something you might want to know:

Not all golf cart warranties are transferrable.

We bought a six-month old Columbia Par Car which still had a lot of warranty left. When we called Columbia to request that the warranty be transferred to our name, we were told by Columbia that the warranty is not transferrable!

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

Steve, are they adjustable for tall people or for short people? We shorties have to sit on the very edge of the seat. Not comfortable at all. :'(

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

uujudy--yes it moves forward,my wife is 5'1 and feels comfortable--steve

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

:bow: ThankYouThankYouThankYou, Steve! :clap2:
I added it to my Villages list of important things to know!

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

Today we purchased a 2009 E-Z Go electric Freedom cart with the new wing back seat/back. Added 20x10x10" Aluminum mag wheels. Should be ready in a few weeks. We're not in a hurry as our close isn't until 9-30.

I highly recommend (thanks to Village Kahuna) Town and Country Golf Carts. Tim or Kyle are great to work with. Honest and up front about what options or upgrades are worth the extra money. Four year warranty on parts and labor.

Re: E-Z Go vs. Yamaha Golf Cart
 

Re: Battery Charging
The idea of fully discharging a battery DOES apply to Ni-cad and LIon batteries such as cel-phones, etc., which can develop a memory if not fully discharged. It does NOT apply to a wet-cell storage battery such as a golf cart battery.

The 80% discharge rule mentioned earlier is correct according to any storage battery mfg I have talked to. If you're not happy with TROJAN, which is a very well thought of battery, you might try Rolls, they are the KING of battery mfg's and make THE BEST deep cycle batteries. They are owned by the Surrette family who sold Surrette Battery to a Canadian firm many years ago (I think).

The life of the battery is heavily dependent on the quality and thickness of the plates in the battery. This is not something that you can tell from the outside of the battery. Rolls makes batteries with the heaviest plates in the industry, hence, longer life (with proper charging schedule). They specialize in special purpose batteries for trucks, boats, locomotives, and electric vehicles.

No, I'm not their rep, just a satisfied experienced user.