It's the 1st of the month so that means it's time for another "how to" video for you DIY golfers out there. Many of our customers own gas golf carts. Every week we take calls from people that are having a hard time getting their carts to run. Sometimes they run intermittently. One minute the cart runs great, they other they can’t get the engine to turn over.

Lots of times people will mistake this for a dead battery; they will replace it and still have the same issue. Many times when this is a problem the brushes in your starter are worn out and need to be replaced.

This is a really common problem and an extremely easy fix! In this video we will show you how to troubleshoot and replace the starter generator brushes in your gas powered golf cart!

Thousands of golfers drive golf carts each day as they maneuver the many courses in the United States and around the globe. Thousands more use golf carts for regular transportation. Anyone who has considered buying a golf cart knows the first step is to decide whether to buy a gas or electric golf cart. Each of the two main varieties offer a range of benefits and drawbacks, and understanding them plays a key role in the selection process.

Choosing a Golf Cart: Gas versus Electric Power

If you're in the market for a golf cart, one of the first decisions that you'll need to make is the choice between gas and electric power. While both models will get you across the green, one may suit your style or budget more than the other, so you'll need to consider the pros and cons of each type to make a fully-informed purchase decision.

But what if you've never bought a golf cart before? How can you be sure which features are better or cheaper than others? What should you look for in terms of power, performance and precision?

If you're new and confused in the world of golf carts, consider this your comprehensive guide to gas versus electric power.

How do golf carts work?

Gas-powered golf carts run on combustion engines. These engines are usually four-stroke, but older models might use two-stroke instead. They're fueled with regular gas like any car or truck.

Electric golf carts run on battery cells. Most of them are 36-volt or 48-volt. The batteries need to be regularly recharged to keep the cart going.

Price difference between electric and gas golf carts

It's difficult to give a price range for golf carts since there are so many factors that go into their cost, but speaking very generally, used gas-powered carts are more expensive than electric ones. They're also harder to find good used gas carts since there are fewer of them coming back in on trades.

On the flip side, electric carts can be cheaper depending on the condition of the batteries. At RMI Golf Carts, we sell every used golf cart with a set of brand new batteries. We are unique in that aspect. Many of our competitors will sell used carts with used batteries. That’s something to be mindful of when shopping.

Think carefully about your budget before you decide on your chosen golf cart. The decision that you make today could have a big impact on your expenses tomorrow.

Strength and durability of each golf cart

This too also depends on make and model. The common thought with most first time buyers is gas carts are more powerful than electrics. This can be true when looking at the older 36v carts, however the newer 48v carts, specifically the Yamaha and EZGO AC Electric carts have a ton of power and will actually pull hills just as well, or even better than many gas carts.

Pollution from golf carts

Gas-powered golf carts run on traditional fuel and produce carbon monoxide emissions. They do have a “gas smell” especially in confined area like a garage or shed. A lot of the newer gas models do a better job of routing exhaust and minimizing the gas smell.

Electric golf carts, on the other hand, produce no fumes or emissions. They run on rechargeable batteries that don't harm the surrounding environment. They're the "green" option for buyers concerned about their carbon footprint. When it comes to eco-friendliness, electric golf carts have a clear edge over gas ones.

Noise level of each golf cart

Electric golf carts accelerate quickly and quietly. They make very little noise on the green, so they're an attractive option for golfers who don't like to announce their presence on every hole.

Gas-powered golf carts are relatively noisy. Newer models are better in this regard than older ones, but even a high-tech gas vehicle can only muffle so much of the combustion engine's natural rumble. If noise level is an important concern of yours, you'll probably want to avoid a gas-powered golf cart.

Golf cart maintenance

All golf carts require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly, but the type and duration of this upkeep will vary depending on your cart's model, brand, size and power source.

Gas-powered golf carts need things like oil changes and replacement parts. You might need to repair anything from a spark plug to a starter belt, and if you aren't able to DIY it, you'll be on the hook for both labor and material costs. Gas carts also require a steady stream of fuel, and that will cost you every time that you're at the pump.

Electric golf carts require charging. Golf Carts need to be charged after every single use. If the cart is not being used regularly then they should be charged every few weeks. We normally don’t like going over a month without a good charge on the batteries. All electric carts do come with a charger. However, batteries will need replacing at some point. Again, this varies on usage and maintenance. Most of our customers get on average 4-5 years out of a set of batteries before they will need to be replaced. Finally the most important thing for maintenance on an electric cart is checking the water on the batteries. It’s a good habit to check the water level in the batteries once per month. Do this year around if possible! Doing this will significantly increase the life on the battery pack!

 

Golf cart considerations

Gas-powered golf carts can come with a fuel gauge that will let you know when you're running on empty. Electric carts don't always offer a battery gauge like this, though they can be purchased and installed as an extra.

Some electric golf carts are "street legal." They can be driven on roads and boulevards with speed limits less than 30-35 miles per hour.

With the purchase of any golf cart, it's important to look at their features and functions to ensure that you're making the right choice. How many passengers can sit comfortably? How much storage space do you have for your clubs? Does the cart's aesthetic match your personality?

Finding the right golf cart for you

Gas-powered golf carts are strong, steady operators. Electric golf carts are more convenient to use and better for the environment. There's no right or wrong answer when deciding which of these sounds more appealing to you; it all depends on your personal needs and preferences. No matter what you're looking for in a golf cart, just make sure that you give the matter plenty of thought before pulling out your credit card! 

 

Please feel free to reach out to us anytime with any questions!

This is a cool video demonstrating some of the new and great features for the 2017 Yamaha QuieTech Golf Car. Stop by the showroom to test drive yourself. We have them in stock!

 

As the weather hopefully begins to warn up truck loads of new cars are beginning to roll in. We have a bunch of new Yamaha EFI gas cars available in all kinds of cool colors. The new Fuel Injected cars offer the best in class fuel mileage, no choke so they are easy to start, and a smooth acceleration! Weather you happen to be a golfer and want the Yamaha EFI PTV Golf Cart to get around the course or you are looking for a great Lifted 4-Pass cart, The Yamaha Adventurer 2+2 is up to the challenge. The 2+2 comes standard with light kit, lift kit, 80" extended top, all terrain tires, and brush guard!

Don't forget, we also have in stock new Yamaha Electric PTV Golf Carts, Yamaha Concierge 6-Pass in both gas and electric, as well as the Yamaha Adventurer Utility Vehicle. 

We have them available to test drive at both the Olathe location and Parkville. As always, great financing options are available! 

 

Spring Hours.

Spring hrs are back. The Olathe location is open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. Thursdays we stay open until 6pm. Saturday hrs are 10am - Noon.

Parkville is open Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4:30pm.

Click one of the links below and download the owners manual of your choice. If you can't find what you're looking for give us a call and we can find it for you. 913-829-1211

MPT 800 Electric Industrial 800 Electric MPT 1000 Electric Industrial 1000 Electric 04-07 Owners Guide

MPT 1200 Gas MPT 800 Gas Industrial 800 Gas 04-06 Owners Guide

ST 4x4 05-07 owners guide

ST Sport 2+2 Electric 05-07 owners guide

TXT Fleet 04-07 owners guide

TXT Fleet Gas 04-07 owners guide

(AUGUSTA, GA) — E-Z-GO, a Textron (NYSE:TXT) Company, announces the expansion of its line of personal vehicles with the introduction of the Freedom® TXT® and Shuttle 2+2 TXT®. These vehicles combine the classic styling and features of the E-Z-GO TXT platform with new powerplants and technology, including the choice of models equipped with either a 48-volt DC electric drivetrain or a 13 hp gas-powered Kawasaki® engine.

The Freedom TXT seats up to two people and is equipped with a golf-bag rack and sweater basket for easy transition from the course to community paths. With its rear-facing second bench seat, the Shuttle 2+2 TXT seats up to four people and can be outfitted with an optional four-bag attachment for golf use.

“E-Z-GO is pleased to offer these new models in our celebrated TXT vehicle line,” said Kevin Holleran, president of E-Z-GO. “The combination of proven TXT features and new powertrain technology will make the Freedom TXT and Shuttle 2+2 TXT vehicles a popular choice for consumers seeking stylish, fun and energy-efficient ways to move around their neighborhood paths.”

Electric models of the Freedom TXT and Shuttle 2+2 TXT feature a 48-volt DC drivetrain with    E-Z-GO’s exclusive TruCourse Technology, which allows the vehicle owner to customize the vehicle’s speed, acceleration and other operating characteristics to meet their unique needs.

Gas-powered models are equipped with a 13 hp Kawasaki engine that delivers exceptional power and torque, while conserving fuel due to the engine’s single-cylinder design with a hemispheric combustion chamber. The engine meets all emissions standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board.

Both models retain the popular styling and proven features of the E-Z-GO TXT platform, including a welded tubular steel frame with powder-coat protection, scratch-resistant body panels, center-mounted cup, ball and tee holders, slip-resistant floormats, double-walled canopy and handle, and a walkaway braking alarm.

The Freedom TXT and Shuttle 2+2 TXT also feature headlights, tail lights, brake lights and horns. Electric models include a DC-to-DC converter to allow for optimal installation of additional powered accessories.

To meet the specific needs or style of any owner, the Freedom TXT and Shuttle 2+2 TXT can be customized with a wide variety of factory-installed options or E-Z-GO genuine parts and accessories, including alloy wheels, turn signals, weather enclosures, locking glove boxes, and chrome or stainless-steel brush guards and kickplates.

The Freedom TXT and Shuttle 2+2 TXT are manufactured in Augusta, Ga., at E-Z-GO’s world headquarters, recently honored as one of the top ten manufacturing facilities in North America by Industry Week magazine.

The Freedom TXT and Shuttle 2+2 TXT vehicles are available for purchase now from your local E-Z-GO authorized dealer. To locate your nearest dealer or learn more about the complete line of E-Z-GO light-transportation vehicles, please visit www.ezgo.com. To follow E-Z-GO news, events and announcements on Facebook, please visit www.facebook.com/4ezgo.