HELP!! 1971 cushman 4 wheel electric cart SLOW!

standrew

I’m new to the cart game. We just bought a 71 cushman and the thing is slow and will not even climb a slight incline. Just had the batteries tested and they were good. The person we bought of from had removed the 6, 6 volt batteries and replaced with 3 12v batteries (still wired in series.). I’m at a loss here!!


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BGW

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jeff.martinka

I've got something similar. Somewhere been 68-71 Golfster that is painfully slow up hills, but it always makes it. If I've played more than 36 holes in a day it might not, but that's not very typical for me. Have your motor tested to make sure that it's both getting the full push from the batteries and converting it to power to the drive train. I'm no expert and I'm trying to figure out how to increase the torque for uphill driving on mine.
Keep in mind that unlike the current generation of carts, ours are made of good old american steel and weigh probably 2-3 times what a new cart weighs.
I'm not very helpful, just know your not the only one with this problem (and I'll be keeping an eye on this post to see if you get more of a response than mine got several months ago).

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Brob1969

I am not completely familiar with the old Cushman carts, but I know how an electric system works.
You'll want to go through the system to identify the components. The older carts (unless updated with a solid state motor controller) have an accelerator pedal, a series of resistors, and the motor. I believe the speed control attached to the pedal is a potentiometer of sorts which directs the battery power through the resistor coils until you push the pedal to the floor, in which case it is sending all the power to the motor (when everything is functioning as it is intended).

I would very carefully inspect all the electrical connections first, including each resistor coil. After that, you'll likely need a decent voltmeter to begin troubleshooting the individual components.

It would be helpful if you could get some clear photos of the system; the pedal, the connections to the resistors, etc. That way the knowledgeable folks here can get a better idea of where to point you to start the troubleshooting process.

rib33024

The 3 -12v batteries are your problem. You need the hightest amp hour 6 volt batteries you can get

BBBHC

I agree with rib. What batteries do you have and what are the specs?

Brob1969

If there's a problem with one or more of the batteries it could definitely be a problem. However, I recently tested a cart with 3 12v sealed batteries that are for emergency exit signs. The cart ran great, likely very little range, but it ran like a champ.

standrew

Here’s the batteries I have. Just picked them up fully charged from auto zone.


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standrew

Sorry, apparently I can’t post pictures because I haven’t been a member for 7 days.


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Brob1969

Hmm... I didn't know that was a thing.

You might want to mention that on the thread regarding the site going down yesterday. Maybe something related to the reset.

standrew

The batteries I have are made by rural king marine duel purpose. 575 cca/ 730 ca @32 degrees and 160 rc mins.


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