Best Gas Cart for my Needs?

BrandonH

I have been reading the forums for a while, but just registered yesterday. I'm sure this is a loaded question and may be similar to Chevy vs. Ford, but I need some advice. I am looking to buy a lifted gas cart that will be used around the house, but also on a ranch that is very rocky and hilly. I want the cart to have plenty of clearance, rear seat, and have ample speed for when I'm running it on flat ground.

Right now my options are:
2012 Yamaha Drive Demo (12hp)
2009 Club Car DS (9.5hp)
2009 Club Car Precedent (11.5hp)
2012 Club Car Precedent (11.5hp)

Of course the Yamaha is most expensive, followed by the Precedents, then the DS.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,
Brandon

BGW

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slonomo

If you are looking for a cart to use off road, I'd suggest one with a big block conversion, meaning one with a 23hp vanguard or honda engine installed. The power will better suit working and going up and down hills. Probably for the same money you might spend on that yamaha, you might be able to find an older yamaha that has the big block? I've seen them for $4k-$6k. Not sure what your budget is.

Ok so if you are set on these carts here, I'd go with the Yamaha, only because I'm familiar with them and I know what kind of engineering they use, very similar frames as a race car. Very stout. I think the club car's have aluminum frames, which might make them better for rust resistance, but I believe the steel tube frames are much stronger than the aluminum channel frames.

You might want to drive all of them, if you haven't already, and see which one you like better that way. Once I bought a car that I never would have even looked at because I didn't think I'd like it....once I drove it you couldn't get me out of it.....lol.

Good luck!

BrandonH

Thanks for the suggestion. How loud are the larger engines? I will be using this as a hunting buggy, so I don't want anything too terribly loud. I do like the Yamaha the best, but they are hard to find...it seems like everyone and their brother are building EZ-Gos and Club Cars. I'm mechanically inclined enough that if I found a used cart I think I wold be able to do all the mods myself, however everything I'm finding seems to be cheaper buying it from someone that builds them. By the time I buy the lift, wheel, tires, & back seat the price usually is the same or more than what I can buy a built one for around here.

Forgot to mention budget is $4-6k, but would prefer to keep it on the lower end if at all possible.

Thanks,
Brandon

kgsc

Brandon, All of the carts you have listed are good choices but as you have read in this forum, you can do just about anything you want to one once you choose. I would suggest one that you have access to a local dealer and fits your budget. And add at least 1 EZ-Go

BrandonH

I'm definitely not against EZ Go, it just seems that most of the dealers around here have Club Car for the gas carts. Is there a certain model EZ Go that is better than the others? I'm new to the cart world, and looking at all the choices has been overwhelming.

BTW, I did find a clean 2009 workhorse for $3,200, but wasn't sure if it would be feasible to add a back seat, lift, etc...

lockman1

WHOA! slonomo... Brandon doesn't even have his first cart yet!
A big block might be just a bit to much to start out with for a newbie!

BrandonH... Welcome to BGW!

The FE350's (11.5 hp) in the Precedents are a strong and reliable engine!
The FE290 (9.5 hp) in the DS is a "reliable" engine, and things can be done to make it stronger!
The Yami Drive 12 hp... I don't know anything about... but I like the cart!

Look... think about your budget, then, think of which cart you like the most, (in your budget)
Then... pick one! (seriously... it's THAT easy!)

Tonka329

You can get really good power from a stock cart also. A torque spring, machined driven clutch and a severe duty belt will gain you 30%-40% over a stock set-up!

kgsc

An 09 WH is not bad depending on which motor and model. They make a short and long wheelbase and have I believe a Robins motor in that year. Either a 295 or 350. The one in my avatar was a 2000 Oasis bev cart converted from the cooler box to a poly dump bed. Yes they can be lifted and for mine when I need a rear seat I have another older workhorse front seat that has the seat back attached I put in the bed. Take the tailgate off and put a receiver hitch cargo carrier in the hitch. Works for me and there is still room for a cooler in the bed.

BrandonH

It is a 350 Sport Workhorse if that means anything.

reinman88

I have a 99 workhorse with the 350. I use it for hunting and around the farm for work. I love it and wish I would have had it a long time ago. It's amazing how many jobs are that much easier and the workhorse fits the need for something smaller then the pickup but bigger then doing it by hand. It's great for driving along checking fence. Easier to get out for a quick fix then the pickup or even a 4 wheeler, and much faster then walking the fenceline. The box allows you to carry everything you'll need for just about any job.

I spent years with horses and cleaning stalls everyday. Oh how I wish I would have had this back then.

On the Club Car. Before I got my workhorse I looked at an older CC. Not sure if they are all like this, but because I was going to use it for hunting and off road. I was a bit concerned with the placement of the muffler. It laid horizontal near the back and awful low. I was concered with it hitting stuff because of it's position. I didn't get it, so it may not be a problem, I'm not sure. But something you might look at or get advice from guys that have one and use it the same way you will.