6 batteries to 3 conversion

[toolman0114]

Is there an advantage, or disadvantage to changing a 6 - 6 volt battery 36 volt cart to 3 - 12 volt batteries?
I have heard of people doing this but other than the cost of replacing batteries I don't know if it is good or bad.
Can somebody tell me about this?

[rccub23]

i think the 3-12 volt batteries will give you less run time.

[segdoh49]

I would say if the 12v batteries weighed as much as 2 six volt batteries (e.g. 125 lbs.)
then it might not matter, but you won't have the lead content that you would have with the six volt batteries. Which I think would equate to less longevity. I would recommend not going that way. Maybe someone else can beter assist you 'cause I'm no expert.

[JohnnieB]

Whether you use 6x6V or 3x12V, you've got a battery pack consisting of 18x2V cells and size does matter.

If the plate area and electrolyte volume per cell is the same in both the 6v and 12v batteries, and they are both the same type battery (IE: Deep Discharge), than they will have about the same run-time. If not, they won't.

As for cost, I'm not sure which is more expensive, two 225AH 6v batteries or one 450AH 12v battery.
However, my back tells me I'm about 50 years past lifting a 12v 450AH battery though.

[scottyb]

3/12v = 36v?
Or can I use 3 12v batteries in my 36v golf cart?
You can use 3/12v batteries in series to create a 36v power supply. However this supply will be lacking in amperage capacity and deep cycle ability. The result will be poor run time and shortened battery lifetime.
The batteries used in your cart should be golf cart specific batteries.
Golf cart batteries are designed to hold a large amount of amperage and to be discharged relatively low over a long period of time.
Automotive batteries do not store as much amperage and are designed for shallow discharge and immediate recharge. Like starting a car and having the alternator immediately begin recharging.
Battery construction differs and plate thickness and count per cell varies with regard to discharge characteristics and designed usage. The thinner plates of automotive or marine batteries give up their amperage much quicker than Golf cart batteries.
You can connect 3 automotive 12v batteries in series and get 36v. You will not have the same amperage reserve or operational characteristics needed to make the batteries perform well or last satisfactorily in a golf cart.
But, it will work for testing or short run usage...
I hope this helps ...