Cheap 36v Medalist upgrades

[dukedog1]

Been reading and searching for a week of two and have learned a lot. trying to not ask any dumb questions but here goes. I was given a early 90's ezgo. It has the metal body. f/r lever below the seat makes it a series from what I have read. It is in rough shape. No seat or batteries. Was only told that it used to run. I want to use it for a hunting buggy. I do a lot of hog and predator night hunting. Speed is not a concern. 10mph is fine. I need all the torque and pulling power that i can get. Here is my current list of parts to buy. 20x9.5x8 mud grip tires. Putting them on the factory wheels. No lift, just gonna cut the fenders to keep them from scrubbing. Now for power. New 36v batteries. Upgrade all cables to 2ga. Would going larger than that help? H/D FRswitch. HD solenoid. Biggest question is what can I do to get the most out of the factory motor and controller? I don't have the cash to buy aftermarket motors. Maybe a controller if need be. I would really like to get lower gears and a locker for the rear. To save some money is there any specific cart that come with lockers and gears that I could find used? My budget is about $1000. Can this be done this cheaply?

[kab69440]

As a guy who bought a 95 Medalist in similar condition, yes you can use it for $1000. Your batteries will be your single largest outlay. I have $700 in mine. Your next step, assuming your controller is good, is to make up large battery cables. I bought a 25' spool of #2 cable and a mess of crimp on lugs, at roughly $100. I can't speak for the cost of your tires, you know that better than I do.

The great thing about the Medalist is all the tire clearance on the rear. An average TXT can only get a 22" without lift. I don't know how much you can get under a Medalist, but I bet it's closer to 26" Were it me, I would use another pair of 18" implement tires. I don't have the pic to link on photobucket, I'll have to upload it. Anyhow, they go great and there isn't a lot of torque loss.

I initially built my cart to use in a transloading railyard. I have pulled almost unbelievable amounts of weight with it. You don't need to get a huge controller. The stock one will give you all you need if the motor has a clean, low resistance path from which to draw those amps. Be sure to clean and polish the guts of your FNR switch, that worked like a miracle for me, as far as keeping cable lugs from getting cooked off.

I have way more than $1000 in my cart over the last couple of years, but you can get mobile for that if all you need is batteries. I love my Medalist and I'm betting you will love yours, too! I wish I could be given a free roller. I want another one to make a trailer out of. Big cooler under the seat, grill on the back... OK, I'm just gonna stop there, this is your thread.

[kab69440]

Here are my winter/ mud tires...

[madoc1]

like kab said. big cables, hd f/r switch or maybe just scottyb's hd bars, hd solenoid and you will be good. next step would be a larger controller, about 400 amp. your stock motor will work just fine with all this. as for a locker, you will need the larger carrier assy. from a 99 or newer axle to fit one. i swapped mine out and used plowman's unit. it is great! good luck.

[BradCouch22]

Your cart is just junk, I would give it to a friend who needs a cart!!!!! you rode mine last night, son i told you thats alll we need!!!!

[dukedog1]

After more reading I have found that creeping around on these carts is bad for them. What can I do to help out with keeping the heat down. Cart will mostly be used for very slow moving. Moving 20 to 30 yds at a time then stopping and listen for a min or two then moving again.

[kab69440]

That won't be a problem. I've spent over an hour at a time creeping mine at walking speed, stopping to pick up a piece of litter, and creeping again. No matter how you drive, eventually the controller WILL fail. There is nothing you can do about it. My advice is to grab a good used spare and carry it with you.

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by dukedog1

After more reading I have found that creeping around on these carts is bad for them. What can I do to help out with keeping the heat down. Cart will mostly be used for very slow moving. Moving 20 to 30 yds at a time then stopping and listen for a min or two then moving again.

Get off and walk, carry a chair so you can sit while you wait.

[dukedog1]

Originally Posted by scottyb

Get off and walk, carry a chair so you can sit while you wait.

been walking too much. Thats what the cart is all about. trying to be lazier. me and bradcouch22 gonna be 400pds by the time hunting season is over. After the first night hunting off his cart we both got spoiled really quick.

[dukedog1]

got some trojan t105s for $100 a piece. Now to weld up the battery tray and make some cables. Getting the show started.