Taylor_Dunn 3-wheeler project

[dale_z28]

Howdy, I'm new to the forum and was directed here by another member for help and ideas (don't hold it against him!)


My 1976 Taylor-Dunn Step Saver was found on Craigslist for $175 which I was able to negotiate to $150. It had the original wiring, but was cut up and rigged so badly that I tore it all out. I want to run a controller, probably an Alltrax.

So far, I have disassembled the cart, had it sandblasted, and begun to straighten the sheet metal. Basically, I have a motor, a rear differential, a body, tires/wheels, and steering. Several questions come to mind, but the two most pressing are:
(1) As a 24 volt cart, why run 4 6 volt batteries (in series) when I could possibly purchase 12 volt deep-cycle batteries cheaper (and pair two "sets" in series and then wire the "sets" in parallel to get 24 volt)?

Having done little research into how the batteries are constructed I'm going to assume (I know that's a dangerous word!) that since the batteries are similar in size (physically) the 6 volters must have larger cells giving them more amp-hour capacity. My reasoning is that I'll save money with 12 volt and I won't be running long distances to need the extended life.

(2) Which controller? In leaning towards Alltrax, I've learned that ther's some flexibility in throttle types, and since mine has no control, I can set it up however I want.

Thanks in advance, guys!

[ted4420]

Hello, Dale! Ted. No answers yet!

[dale_z28]

Nope, I'm sensing the digital "blank stare."
I'm gonna contact scottyb... I have been reading his info and I believe he'll have answers. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, Ted!

[Revolution]

You will be better served by golf cart batteries of what ever voltage you choose, but any deep cycle will work for a while.

Since you are starting fresh why keep it 24 volt, I would go 36 volts of 48.

[Revolution]

I like Alltrax controllers, easy to work with.

[dale_z28]

Originally Posted by Revolution

Since you are starting fresh why keep it 24 volt, I would go 36 volts of 48.

My cart doesn't have room for more than 4 batteries unless I could stack them, which I've really not looked into at this point in time. My motor is rated 24 volt (nameplate) but I am aware you can get by with more than the motor is designed for - to a point. My use will be inside on flat concrete floors, and being a three-wheeled vehicle I'm not sure I want greater speed, which is all I can imagine obtaining with more voltage, other than spending more $$ for more batteries.

Thank you for the response!

[Revolution]

Originally Posted by dale_z28

My cart doesn't have room for more than 4 batteries unless I could stack them, which I've really not looked into at this point in time. My motor is rated 24 volt (nameplate) but I am aware you can get by with more than the motor is designed for - to a point. My use will be inside on flat concrete floors, and being a three-wheeled vehicle I'm not sure I want greater speed, which is all I can imagine obtaining with more voltage, other than spending more $$ for more batteries.

Thank you for the response!

HAHA

I forget not everyone wants their carts faster! My 3 wheeler project is going from 36 to 48, just because a have a spare 48 volt pack, otherwise I would go higher.