Drive PTV - Climbing Hills/inclines

[sbanet]

First time on this site; great info; I am looking to buy a cart to shuttle people from our house to the lake. We have a substantial incline (> 45 degrees). The Yamaha Drive PTV (gas) seems like a good choice (disc brakes, 350 cc + displacement). Can this cart really pull 4 adults up a steep incline?

Thanks in advance

[smallblock450sl]

Originally Posted by sbanet

First time on this site; great info; I am looking to buy a cart to shuttle people from our house to the lake. We have a substantial incline (> 45 degrees). The Yamaha Drive PTV (gas) seems like a good choice (disc brakes, 350 cc + displacement). Can this cart really pull 4 adults up a steep incline?

Thanks in advance

That's a steep hill! I would be more concerned with the rear weight with passangers (with a very light front end). As far as I know, no Yamaha comes stock with disc brakes ( The Drive has internal brakes in the transaxle). I like your observation about getting a gas car, much more power/torque. I would recommend a gas "big blocked" car, more power/torque then you'll need, but more is better, when you need it. Good luck.

[stuff4mason]

Yep. I agree with Small....We have a very steep hill on our road that we frequently take passengers up in our old G8. By the time you get to the top of the hill, there is very very little power. People have got off and walked faster than the carts going when its toting 8 people up. Coming down is also the scary part with lots of passengers.

[bigstik40]

I have a very similar situation at my cottage. I have a 97 G16 (gas) that does remarkably well, though I'm not sure if I'm at a full 45 deg. (but it is "steep"!!). When I first got it, it "sucked", because the clutches had issues. Installed a new belt, fixed the drive clutch, and installed a torque spring in the secondary, which made a world of difference. I have experienced the "light" front end scenario several times while carrying a full load of rear passengers, so from experience, that is a concern. Hope this helps - RAY

[sho305]

A cut sheave should help if they are doing them for drives, that gives a lower gear. Make sure the clutches are working right or they don't shift right and kill power.

Imagine a 10hp lawnmower its about the same. The drive is 11.4hp, more than older yamaha.

It depends on the hill, they will pull more than you think but still only 10hp. Even a clone 15hp is quite a bit more hp. Yes the rear seat is not the best on big hills and stuff, a limo cart is much more stable or even a longer wheelbase work cart. One guy built a trailer out of the rear half of another cart and said that worked nice.

[spriddle]

I've seen stock G1's carry 6 adults up a very steep incline like it was nothing. I don't think you'll have a problem with power.

I would however, be very concerned with the weight displacement on the cart. Too much weight on the back and the cart could flip backwards on any size hill, especially if the cart is lifted. They are pretty light in the front. If the hill is very steep, maybe pull a small trailer instead of putting people on the back.