power loss

[braindead89]

I just bought a 2001 36v workhorse yesterday. drove it around a bit when i bought it (3-5 minutes) Today i used it again and when i got off the driveway and into the grass it acted like it was barely moving (struggling to pull itself) Could this be as simple as b ad batteries or do I have other issues too?

The battery meter was at 100 yesterday and now is at 60 so I know they are junk but not sure if I have other issues too?

[cgtech]

If the meter dropped 40% after 3-5 minutes of driving, you have junk batteries.

[720Deere]

Originally Posted by cgtech

If the meter dropped 40% after 3-5 minutes of driving, you have junk batteries.

Pretty much. I always assume that the batteries are going to need replaced when I look at the cost of a cart.

[braindead89]

yeah i know the batteries are shot. What i am trying to ask is would the batteries cause it to have low power in the grass?

[cgtech]

Yep, voltage dropping as load increases. You could verify that by putting a volt meter on the charge port, then driving it. Voltage should not be going below 31.5v.

[720Deere]

Weak batteries are going to cause low power in just about every situation. No different than a toothbrush or an RC car with weak batteries. The motor may rev up good with no load, but drops off to nothing when you apply a load.

For instance, new or known good batteries may sag to 32-33v under a full load where your batteries may be dropping to less than 27v under the same load. A 25% reduction in available energy is definitely going to be noticeable.