2001 PDS for field and hauling... looking for setup advice

[cgtech]

I think your current "weak link" is gonna be the controller. I think the motor will suit your needs OK, as long as you are being realistic about the mud it will see. Also, a weak link on every 36v txt ever made was the stock solenoid, a better one should be on the to-do list.

[txdm]

Originally Posted by cgtech

I think your current "weak link" is gonna be the controller. I think the motor will suit your needs OK, as long as you are being realistic about the mud it will see. Also, a weak link on every 36v txt ever made was the stock solenoid, a better one should be on the to-do list.

Thanks, I'll get one. Does the stock solenoid limit the potential amperage, or is it just an item that fails often? I'm also going to get a spare "reed" switch.

[txdm]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

Be aware that the tire size embossed on tires is very approximate. Mine are marked 18X8.50-8, but are physically 17.04" tall. Also, the MTD (Mounted Tire Diameter) list on some tire store websites may be off considerably.

IE: Carlisle's website says my Turf Master tires have a MTD of 18.3", yet they are only slightly over 17" tall.

The nominal 20" Carlisle Turf Savers on my mower are only 18.5" tall.

[cgtech]

Originally Posted by txdm

Thanks, I'll get one. Does the stock solenoid limit the potential amperage, or is it just an item that fails often? I'm also going to get a spare "reed" switch.

Yes, if you want to see for your self, clip your volt meter leads on each of the large solenoid terminals. Then drive the cart. Do a full throttle start while a buddy watches the volt meter. Any voltage reading shown on the meter is how many Volts were "lost" while passing through the solenoid (that energy is transformed into heat, not motion at the wheels). The same type test can be used to catch bad battery cables, and even energy lost in the controller.

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by txdm

Thanks, I'll get one. Does the stock solenoid limit the potential amperage, or is it just an item that fails often? I'm also going to get a spare "reed" switch.

The contacts in the stock solenoid are rated at 85A continuous and the stock PDS controller will pass 300A, but the stock PDS motor only draws more than 85A while accelerating from a standstill, climbing steep hills, hauling/towing heavy loads or creeping along at low speeds, especially in sand or mud. In a nutshell. anytime the motor is spinning less than about 3000RPM (About 13MPH on 18" tires), it is capable of drawing more than 85A, but will only draw more than 85A until the motor exceeds about 3000RPM.

As for the reed switch, most people just bypass them. My 2008 came from the factory with it bypassed.

[txdm]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

The contacts in the stock solenoid are rated at 85A continuous and the stock PDS controller will pass 300A, but the stock PDS motor only draws more than 85A while accelerating from a standstill, climbing steep hills, hauling/towing heavy loads or creeping along at low speeds, especially in sand or mud. In a nutshell. anytime the motor is spinning less than about 3000RPM (About 13MPH on 18" tires), it is capable of drawing more than 85A, but will only draw more than 85A until the motor exceeds about 3000RPM.

As for the reed switch, most people just bypass them. My 2008 came from the factory with it bypassed.

Wow, that's awesome info, considering what I use the cart for. I'll test out the solenoid and see what it does...the seller might have replaced it already when they added the new 4Ga wires.

[scottyb]

You can do okay on mild terrain with the stock control as long as you don't go too far away from the original designed use of the cart.

But for fun and practical performance just put a XCT400 control and 200a solenoid on it and you won't wipe the grin off your face any time soon