Batteries or Motor?

[Hosepowerportraits.net]

I'm having a "Shudder" shake and lack of pulling power on my 2005 EXGO TXT.
Sometimes the shudder is right after a full charge when pulling a grade or hill, sometimes OK at full charge, but after driving a bit, it begins again and won't pull the grade. Checked batteries and Fully charged they read 6.5, 6.7, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.6. I drove the cart around for about 10 mins, hitting a few grades/hills and did get the "shuddering" on the hills. Came back and checked batteries again. reading in same order, 6.0, 6.3, 6.1, 6.3, 6.5, and 6.3.

I've talked with two local cart shops via phone, one says batteries, the other said it's the motor or brake drum.

So, give me your thoughts based on experience.
Thank you.

[JohnnieB]

Is it a series wound motor or sepex? (If there is a Run/Tow switch on the controller cover, it is a sepex)

In any case, the battery voltages are a bit weird.
A fully charged Deep-Cycle, Lead-Acid, Wet-Cell, 6V cart battery reads about 6.37V after it has sit for approximately 12 hours after the charger shuts off automatically.

Also, the battery pack is not well balanced. Should all be within about 0.1V of each other.

Looks like you have have a battery or two dropping out under load.
Connect a DVM between the main Positive and Negative terminals of the battery pack and monitor the voltage while driving.
What is the voltage when you start?
What is the voltage when it shudders?

Also, what is the pack voltage and the individual battery voltages 30 minutes after the end of the trip?

[Hosepowerportraits.net]

JohnnieB, I'll do as suggested over the weekend and post the results. Thanks.

[sportcoupe]

I'd check for a stripped brake drum.