NEWBIE- 1989 Cushman

[brandoshf23]

I have pickup up a (I believe) a 1989 Indistrial Cushman Electric 36V. I was hoping someone could answer a couple of questions. I picked this up for free. All the batteries are gone so I have to buy 6 new ones.

1. I have read many post here talking about converting 36V to 48V. Can I do this on this Cushman? Would it be worthwile?

2. Does anyone know how fast this model will go? I have a River Camp and we use 4-wheelrs, golf carts, and Rangers to go up and down the river rd 4-5 miles. I don't plan on setting a speed record I just want to go faster than walking.

3. Does anyone know about changing the tires? These are in great shape however I want to not get stuck in the grass since these appear to be made for an industrial setting.

Thanks ,

[groundpounder]

welcome to BGW....... wow that thing is cool it is definitely worth fixing

[scottyb]

COOL! They even wrote FREE on it!? In my neighborhood they wouldn't have gotten the second E on it. I'd a taken it.

From what I understand to be good advice = yes to everything. You can buy six 8v batteries for marginally more than you'll pay for 6v resulting in 48 volts. The added voltage will allow you to run tall/bigger tires. (with a probably homemade lift kit) Resulting in faster speeds - never a land speed record breaker. But something worth playing with.
Scottyb

[TheNewGuy]

Welcome to the forum!!!

That thing is totally cool lookin!!

I don't know anything about electric buggies though.

[steveho]

Kinda scary, I (or we) have a 1989 Cushman Spinter, the only one I've ever seen, keep it at our river camp and us it and 4 wheelers & 4WD's to wander up & down the river (and through the woods) got it for free and had to prety much rebuild it. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about it (like where to find some parts)

Originally Posted by brandoshf23

I have pickup up a (I believe) a 1989 Indistrial Cushman Electric 36V. I was hoping someone could answer a couple of questions. I picked this up for free. All the batteries are gone so I have to buy 6 new ones.

1. I have read many post here talking about converting 36V to 48V. Can I do this on this Cushman? Would it be worthwile?

2. Does anyone know how fast this model will go? I have a River Camp and we use 4-wheelrs, golf carts, and Rangers to go up and down the river rd 4-5 miles. I don't plan on setting a speed record I just want to go faster than walking.

3. Does anyone know about changing the tires? These are in great shape however I want to not get stuck in the grass since these appear to be made for an industrial setting.

Thanks ,

[scottyb]

NIce looking old cart. I have converted two older series carts to 48v and it is worth doing. It is a fairly simple thing and the gains are about 33% power increase, measurable speed increase and run time increases. All of these increases will vary depending on the condition of your current batteries and those you add. If your current batteries are more than a year old it is reccomended that you find used batteries to add. Or are you going to change to six 8v? Either way you will need to change the solenoid to 48v. Some 36v solenoids will take it but no guarrantee as for how long...My CC is going on a month and working fine. Of course the new 48v solenoid is sitting on the bench...waiting. Many guys here are running older 36v carts on 48 and more! Don't forget you need to figure out how you are goig to charge them, WELCOME to the site and good luck!

[TTRACER]

I just saw this site!Way cool. Anyway I saw that someone has a cushman sprinter and I have one also.Does not seem to be any info on them anywhere.Does anyone have any info on them.Mine has a Hyundai motor (3 hp). THANKS JOHN

[scottyb]

WELCOME.
why not give steveho a PM to see if he's around?

[TTRACER]

Thanks scottyb!!
Dont know much about electric carts.Just picked this up,bought new batteries,(36v)cart goes ok but goes very slow up a slight incline.Like walking speed up a 25 degree climb.Is that normal?Just seems slow but pretty cool cart. Thanks again, john

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by TTRACER

Thanks scottyb!!
Don't know much about electric carts.Just picked this up,bought new batteries,(36v)cart goes ok but goes very slow up a slight incline.Like walking speed up a 25 degree climb.Is that normal?Just seems slow but pretty cool cart. Thanks again, john

Yes and no... welcome to the world of electric carts.
Let's call this rule #1
Electric carts are notoriously slow on inclines. And...
25 degrees is darn steep.
There are several things that will increase response on an electric cart.
1. Make certain all connections are CLEAN and TIGHT
2. Research how batteries work to have good understanding of what they require to give you what you are asking.
3. Use voltmeter and hydrometer to ascertain all batteries and charger are in good cond.
4. Increase the size of all of the battery cabling from batteries thru the F/R switch to the motor to allow more amps to flow to the motor at any one time.
5. Understand that dc motors consume amps not volts, give them plenty of them.
6. Consider juicing your cart to 48v for a 33% increase in power and speed.
7. When everything disappoints, see rule #1