Golf Carts Need Spring Tune-ups!

Bennett Golf Cars offers you a tune-up kit that makes it easy to give your golf cart the care it needs yourself! Do it now, and you’ll be ready for spring.

For gas cars, the kit includes the correct spark plug matched to your make and model, a gas filter, air filter and oil filter where applicable. We recommend doing a visual check of the belts for signs of wear and proper tension. Be sure your brake pedal functions smoothly and locks and unlocks with all tires braking evenly. Visually inspect the other cables throughout the car, use tie wraps to keep them neat and check for loose connections and damage. On the front end of older cars, there are several grease fittings that should be pumped with grease. Clean your battery cables and ensure they are in good condition. As well as tune-up kits, Bennett can also provide you with belts, brake parts, engine parts, body party, batteries and custom car kits. If you need more in-depth solutions or advice, our in-house sales, service and parts representatives would be happy to help.

Electric cars must also be tuned up after a dormant winter. The batteries need to be checked for cracks and swelling. Sometimes a battery may freeze and crack if not properly charged during the colder months. These must be replaced. Inspect the battery cables for corrosion. Utilizing an old tooth brush apply a mild baking soda/water solution and gently clean the terminals. Sprinkle on dry baking soda to thoroughly neutralize the acid. Rinse with clean water. Replace any cables that have deteriorated ends. Damaged terminals may cause arcing which may lead to electrical problems. Apply battery terminal protector after the terminals have been cleaned and dried.

Check the water levels by remove the watering cap(s). The water should be visible through the watering ports, just covering the plates. If the water level is low charge the batteries first then top up with distilled water. If you fill first then charge the water will expand and bubble over the battery bank.

Be sure your brake pedal functions smoothly and locks and unlocks with all tires braking evenly. The charger should turn on momentarily after being plugged in. If it does not, there may be a loose connection, a defective battery or the whole bank may have discharged to the point where the charger will not turn on (in which case they might need a quick boost). Always check for the obvious first. Is there power to the charger? If there is, then there is likely a problem with the battery bank or connections. We can supply you with all of the components you may need to replace, repair or upgrade your electric car.

It is a good idea to bring your car up to good working condition now, at the beginning of the season, as it’s less aggravating and more economical in the long run. Feel free to call and we can guide you through some troubleshooting procedures and discuss which parts you may need to do the job yourself. Or you can visit our service bay and we’ll do it for you: Peace of mind.
 

Golf Car and Utility Vehicle usage in Marinas

Marinas in Canada and throughout North America are finding golf cars (also known as golf carts) and utility vehicles a practical, sensible tool for their business. Some of the different configurations being used are helping to create more sales and creating better efficiency with existing business.

Golf cars can be configured in several different ways. There is the “Beverage Car” which can be set up to suit the requirements of any Marina. Bennett Golf Cars can provide a small cooler assembly mounted on the back of a standard golf car. This is a good option for smaller Marinas. You can essentially bring the cooler from your general store right out to the customer at the slip. There is a larger assembly which can hold dry goods, beverages, warm and cold food all in an attractive glassed in case for maximum visual exposure. These units work quite well. Beverage vehicle sales are a major revenue generator for golf courses. Bennett Golf Cars offers sales, rental and leasing of beverage vehicles.

Utility vehicles can be used all around the marina. Have one set up for your mechanics. Bennett Golf Cars will mount a utility box on the rear. These boxes (available in steel, diamond plate aluminum and roto-molded plastic) are durable and well suited for carrying parts, tools and general hauling. The engine does not need to be started, just press on the accelerator and off you go! There is a brake lock, when pressed the rear wheels lock, when your foot is removed from the accelerator the engine automatically turns off. An anti theft key pad can be installed if security is needed.

These vehicles are good for pulling small trailers, equipment or just about anything on wheels. Some of the additional uses we are seeing are harrows, vacuuming equipment and wood chippers.

Standard size golf cars and stretched versions also known as “Shuttles” are used extensively for the transportation of customers. They can be designed to carry from two to eight passengers.

The “flip-flop seat”, also known as a “convertible seat is quite a versatile option to add to your Shuttle. The seat in the upright position offers an additional bench which can carry two extra passengers. Flip the seat down and it converts into a carrier with or without sides capable of transporting cargo.

Bennett Golf Cars offers rental units which management can then rent daily or weekly to your customer, it’s a good option for larger marinas where the slips are far from community services.

When your marina needs golf cars or utility vehicles, call Bennett Golf Cars toll free at 1-866-552-2787, or use our Contact Form. A Bennett representative will call you and answer any questions you may have. Don’t forget we accept trade-ins regardless of make, model or year.
 
 
Why are custom golf cars and utility vehicles becoming so popular in Canada?

Golf cars (also referred to as golf carts) and utility vehicles aren’t just for golf courses anymore! According to a recent study there are between 8,000 and 12,000 new golf cars sold in Canada yearly. These vehicles are sold in quantity (referred to as “fleet vehicles”) to golf courses; in turn the courses rent these golf cars to members and guests for a fee on a per game basis. This is a lucrative revenue stream for the course.

On average golf courses turn their fleets every three to four years. Just like in the auto industry the golf car manufactures accept trade ins. This amounts to 4000-5000 used vehicles available in the after market each year. Approximately 40% of these used golf cars are cycled back to the golf industry. The balance, 1600-2000 units, is available for a host of uses.

The after market uses for used golf cars and utility vehicles are boundless. A sampling of sector utilization vehicles is: nurseries, landscaping firms, horse farms, equestrian centres, horse shows, marinas, warehouses and junk yards. Some even return to golf courses as private use golf cars. This is not as prevalent in Canada as it is the United States though.

Perhaps the greatest growth area for used golf cars is in limited access residential areas such as gated communities, campgrounds and seasonal retreat communities. Many of these locations limit if not restrict the use of cars and trucks thereby necessitating the requirement for the golf car as a means of transportation within the community.

Gated or private residential Developments in the United States, such as “The Villages” in Florida boast over 52,000 golf cars. This for a population base of 80,000 people!

As is common, the more popular something becomes the market reacts by catering to this demand. Golf car dealers and parts suppliers now make available a wide assortment of customized golf cars and after market golf car accessories.

The after market for golf car accessories is exploding. This has lead to such enhancements as: lift kits, flip-flop seats (also referred to as convertible seats), oversize tires, chrome rims, billet aluminum rims, spinners, hydraulic lift kits, CD/DVD systems and monitors, game systems ( Play Station, Nintendo, X-Box), beverage coolers, nerf bars, rocker panels, air conditioners and heaters. You can even outfit golf cars with complete body kits such as a Cadillac Escalade or Hummer. All just a sampling of what is available.

To learn more about new and used golf cars, golf carts and utility vehicles as well as customizing them please contact Bennett Golf Cars at 1-866-552-2787, or simply complete our contact page. We’ll get back to you and answer all of your questions.
 

Gas vs. Electric Golf Cart Use

At Bennett Golf Cars people often ask us which type of golf car (also known as golf carts) they should consider: gas golf cars or electric golf cars. Our response is: It depends on the operating environment and application.

Electric golf cars do not emit exhaust and are quiet. For this reason they are excellent for indoor use such as factories, warehouses and horse stables. They are perfect for environments that want to keep noise to a minimum for example campgrounds, hospitals and security patrols.

Batteries do need to be maintained (top up cells with distilled water and keep terminals clean). A new battery costs roughly $130. A golf car has four, six or eight batteries. Modern golf cars are either 36 volt or 48 volt. A properly maintained set of batteries should last five to seven years. Proper care must be taken for winter storage in order to prevent freezing.

Depending on the size and terrain of your property and the duration of time you plan on using the vehicle each day you should have no problem getting a full day out of a charge, or two rounds of golf (36 holes). Charge time for a discharged set of batteries is eight to ten hours hours.

If you have a large, hilly property and plan on transporting people and cargo all day long you may wish to consider gas. A gas golf car typically gets 12km/litre. Yearly maintenance consists of changing the oil, and depending on the dustiness of your property you may wish to consider changing the air filter and gas filter.

Golf cars made since 1990 have four stroke engines. This means they take straight gas and do not need an oil mix or automatic oil injection. Most golf cars have either a 9hp or 11hp engines. E-Z-GO has recently introduced a 13 horsepower Kawasaki four stroke gasoline golf cart engine.

There are a host of options you can add to golf cars such as rear seats, dump boxes, lift kits and over size tires in order to make your gas or electric golf cart adapt to the required application.

Bennett Golf Cars has a wide range of both new and used golf carts and utility vehicles. Please give us a call. We can answer your questions on golf gasoline and electric golf cart service maintenance and repair. Call toll free 1-866-552-2787 or contact us via e-mail at info@bennettgolfcars.ca
 

Prolonged Storage and Winterizing Gas Golf Cars and Gas Utility Vehicles

Winterizing your golf car or golf cart engine, or for a prolonged storage period (30 days or more), calls for a few simple steps to prevent a build up of varnish and gum in the carburetor and corrosion in the engine.

• Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance tasks according to the periodic maintenance table found in the Owner’s Guide for the vehicle. Refer to the Parts tab on our web site. You will find most E-Z-GO and locate the Owner’s Guide for your vehicle.

• Place the vehicle in neutral and engage the neutral lock out if equipped.

• Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it on jack stands.  Refer to “Lifting the Vehicle” for proper lifting procedure and safety information.

• Disconnect the fuel hose at the fuel tank and plug the end of the hose.

• With proper ventilation, turn the key to the “ON” position and depress the accelerator pedal, allowing the engine to run until it stops due to lack of fuel.

• Remove the spark plug and pour about 1 oz. (30ml) of engine oil into the cylinder.  Replace the spark plug, ground the spark plug wire and use the starter to turn the engine over for a few seconds to distribute the oil.

• Add a gasoline additive to the fuel tank in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Reattach the fuel line to the tank.

• Remove key from key switch.

Bennett Golf Cars is available with parts and service for all makes and models of golf cars and utility vehicles.
 

Prolonged Storage and Winterizing Electric Golf Cars and Electric Vehicle

Here are some tips when winterizing your electric golf car or electric utility vehicle. During extended periods of storage, the batteries will need attention to keep them maintained and prevent discharge.  In high temperatures the chemical reaction is faster, while low temperatures cause the chemical reaction to slow down.  A vehicle that is stored at 90º F (32º C) will loose .002 of specific gravity each day.  If a fully charged battery has a specific gravity of 1.275, and the battery is allowed to sit unused, it will become partially discharged.  When if reaches 1.240, which it will do in less than twenty days, it should be recharged.  If a battery is left in a discharged state, sulfating takes place on and within the plates.  This condition is not reversible and will cause permanent damage to the battery.  In order to prevent damage, the battery should be recharged.

A hydrometer (P/N 50900-G1) can be used to determine the specific gravity and therefore the state of charge of a battery.  In winter conditions, the battery must be fully charged to prevent the possibility of freezing.  A fully charged battery will not freeze in temperatures above -75º F (-60º C).  Although the chemical reaction is slowed in cold temperatures, the battery must be stored fully charged, and disconnected from any circuit that could discharge the battery.

• Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance tasks according to the periodic maintenance table found in your Owner’s Guide for the vehicle. We have most owner’s manuals under the parts tab on our web site

• The batteries must be cleaned and all deposits neutralized and removed from the battery case to prevent self discharge.

• Charge the batteries for an entire cycle.  Do not short charge the batteries by unplugging the charger prematurely.

• For E-Z-GO Powerwise I and Powerwise II portable charge applications, disconnect the charging plug from the vehicle receptacle.

• For E-Z-GO Powerwise QE portable battery charges may be left plugged in to the car.

• E-Z-GO Powerwise I and Powerwise II applications should be tested or recharged at thirty day minimum intervals.

• Battery fluid levels must be checked every thirty days in all applications.

• Check battery terminals for corrosion and correct torque ever thirty days.

Remove key from key switch.
 

Service Schedule for Gasoline Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles
P Check	♦ Clean, Adjust, etc.	▲ Replace
To perform service that is listed in this schedule but not described in this manual, contact a local Service Representative or see the Repair and Service Manual for this vehicle.
NOTE:  Some maintenance items must be serviced more frequently on vehicles used under severe driving conditions.
DAILY
	BEFORE USE:
	P Check service brake general operation
	P Check park brake function
	P Check warning device function in reverse (if vehicle is equipped with device)
	P Check tire condition
WEEKLY
TIRES	P Examine for cuts, excessive wear and pressure (See GENERAL                             SPECIFICATIONS)
WHEELS	P Check for bent rims, missing or loose lug nuts
ENGINE OIL	P Check and add if required - DO NOT OVERFILL
STARTER/GENERATOR BELT	P Check for tension, wear, cracks
MONTHLY - 20 HOURS (includes items listed in previous table & the following)
WIRING	P Check all wiring for loose connections and broken/missing insulation
ACCELERATOR	P Check for smooth movement - DO NOT LUBRICATE CABLE
SERVICE BRAKE (MECHANICAL BRAKES)	P Conduct brake performance test
PARK BRAKE	P Check brake performance and adjust if required
CHOKE CABLE	P Check for smooth movement and adjustment - DO NOT LUBRICATE CABLE
CARBURETOR LINKAGE	P Check attachment, adjust as required
DIRECTION SELECTOR	P Check attachment, adjust as required
ENGINE	P Check for unusual noise, vibration, acceleration, oil leaks
COOLING FAN	P Check for build-up of foreign matter inside blower housing and fins, clean if required
STEERING ASSEMBLY	P Check for abnormal play, tightness of all hardware
TIE ROD/LINKAGES	P Check for excessive play, bent components or loose connections
REAR AXLE	P Check for leakage, add SAE 30 oil as required
QUARTERLY - 50 HOURS (includes items listed in previous tables & the following)
FRONT AXLE	P Check for damage to axle and loose or missing hardware
FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS	P Check for oil leakage and loose fasteners
FRONT SPRINGS	P Check for loose hardware, cracks at attachments
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT	P Check for unusual tire wear, align if required
PARK BRAKE	P Check for bent/binding linkage rod
	P Check for damage or wear to latch arm or catch bracket
	♦ Lubricate as required, use light oil.  DO NOT LUBRICATE CABLES OR BRAKE LATCH
REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS	P Check for oil leakage, loose mounting hardware
ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	P Check coil/spark plug wires for cracks/loose connections
FUEL SYSTEM	P Check for leaks at tank, cap, system lines, filters, pump, carburetor
	P Check system lines for cracks/deterioration
THROTTLE/GOVERNOR LINKAGE	P Check operation and governed speed
HARDWARE AND FASTENERS	P Check for loose or missing hardware and components
	♦ Tighten or replace missing hardware
SEMI-ANNUAL - 125 HOURS (includes items listed in previous tables & the following)
BATTERY	♦ Clean battery & terminals
DIRECTION SELECTOR	P Check for wear and smooth movement (lubricate shaft with light oil if required)
KING PINS	P Check for excessive play and tightness of retaining nuts
STEERING ASSEMBLY	P Check bellows and pinion seal for damage or grease leakage
RACK END BALL JOINT	♦ Lubricate, use wheel bearing grease
REAR AXLE	P Check for unusual noise and loose or missing mounting hardware
AIR FILTER ELEMENT	P Check filter element, clean/replace as required
OIL FILTER	♦ Clean in solvent (at oil change), replace 'O' rings if required
ENGINE OIL	▲ Replace with SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 that meets or exceeds SF, SG, CC oil, DO NOT OVERFILL
DRIVE BELT	P Check for cracks, fraying and excessive wear
ANNUAL - 250-300 HOURS (includes items listed in previous tables & the following)
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS	P Check and adjust as required, see Technician's Repair and Service Manual
REAR AXLE	P Check lubricant, add lubricant as required
SERVICE BRAKES	♦ Clean and adjust, see Technician's Repair and Service Manual
	P Check brake shoe linings, see Technician's Repair and Service Manual
	P Check level, add if required (DOT 3) and check for leakage
FUEL FILTER	▲ Replace
SPARK PLUGS	▲ Replace, gap new plugs
MUFFLER/EXHAUST	P Check mounting hardware; check for leaks at head and muffler gaskets
VALVES	P Check cold (intake/exhaust) per Technician's Repair and Service Manual
500 HOURS (includes items listed in previous tables & the following)
TIMING BELT	P Check tension and for signs of wear/damage, replace if worn or damaged
CARBURETOR	♦ Clean
CYLINDER HEAD AND PISTONS	♦ Remove carbon from cylinder head and pistons
	P Check valve seats for carbon buildup and clean as required