Contractor Tips Blog

Oct
26

Benefits of Owning a Street Legal Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

Golf carts are no longer just for the guys wearing bright colored pants on the course. You see them in airports, at amusement parks and at almost any business that has a large amount of property. One other place you are beginning to see more and more of these small utility vehicles is on the street. Street legal golf carts are becoming more popular for quick transportation that is green and cost effective.

Uses of a Street Legal Utility Cart

Street legal golf or utility carts have a few different features than a recreational model. They are equipped with additional safety features like windshields, seat belts and even rear view mirrors. They also must be able to travel the speed limit of a residential area, usually about 35 MPH. Each state and municipality may have different laws on what golf carts must have to be considered street legal.

So what can you use a street legal cart for and what are the benefits? Here are a few reasons people invest in these versatile vehicles.

  • Neighborhood vehicle. If you live in a neighborhood or community that has amenities like a club house, store or pool that are blocks away from your home, a street legal cart is a great way to quickly get around the neighborhood.
  • College campuses. Going from one end of campus to another is quicker and easier with a street legal cart.
  • Green option. Golf carts are very energy efficient and are easy on the environment. They offer a green option for local transportation in areas with low speed limits.

For short trips, street legal golf carts can be a great way to get around. They are economical, easy to park and perfect for those who cannot walk for long distances. Just make sure to check the laws in your area on what features must be included on your cart to make it street legal.

Posted on behalf of:
Action Specialty Carts
1891 McFarland Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 888-0892

Jul
25

Customizing Your Golf or Utility Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

If you already own a golf cart or are considering buying a new model, there are many options available to customize your golf or utility cart. The basic equipment of most golf carts can be upgraded to include many options that can improve the comfort, look and functionality of your cart. Whether you want better protection for inclement weather or want your golf cart to reflect your personal style, there are many features available to make your cart function and look more like a recreational vehicle versus the standard golf cart. 

Utility Cart Customization Options

Whether you use your golf cart on the course, in the woods or it’s used for your business, there are many options to add function and a little luxury to your cart. From stylish wheels to improved cover, these features are becoming very popular for utility cart owners to personalize their vehicles. Some of the most popular customization options include: 

  • Stereos. If you spend a lot of time in your utility cart, a nice option is adding a stereo to give you access to your favorite music and radio shows.
  • Enclosures. Don’t get soaked the next time inclement weather rolls in while you are out in your cart. Enclosures give you better protection from rain and wind.
  • Wheels and tires. Larger tires and Mag wheels are popular options to improve the look and function of your utility cart.
  • Heat and cooling options. Whether it is hot or cold outside, you can improve the comfort of your golf cart with the addition of a heater and cooling fans. 

Your local golf cart dealer can educate you on all the incredible features that are available for your golf or utility cart. Upgrade your cart for a higher level of style and comfort.

Posted on behalf of:
Action Specialty Carts
1891 McFarland Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 888-0892

Jul
25

Benefits of Investing in a Golf Cart for Your Business

Posted in Golf Carts

Do you run a business that is situated on a large piece of property? Many businesses such as apartment complexes, retirement homes, amusement parks and many others may be spread out over several acres or more. Walking from one end to another can be quite a jaunt, making it necessary to consider other ways to get around the property. Golf carts are the perfect solution for these types of businesses, giving you, your employees and customers a convenient way to move around the property. Here are three benefits of investing in a golf cart for your business: 

  1. Save time. Anyone running a business knows time is money. A golf cart can help reduce time spent traveling around large properties. Whether it is for your groundskeeper, maintenance personnel or sales people, a golf cart can help get the job done faster.
  2. Reduce injuries. Walking miles throughout the day or carrying items from one area to another puts your employees at higher risk of on-the-job injury. Golf carts can help lighten the load and reduce the chance of your employees being injured, saving your business money in worker’s compensation and liability.
  3. Impress your clients. If you have clients that will need to access different areas of the property, a golf cart to transport them can enhance the professionalism of your business. Clients will appreciate being chauffeured versus walking long distances. 

Golf carts come in a wide variety of models, sizes and features in affordable options. For any business that has a large complex, is it a worthy investment. Talk to your local golf cart dealer to learn more about buying a new or used golf cart for your business.

Posted on behalf of:
Top Dog Golf Carts
55055Hammond Industrial Dr
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 887-7433

Nov
21

Is a Gas or Electric Powered Golf Cart Right for You?

Posted in Golf Carts

When shopping for a new golf cart, there are several options you must consider. Size and model type are among these options, but one of the most basic choices is how the motor is powered. Golf carts come in two main varieties: gas or electric. Which one is best suited to your needs will depend on how and where you will be using your new cart, plus whether environmental considerations are important to you. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing between a gas or electric golf cart: 

–        Trip lengths. Both electric and gas powered golf carts can run for hours. However, electric powered carts do have a limited charge. For those planning on using their carts in the woods or away from an electrical source, gas will be a better option.

–        Accessories. Just like any vehicle, golf carts can come with a wide variety of accessories and features such as stereos, fans and other equipment. Since these must be also run off the power source, if you want a cart with plenty of accessories, a gas powered model may be best.

–        Maintenance. Both gas and electric golf carts are fairly easy to maintain. However, keep in mind that the gas powered models may have extra maintenance for the fuel powered engine, like gas filter replacements.

–        Horsepower. If horsepower is a consideration, gas powered golf carts have much higher horsepower options than electric, up to four times as much in some cases. 

The best way to decide which power option is best for you is to discuss your needs with your golf cart dealer. They can match you p with the right golf cart, one that will meet your specifications and preferences.

Posted on behalf of:
Action Specialty Carts
1891 McFarland Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 888-0892

May
27

Customized Golf Carts

Posted in Golf Carts

Golf carts are not strictly used on golf courses these days. Many families have golf carts to help them take all of their gear to the neighborhood pool or park without having to load up the van or SUV. Many older adults use them to travel between neighbors’ houses as it provides an easier and quicker means of transportation than their feet allow. The breeze in the air and the ease of accessibility for getting in and out makes golf carts a popular choice among many people and families. 

Sometimes, though, just a regular ol’ golf cart won’t do. Custom golf carts can be designed and manufactured to meet customers’ needs and desires. From simple refurbishments to custom built golf carts, nothing is impossible when you have the money to spend. 

Many people like to have a golf cart customized to look like an old fashioned automobile with custom headlights and frame. Some people want to equip their golf carts with off road tires, rear view mirrors, speed chips, safety features, and more. These days almost anything is possible when it comes to customized golf carts. Colors vary from pastel to neon; logos and custom art decorate golf carts to make them unique. 

Trained technicians are available to make all types of customizations on all makes and models of golf carts. If you have a golf cart and you are interested in making it more unique, start looking around for ideas of how to “supe up” your ride.

Posted on behalf of Top Dog Golf Carts

Apr
8

Specialty Carts for Hunting

Posted in Golf Carts

Hunters love being outdoors and while most enjoy walking, often the logistics of getting into and out of the field is difficult, especially when dragging goose decoys into the field or harvested game out of the field.  Anyone that has ever dragged a hundred good decoys into the field or dragged a deer out of the woods will appreciate that this is really hard work! 

Off-Road specialty carts are an excellent alternate for those hunters desiring to get into the field further and deeper, while having the ability to easily being able to get game out of the field quickly.  In addition, those hunters with physical challenges, which prevent them from walking great distances, will appreciate a specialty cart designed for hunters. 

Specialty arts for hunters are available with a variety of power sources including traditional gasoline powered engines, as well as diesel and electrical powered engines.  While the engine type is important, what really separates specialty carts from traditional golf carts is the strong construction, increased ground clearance, off road tires and the available racks, which allow gun cases, decoy bags and game to be secured to the vehicle. 

Off road travel is tough on vehicles and a specialty golf cart will have a beefed up frame and suspension to be able to withstand off road travel, while keeping the occupants comfortable a all times.  The increased ground clearance allows the vehicle to easy hand obstacles in its path, including downed tree branches and rocks.  One of the greatest things about specialty carts is the front and rear racks available, which allow bags of decoys to be transported into the field and harvested game to be transported out of the field.  This reduces the workload on the hunter allowing more time to hunt!

Jan
29

Golf Carts Are Not Just For The Course

Posted in Golf Carts

When most people think of a golf cart, they imagine hitting eighteen holes on a well manicured, green course. Actually, golf carts are used in a variety of venues as a quick and affordable transportation vehicle. From businesses to personal street use, there are many ways to use these economical carts, which use very little energy and may cost much less than you would think. 

Types Of Golf Carts

There are several varieties of personal golf carts which are used as on-site transportation, as well as larger vehicles which can be street legal for use on city roads with lower speed limits. Most carts can be either gas or electricity powered, usually seating between two and six people. Some of the options that these carts can come in include: 

  • Utility carts. Generally, utility carts are smaller than some of the larger golf carts, usually with one bench seat or two bucket seats. These are great little vehicles for use on commercial properties such as college campuses, resorts, parks and other businesses that are expansive.
     
  • Custom golf carts. Many golf carts can be ordered with a variety of features, such as larger wheels, rear-view mirrors, lift kits and custom paint jobs.
     
  • Street legal carts. In many towns, golf carts which are equipped with a street legal kit can drive on city roads with speed limits of less than 35 MPH. These are great for homeowners who need a quick way to get to the store, or just to visit the neighbor a few blocks down the road. 

Although you will still see these open air carts on the course, don’t be surprised when you see them at many other places and in a variety of uses. Airports, retirement communities and many other businesses are finding golf carts are a great way to cater to their customers needs.

Posted on behalf of Top Dog Golf Carts

Nov
21

Golf Cart Service and Repairs

Posted in Golf Carts

One of the most important things to determine when looking to buy or rent a golf cart or utility vehicle is to select a firm that is a full service golf cart distributer.  This is important because after the cart is delivered, it is going to need periodic repairs and regular maintenance, as recommended by the manufacturer.  It is important to select a firm that will provide periodic golf cart service and repair promptly, economically and views the relationship between the company and the customer as a long-term business partnership. 

The full service golf cart distributor will have a dedicated service department staffed by factory-trained technicians that are highly skilled.  They will have the ability to work on both electric golf carts and utility vehicles as well as gas powered golf carts and utility vehicles.  Popular manufactures include Yamaha, E-Z-Go and Club Car, so it is important that the repair facility have the parts and expertise to work on these manufacturers.  

While regularly scheduled manufacturer recommended service, tune-ups and check ups eliminates many issues, common issues include battery replacement, battery problems, including recharging problems and electrical shorts.  In addition, they will be able to provide more extensive services, including complete overhauls and reconditioning.  The full service golf cart distributor will also have the dedicated trucks and trailers to pick up the golf cart or utility vehicle and deliver it to their repair facility as well as return it when the work is complete.  All work will be performed to the highest standards and will be fairly priced.

Posted on behalf of Action Specialty Carts 

May
20

Types of Golf Carts

Posted in Golf Carts

To the novice, a golf cart is nothing more than a fun (and some might say lazy) way to get around an 18-hole golf course. But in practice, a golf cart is much, much more than that. Golf carts now come in many shapes and sizes, and are used, yes, for golfing, but also for moving boxes and supplies, transporting luggage at airports and as a primary source of transportation in many retirement communities. 

Here are some of the main types of golf carts currently on the market, offered in both gas and electric models: 

Personal Golf Carts – Golf carts in this category include personal golf carts for getting around communities and elderly housing complexes, golf carts for shopping and markets and golf carts for actual golfing. 

Road Ready Golf Carts – These carts are equipped with safety features such as rear view mirrors and seatbelts and usually have to be registered.  

Utility Golf Carts – Utility golf carts are mechanically enhanced for transporting heavier weights or for using in more rugged areas. They may have bigger engines, better suspension and even four-wheel drive. They are also sometimes lengthened with more seats in back, along with more storage room. Hardware stores might use this type of golf cart, or factories or construction sites. 

Custom Golf Carts –  While regular golf carts are quite plain and usually have just two seats and a little room in the back for your clubs, custom golf carts go all out, modified to look like a Rolls Royce, Bentley or Porcshe. They might have leather seats, wood paneling or special paint jobs for advertisements. This type of luxury golf cart can also be quite costly, as much as $100,000.

May
20

Tax Credit for a Golf Cart? You Betcha

Posted in Golf Carts

When they hear there’s a tax credit for golf carts, most people shake their heads in disbelief. But it’s true. It’s called Code Section30D of the Internal Revenue Service, proposed by the Obama Administration and approved as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 

The $2,500 tax credit applies to so-called Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicles – any vehicle that draws its energy from a battery with at least 5 kilowatt hours of capacity including two- and three-wheeled vehicles such as golf carts. A further $419 credit applies for each kilowatt of power over that, up to a maximum of $7,500.  

The IRS further ruled that golf carts qualifying for the credit must be new not used and must be road ready; in other words, they must be equipped with certain safety features such as rear view mirrors and seatbelts. 

The tax credit does have a sunset rule, so to speak. It applies only to the first 200,000 vehicles sold by a single manufacturer and then phases out during the following year. Carts sold in the first and second post quarters can receive 50 percent of the credit, and carts sold in the third and fourth quarters can receive 25 percent of the credit. After that, there is no credit available.  

While the golf cart credit has been criticized and even ridiculed by some, it nonetheless has fueled sales of golf carts. In some communities, particularly southern cities and retirement neighborhoods, golf cart sales have skyrocketed, with some buyers viewing the tax credit as a way to get a big discount on something they’ve been wanting to buy for awhile.

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