Contractor Tips Blog

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

Usefulness of Golf Carts and Utility Vehicles

Posted in Golf Carts

Golf carts and other utility vehicles are not only limited to usage on the local golf course, but have a wide variety of uses for homeowners, outdoorsmen, property managers and event planners.  Homeowners can use these vehicles, some of which are street legal, to move around their neighborhoods.  Hunters, fisherman and other outdoors people use the off-road and tough terrain utility versions of these vehicles to get in and out of the field.

Property managers often use multi-passenger versions to take clients on tours of properties.  Event managers use them on a number of activities including sporting events, horse shows, sporting clays, weddings, parties, tradeshows, sports tournaments, concerts, trap shoots, graduations, corporate meetings and festivals. 

In addition to being able rent a gas or electric golf cart or utility vehicle, it is easy to own a new or used golf cart or utility vehicle, as well as a custom golf cart or utility vehicle.  The vehicles are generally available in gas and electric powered versions, manufactured by Club Car. E-Z-Go Carts and Yamaha Carts.  Once of the most popular brands is Club Car, who is recognized as the global leader of in golf carts and utility vehicles, as well as zero emissions vehicle technologies in general.  Club Car electric vehicles offer a cleaner, quieter alternative to gas without sacrificing any performance.  

No matter what the need, an experienced full service golf cart distributer specializing in rentals, sales and service will be able to assist in selecting the perfect golf cart and utility vehicle for any use!

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 

Aug
28

Customizing Your Personal Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

Most people want something different from everyone else – even with golf carts. 

If you want a golf cart that’s unique and unlike the others, then you’ll need it customized. Customizing your personal golf cart is an excellent way to get more out of your golf cart, plus it’s a lot of fun. Therefore, when preparing to order your own customized cart, consider the following: 

  • What exactly do you need in/on your golf cart? 
  • Do you just want a golf cart that stands out from the rest while on the green? 
  • Are you in search of a golf cart that’s uniquely you versus the traditional dull golf carts? 
  • Will you need your customized cart for more than just golf?  
  • Will you use it for transportation – to help you get (or transport stuff) from one place to the next?  

Many people are surprised when they realize just how useful custom golf carts are. In fact, they are often the perfect choice when cars are a bit much, but the distance is simply too far for walking. 

How Will You Customize Your Cart?
Golf carts can be customized in a variety of ways, including ways you wouldn’t expect.

  • Beverages: You can customize your cart to keep your drinks, beverages, or food cool while you’re enjoying the company of friends outside. You can also have it customized to maintain the temperature of your hot beverages.
  • Multiple Passengers: You can have your cart customized to carry more than one or two people. With customized carts, you’ll be surprised at how many people they can accommodate.
  • Colors: Traditional golf carts are usually an off-white color. Customizing your golf cart allows you to go beyond such a dull color. Simply let your golf cart professional know what colors to include, and also any specific design (s) you’re interested in. With customized carts, it’s easy to ride around in one that fits your needs, style, or personality.

Contact your golf cart service professional to find out more details on getting your own customized personal golf cart.

Aug
28

Questions to Consider Before Ordering Your Custom Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

Nowadays, you probably see custom golf carts in a variety of shapes and sizes. While people typically seek a customized golf cart that looks amazing, businesses usually require golf carts customized for a variety of functional needs. 

Regardless of your golf cart needs – business or personal – custom carts offer you a world of satisfying options. If you’re interested in getting a customized golf cart, then you’ll need to ask yourself a few important questions…before contacting a golf cart company.

Plans for Your Custom Golf Cart

How do you plan to use your custom golf cart

This is perhaps one of the most important questions you’ll need to consider. Do you plan on using it on the golf course, for a warehouse, or some other purpose? Once you’ve answered this question, your golf cart service professional can offer you excellent recommendations to best meet your needs.

Designing Your Custom Golf Cart

Occasionally, deciding what you want your custom golf cart to look like can be tough. Therefore, it’s an excellent idea to review photos of carts that you find pleasing. It’s also quite helpful to have a photo or image to show your golf cart service professional so they know what you like and what you don’t like.

Accessorizing Your Custom Golf Cart

The awesome thing about custom golf carts is that there are countless accessories you can have added to it. Knowing what you want, before your cart is constructed, is extremely important. Ask your golf cart service professional what accessories they offer in order to determine which ones work best for you. 

Whether you’re designing a custom golf cart for personal or business reasons, you’ll surely have your needs met. Nevertheless, before meeting with your golf cart designer consider your plans for the cart, your golf carts design, and whether you want special accessories.

Jul
3

How Often Should You Service Your Golf Cart?

Posted in Golf Carts

Just like any other vehicle, a golf cart needs routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. And just like other vehicles, what kind of cart you have depends on what kind of golf cart maintenance plan you should have. 

Gas Golf Cart Maintenance  

  • Check tires periodically for any signs of uneven wear and, if necessary, replace, repair or rotate tires. Tires should be filled at around 20 psi.
  • Check battery routinely for signs of corrosion and clean if necessary.
  • Check all belts annually for wear.
  • Check oil levels routinely. Change oil and filters once a year, twice a year if cart gets heavy use.
  • Change spark plugs yearly.
  • Always use clean, unleaded fuel only and avoid any dirt or water getting into the gas tank as this may harm the engine.
  • Clean exterior of cart monthly, being careful not to get the engine components wet. 

Electric Golf Cart Maintenance 

Besides the charging unit, the battery is the key component of the electric golf cart. Check the battery every 30 days for signs of corrosion and clean if necessary using two tablespoons of baking soda to one gallon of water. Check the battery every three days or so during heavy usage periods to make sure water levels are correct. If not, use distilled water to fill it to the appropriate level.

  • Check tire pressure routinely to make sure pressure is around 20 psi. Look for signs of wear and replace or repair if necessary.
  • Do not overcharge your batteries or let your battery charge run all the way out. Both can affect the operation of your cart.
  • Clean exterior of cart carefully with soap and water.
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.

Apr
25

Using Golf Carts Off the Course

Posted in Golf Carts

For some the current “must have” pleasure craft is an ATV, motorcycle, or even a scooter.  Given the continuously rising price of oil, everyone is looking at smaller, cheaper, modes of transportation, regardless of speed. Enter the new fad to hit some markets: “The Cart Craze!” 

In addition to purchasing a new golf cart, you can now easily purchase used golf carts from dealers that specialize in used and refurbished golf carts. You can even have your golf cart personally customized to meet your specific individual needs.

Most golf cart companies carry all the major manufacturers that you are already used to driving on the golf course. You can usually find your favorite cart in either gas or electric.  You can make your golf cart a reflection of yourself, order it in your favorite color, and have it delivered.

Today the traditional golf cart is being used in so many different ways than originally intended. Golf carts have residential and commercial applications, serving specific needs even in apartment buildings. Any venue that requires a bit of walking such as sporting events, warehouses, some senior living facilities or even hunting events, can be usefully served with the customer service provided by golf cart availability.

Call your local golf cart equipment and supply company to see if they can meet your specific needs. Most companies will also provide expert service technicians. Perhaps you already own a golf cart and it is in need of a tune-up, reconditioning, or a complete overhaul, you can be sure that the service techs at a local golf cart dealer will do a top quality job at a fair price. Some companies may provide trailers for service repair pickup and delivery.

Jan
4

Custom-Made Golf Carts: A Starter’s Guide

Posted in Golf Carts

Whether you’re a veteran golfer or an amateur, you’ve probably encountered a custom-built golf cart at some point or the other. Custom golf carts have mechanical and body features that distinguish them from standard models.

Reasons for customization

Golf carts may be specially designed and custom-painted for fundraising campaigns, or for event marketing and promotions. Customization may also be a matter of comfort and safety. Many retirees opt to assemble their own golf carts so that they can optimize safety amenities. A custom golf cart can also be a fashion statement. From throwback vintage golf cart designs to futuristic buggies, a stylish custom-made golf cart can be a source of pride, and is sure to garner admiration on the green. Lastly, customization may be done to maximize golf cart performance and prolong service life.

Level of customization

From modest do-it-yourself projects to made-to-order purchases, nowadays all levels of customization are possible for golf carts. One approach is to purchase a standard model and add accoutrements and accessories as time and money permits. There are a broad range of online parts dealers that sell everything from the frame and chassis, to seat covers, tires, and more. The other approach is to have your golf cart tailor-made from scratch, according to your specifications. Using a custom golf cart distributor will often cost less in the long-run and will save you the hassle of having to track down parts and accessories.

The customization process

Customizing your golf cart involves everything from choosing the body style (open air or enclosed? Two-passenger or four passenger?) to refurbishing the motor, to tweaking or brainstorming the interior design.  Browsing golf cart distributor catalogues will give you design ideas and help you pin down the customizations that you want. Whether you are a DIY-er, or using a professional service, it is always advisable to get warranties for any parts you purchase and to use reputable vendors.

Most Popular

How Often Should You Service Your Golf Cart?

Just like any other vehicle, a golf cart needs routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. And just like other vehicles, what kind of cart you have depends…

Quality Metal Stairs for Apartments

Metal stairs for apartment complexes come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes.  And, as with any building that’s accessible by the public, safety is top priority. Apartment complex…

Pros and Cons of Smartphone Insurance

Many people spend more on their smartphones than on computers – a new iPhone can cost several hundred dollars or more. Most wireless carriers and manufacturers offer insurance for a…