Golf Cart or Kawaski Mule

Instrument 41 · 01-13-2013, 05:32 PM

If things work out we'll be buying a house on 35 acres. I'll be buying a tractor with a number of implements. I'll also need something to run around on the land and go down to the road for mail, 400 yard drive way. I am looking at a mule or something like that or a golf cart with all terrain tires and lifted for ground clearance. anyone have experience with golf carts and their ability to handle terrain? Obviously I don't have rocky area and hills down here in Louisiana. One other question electric or gas golf cart. They are much cheaper than a mule. Buying used.

mikesride · mikesride's Garage

The John Deere Gator is a great chore tool. You can even get one with a dump style box. Very easy to service and parts available at the local agg dealer.

Instrument 41 · 01-13-2013, 05:38 PM

I have looked for a gator and have only found one used and it sold within 2 days. John Deere is WAYYY to proud of their products.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Mule will handle the abuse much better. We use ours all the time for stuff around the place. The steel bed takes a beating well, and you can dump it. 4wd with the diff locked and its damn hard to get it stuck, and it will crawl up a slope nicely. Hands down the mule is the better ride for your intended use.

Red88Carrera · 05:55 PM

All of my friends have had 4-wheelers, mules, gators, you name it. Those are all gone now. We all have golf carts. We take them anywhere. They are cheap to buy and modify. We've been pulled over by the sheriffs and all they ask for is proof of insurance. $75/year. No registration in this state. Other states vary. Unless you are doing some serious off-roading, they will go just about anywhere you want to go when lifted. Great for camping, and eveyone wants to talk to you about it. Other UTVs are not allowed in campgrounds. This is a 4" lift kit. I transplanted a 16hp Briggs V-Twin into it. I put a bunch of engine mods in it and fired it up just this morning. This one should do about 45mph with the modded motor. I've included a video of the motor.

Modded Briggs Video

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Let me see you haul a stack of firewood and a load of dirt in that? It's got no bed!

Red88Carrera · 01-13-2013, 06:05 PM

They sell what is called a 'flip flop' seat. It folds up into a rear bench seat, and folds down for a flatbed with rails. Adjustable rear coilover shocks for added payload, and a receiver hitch on the rear for towing a trailer.

Red88Carrera · 01-13-2013, 06:09 PM

Most people are skeptical until they try one. I certainly was. They are much more convenient than other UTVs. It will fit right in the back of a pickup truck bed.

Instrument 41 · 01-13-2013, 06:16 PM

Have you treid pulling a small trailor with your golf cart? That is what I'm looking at, basically because they are so much cheaper.

LakeCleElum · 01-13-2013, 06:16 PM

My mailbox is 400 yrds.......I use a bicycle.......For you purpose, you will need a good riding mower........I use that a lot on my property and haul a lot of firewood in the John Deere dump cart.....I have one neighbor with a ATV, another with a golf cart......Whatever suits you budget and chores.......

Red88Carrera · 01-13-2013, 06:16 PM

Here's one version...

Red88Carrera · 01-13-2013, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Instrument 41

Have you treid pulling a small trailor with your golf cart? That is what I'm looking at, basically because they are so much cheaper.

My first golf cart had a stock 9hp engine in it. I modded that one too. It was probably only a few more hp than stock. I've pulled a 2700# popup camper around my back yard. I wouldn't want to tow it down any hills though. A small utility cart(10 cu-yds) is ideal for a golf cart. The biggest issue with a golf cart is that they only have rear brakes. There are kits available though for front brakes.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red88Carrera

They sell what is called a 'flip flop' seat. It folds up into a rear bench seat, and folds down for a flatbed with rails. Adjustable rear coilover shocks for added payload, and a receiver hitch on the rear for towing a trailer.

I'm sure it will do everything you need. But how much will it haul realistically? That seat folds down to a flat area, not a bed. You aren't going to load that up with dirt/mulch/etc and do much with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red88Carrera

Most people are skeptical until they try one. I certainly was. They are much more convenient than other UTVs. It will fit right in the back of a pickup truck bed.

That is all dependent on your needs. If its not going to leave the place the size isn't an issue, and its easier to get it on a trailer than up into the back of a pickup anyways.

If you really need to haul it, there is a smaller mule, or the polaris RZR, which are both made to fit in the bed of a pickup.

Red88Carrera · 01-13-2013, 06:33 PM

All valid points, but when you look at the cost of a UTV, it's pretty hard to justify it unless it is a daily workhorse. I've had this same discussion with countless people. Most can't get past the fact that a golf cart will perform most of the same tasks as their high-priced UTV. I have a total investment of about $3000 into the cart in the pics, but that's because it is very modified.

aigel · aigel's Garage

I'd say WALK - but it gets so friggin' hot in Baton Rouge, you just can't half the year without coming back drenched in sweat!

I'd get a golf cart with some stubby tires for the summer and walk when it is cool enough.

G

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Our mule was only 2k more, and is more versatile in its use. Will haul more, has an actual bed, not a basket, isn't going to get stuck in the veritable mud he will see in BR, is built to pull a trailer out the gate, has 4 wheel brakes, 4 wheel drive, and locking diffs. Yes its more $$$ but if you beat it around the farm its going to hold up much better, and will be worth more when you decide to trade.

Instrument 41 · 01-13-2013, 06:49 PM

Ok for my use, if I need to haul anything heavy I'll have a tractor. If I need to go to the back of the property and hunt, I'll take the Cart, or what ever I get. Can't ride a bicycle and carry a gun through woods, or to run to the adjacent pasture to check on the horse I'll use it for that. If I didn't have a need for such vehicle I wouldn't be looking. With all the other associated cost involved in feeding the house and land if I can find something cheaper that will do what I need, then task accomplished.

Red88Carrera · 01-13-2013, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Our mule was only 2k more, and is more versatile in its use. Will haul more, has an actual bed, not a basket, isn't going to get stuck in the veritable mud he will see in BR, is built to pull a trailer out the gate, has 4 wheel brakes, 4 wheel drive, and locking diffs. Yes its more $$$ but if you beat it around the farm its going to hold up much better, and will be worth more when you decide to trade.

I don't seriously think he needs 4 wheel drive to go to the mailbox. I agree that a Mule is much more capable for serious work, but if you aren't using it for that, why spend the extra money. You can buy a used golf cart for $1500, add a lift kit and tires/wheels, and be way ahead of the game. Where I am, if you get caught on the road with any UTV/4-wheeler, you're likely to get a ticket. I know alot of people that have been pulled over on a golf cart and I don't know any that have ever gotten a ticket.

Red88Carrera · 01-13-2013, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Instrument 41

Ok for my use, if I need to haul anything heavy I'll have a tractor. If I need to go to the back of the property and hunt, I'll take the Cart, or what ever I get. Can't ride a bicycle and carry a gun through woods, or to run to the adjacent pasture to check on the horse I'll use it for that. If I didn't have a need for such vehicle I wouldn't be looking. With all the other associated cost involved in feeding the house and land if I can find something cheaper that will do what I need, then task accomplished.

A cart is perfect for this. If you need stealth, go electric, but stay close to home because of the batteries. The electrics actually have more torque than the gas models.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Not sure about LA, but in OK you can tag a UTV, so you are legal... But if I'm getting out on the road I'm getting in something with doors that will run the speed limit.

We've got two tractors as well, but the mule is much more handy for buzzing around doing yard work, etc. If he has a place he will be using it more than for running to the mailbox, I'd almost guarantee...