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Electric Gator

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ZAPPA01
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 3
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster

2015-09-28          193792


My son has an electric Gator, 6 OR 7 YEARS OLD. Recently someone put water in the batteries to top them off. Now it runs sporadically. Could someone tell me what to look for, possible issues, where to start ? Thanks




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Electric Gator

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WillieH
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 543 New England
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2015-09-28          193793


Having several electric vehicles myself, I will add my two cents. You did not mention how old the batteries are that are currently in the buggy. Typically, if they are being maintained, that is, routinely checked for water, charged, trickle charged, and in the cold cold, keep them heated, they will last about 5-7 years. That is where my history stands with the batteries. I have batteries that have been trickled around the clock for years, and date back to 2009 (6 years now) and show no signs of stopping.
One key measure, is do NOT put regular tap water in to top them off, always use DI (de-ionized) water or mineral water as you can purchase fro Walmart or any supermarket. The reason being is that the di water contains no impurities that will excel the growth of scale in the battery cells.

Another aspect to look at, is the posts - are they clean. They must be routinely cleaned with a wire brush (I use a rotary in my cordless drill) and it takes about ten minutes to do all the posts. I also use stainless steel washers and nuts, to insure the least amount of potential corrosion as possible. Additionally, buy some anti corrosion rings to place around all your posts....makes a world of difference keeping everything clean.

Lastly, if you have or can get a battery tester, cheap from Harbor freight or the like for about $20, and test each battery under load for strength. This will tell you pretty quick whether they are worthwhile yet or not.....all the tools that I use, and VERY handy.
Hope this helps
Best ~
Willie H.
....


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Electric Gator

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ZAPPA01
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 3
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster

2015-09-28          193794


Thanks so much. I am new to Tractorpoint and appreciate a response. Will check out your "two cents". Hope the problem is just the battery though there are a few of them to take care of. ....


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Electric Gator

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WillieH
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 543 New England
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2015-09-28          193796


I have eight 6v batteries in each of my electric carts. In the newer units, they utilize an AC drive, vs. a DC drive in the older buggies. With the AC, as the batteries run down to the point of needing charge, the motor will essentially oscillate, as it won't have as much power to actually move it....may even make a weird moaney, grinding noise, though faint as it tries but can't. With the DC units, they just slowly peeter out and stop. Curious, do you have a battery age on board? If not, they are readily available and pretty inexpensive. Cheap way of always monitoring your "fuel", or power.
Best ~
Willie H. ....


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