New Utility Vehicles and NEVs Highlight
the PGA and Golf Industry Shows
By Stephen Metzger, Senior Editorial Advisor
The Professional Golf Association (PGA) Show and the Golf Industry Show (GIS) in Orlando and New Orleans, respectively, featured upgrades and refinements in utility vehicles and interesting new entries in the personal use segment. Despite the downbeat in the economy, both shows were well attended and reflected the pedal-to-the-metal optimism, which marks the industry.
Focus on Mid-Duty to Heavy Utility Vehicles
Major manufacturers from historically different industry segments focused on mid-duty to heavy duty utility vehicles. On the basis of product specifications, an overview of which is detailed below, entries from Toro, Jacobsen, Kubota, E-Z-GO and Yamaha would be competitive with one another in many applications, with obvious differentiations based on size, weight, and power. Club Car and John Deere entries of previous years round out the competitive nexus. Club Car introduced its AC electric-driven, LSV-qualified utility vehicle
Because of significant differences in basic customer demographics and historical market development, the competition in markets is unlikely to match the overlap in product development. Nonetheless, especially with the general leveling-off of the golf fleet market and the impetus on the part of major golf car manufacturers to find and exploit new markets, it is likely that new head-to-head competition will begin to emerge.
Pushing Against the Strictures of Low-Speed Vehicle Definitions
In the realm of the new and different, the formal launch of Tomberlin’s ANVIL and Korea-based CT&T’s eZone, both low-speed personal transportation electrics, were the main attention-getters. To this short list should be added the Danish-produced Garia, a high-end golf car import making its second appearance at the GIS, with a scheduled U.S. launch at the PGA Show in Las Vegas (August 31-September 1).
The following is a rundown of show highlights, first of the utility vehicles, followed by the personal transportation entries.
New Mid- and Heavy Duty Utilities Promise Broader, Overlapping Competition
Generally speaking, the dividing line between mid-duty and heavy duty utility vehicles could be drawn at the jump in horsepower from the range of 10-13 h.p. to the 22-32 h.p. level, with the attendant increases in size, drive trains, load capacities, and so on. The gas-driven mid-duty vehicles usually have an electric counterpart, while the heavy duty lines are often complemented with a diesel version.
Toro Introduces New Workman® HD Series
Toro introduced its new Workman® HD series at the Golf Industry Show, billing the new models as having “industry-leading towing and hauling capacity”. The six new HD models include a DeDion rear axle designed in a I-beam configuration to isolate and protect the engine, transmission and main frame from vehicle loading. Front end redesign with a truss-like front space frame delivers what the company describes as “superior torisional rigidity”. Total towing capacity varies from 2,835 to 3002 lbs., depending on the model.
Within the new heavy duty line, the new Toro Workman HDX model features an electronic fuel-injected Daihatsu 31.5 h.p engine for enhanced fuel economy, instant cold starting, automatic high altitude compensation, and a powerful and responsive driving experience in all working environments.
The line also sports a fully independent double A-frame front suspension, along with four-wheel hydraulic disk brakes, an industry first. Another first is the vehicle’s integrated wheel bearing, a double bearing contact design borrowed from the auto industry.
Jacobson’s Turf-Truckster® Offers Top Hauling Capacity
Jacobson rolled out a new model in its Truckster line, manufactured under the Cushman brand—this one, the Turf-Truckster®. The Turf-Truckster comes in gas and diesel versions, with the former featuring a five-speed transmission, the latter a four-speed transmission. Combined with a two-speed rear axel, the Turf-Truckster provides 10 forward speeds in the gas version and eight in the diesel edition, as well as two reverse speeds.
Turf-Truckster (gas) is powered by a 32 h.p. Suzuki® electronic fuel injection engine, while the diesel version comes with a Kubota D1105 engine at 24.8 h.p. Top speed ranges between 20-26 m.p.h., depending on the model. Maximum haulage capacity is 2,850 lbs., less the weight of driver and passengers. The vehicle has a double A-arm independent suspension with spring-over shock absorbers in the front and heavy-duty leaf springs with shock absorbers in the back. The vehicle also features a roll-over protection device and optional side windows and doors can be attached.
Kubota Introduces the RTV500 Gas-Driven Utility Vehicle
If some brands are up-sizing in terms of power and versatility, Kubota is progressively complementing its construction and agricultural equipment with utility vehicles in the company’s RTV line. These vehicles run from 15.8 h.p. RTV500 to the 24.8 h.p. RTV1100. The RTV500 marks the first gas-driven vehicle in the line, while the RTV900 and RTV1100 have diesel engines. All engines are Kubota-made.
The RTV500, priced at around $8,000, moves Kubota into the mid-duty class of utility vehicles whereas its RTV900 and 1100 models offer the market a smooth transition to heavier duty capabilities. The RTV500 features a fully variable hydraulic transmission (Variable Hydro Transmission) and four-wheel dry disc brakes. All the RTV models are market-positioned as dual purpose work and recreational vehicles and come in traditional orange or Realtree® Camouflage finishes.
Yamaha Brings to Market Two New Turf Maintenance Vehicles
Yamaha plans the introduction of two new turf maintenance utility vehicles, designated Adventurer One and Adventurer Two. These vehicles, but particularly Adventurer One, are built off the Drive™ golf car design and represent a new line, which will replace the current U-Max series.
Adventurer One appears aimed to take on Club Car’s Carryall Turf 1. Powered by a 357 cc Yamaha engine, delivering 11.4 horsepower, Adventurer One features a new EnduraDrive™ V-belt automatic forward/reverse transaxle equipped with high-precision helical gears, and an11.40:1 drive axle ratio. While the current model is gas-fueled, Yamaha will soon follow with an electric version.
The vehicle also incorporates a Tru-Trak II™ fully independent automotive-style strut suspension, and what the company describes as a maintenance-free, completely enclosed internal transaxle disc brake system, which eliminates brake shoes and drums at the wheels. The Adventurer One has a 7.8 cubic foot dump bed and a 300 pound load capacity.
At the moment the specifications of the Adventurer Two have not been published, but according to Joel Cheek, Vice President of Product Development, the vehicle represents a complete re-engineering of the current line and will feature Yamaha-manufactured engine, transmission, clutch assembly, transaxle, and four-wheel drum brakes.
The Drive™ also forms the basis for the Concierge One and Two, which are, respectively, four-seat and six-seat transport vehicles. Yamaha sees these entries as directed toward the non-golf, hospitality segment.
Looking ahead to the developing market for small electric vehicles, Cheek noted that, “We (the industry) need to get our companies recognized. We are the largest producers of electric vehicles in the world.” He noted with some irony that while “Georgia is the capital of electric vehicle production,” on a local level it is one of the more restrictive States when it comes to low-speed vehicle operation. Nonetheless, Cheek sees the future as looking outside golf courses and that the industry needs to expand the market and seek out opportunities in non-fleet segments.
E-Z-GO Highlights the Refresher
E-Z-GO’s MPT (Multi Purpose Truck) line is a familiar one and is still the mainstay of the company’s turf maintenance product offering. The MPT 1000 and MPT 1200 have been progressively upgraded over the years and come in gas and electric versions.
The principal focus at the PGA Show was, however, the MPT 2000 Refresher, specifically designed as a mobile refreshment dispenser. According to Kathy Searle, Vice President Communications, the MPT 2000 is the largest refresher vehicle on the market. It can hold up to 887 12-ounce cans or 400 20-ounce bottles and features an overall cold storage capacity of 21.2 cubic feet. The Refresher can be further customized with various accessories such as a food warmer and dry goods storage.
The MPT 2000 features a 13-horsepower Kawasaki, single cylinder engine, which exceeds CARB/EPA standards and renders a 52% miles per gallon improvement. Vehicle load capacity has been raised to 2,400 lbs.
Following the successful launch of the RXV, AC electric golf car and personal use vehicle (the Freedom) last year, E-Z-GO is studying potential adaptations to utility vehicles and low-speed vehicle certification.
Also at the PGA Show E-Z-GO and Battery Filling Systems (BFS) systems announced their collaboration in offering to golf car owners an efficient battery filling system. BFS, which has offered battery watering systems to the forklift industry for many years, has developed product suitable for electric vehicles. The filling device is designed in such a way that all cells can be properly topped off individually by simply by connecting the system to your garden hose. Each battery cell is fitted with a clip-in valve and float gauge. Each of the valves are then connected with a plastic tubing that distributes water from its source to each of the battery cells. When a cell fills up the valve closes of the water supply. The system completely eliminates the need to uncap and inspect each cell. Once all cells are filled, the hose connection automatically shuts off the water supply
Club Car introduces Guardian SVC®
Club Car brought certain innovations to the PGA and GIS which focused on maintenance and control on the one hand and operating efficiencies on the other. Under the rubric of maintenance and control, and describing it as “an advanced level of protection to golf courses and their most valuable assets…”, Club Car introduced the Guardian SVC (Satellite Vehicle Control) system.
The Guardian system incorporates GPS technology and the Internet, and through a golf course control center connects to Club Car golf car models equipped with the Excel drive system. This would include the 2009 Precedent and the 2008 Precedent i2 and i2L Excel models. With the system in place, golf course management can set up a profile to limit vehicle use or maximum speed anywhere on the course, including near lakes, bunkers, environmentally sensitive areas and steep downhill portions of the cart path.
Diagnostic capabilities on the golf car can transmit, through the Guardian system, potential vehicle technical problems, including battery use to prevent a vehicle from going out on the course with an insufficient charge to complete the round.
Club Car worked with GPS Industries to develop the Guardian software. GPSI will provide assessments, installations, and training for the Guardian system to Club Car customers. The price of the system is a one-time charge of $500 per car plus a nominal monthly servicing and licensing fee.
According to Michael Packer, Vice President for sales for the company’s America group, “Guardian changes the way golf courses manage their business. It enables GPS technology to become a strategic course management tool with widespread application.”
A second innovation in the realm of accessories, was Club Car’s marketing alliance with SolarDrive, a Denmark-based firm that specializes in solar technology for mobile solutions. In particular, SolarDrive designs and engineers vehicle canopies made with solar cells which capture and transfer the sun’s energy to electric-powered vehicles, including golf cars and utility vehicles. According to Kevin Bogrette, spokesman for SolarDrive at the PGA Show, SolarDrive’s advantage lies in its greater sensitivity in low light situations wherein the system requires only a 17 volt minimum to make the system drive electricity to the battery. The modular solar panel or panels are secured within in an aluminum frame which replaces the standard golf car canopy.
The effect of the solar charging is to increase driving range under most applications. While designed for golf cars, SolarDrive could have significant application in utility vehicles where opportunity charging has a considerable advantage because of the relatively unpredictable duty cycles which may be involved. Cost ranges between $2,700-$3,000, depending on the configuration.
Personal Use Vehicles Grab the Spotlight
Reacting to the fact that golf fleet sales have slowed, the golf car industry has been looking to new markets, one of which is the consumer market. Otherwise known as the personal use segment, the application involves transport within local areas, as well as some home utility uses. Neighborhood electric vehicles have been around for some time, but may be on the threshold of growth.
In this context three new entries were attention grabbers at the PGA and GIS shows.
Tomberlin’s ANVIL Debuts
After much anticipation going back almost two years when the ANVIL™ auditioned as the gleam in the designer’s eye, a real live model was on display at the GIS. The LSV vehicle, carrying 72 volts of battery power, an AC motor and controller, and a six-foot tire-to-tire width, will be in dealers’ inventories in the May, June, July timeframe as new dealers come on stream. At showtime the ANVIL had 25 dealers signed up.
Some of the features of the ANVIL include four-wheel hydraulic braking, standard four passenger seating, an on-board 110 volt battery charger, solid door enclosure, and double A-arm suspension. A number of aspects of the ANVIL are derived directly from automotive standard features, such as premium automotive wheels, automotive-style gauges, and adjustable front seats.
The ANVIL joins Tomberlin’s e-Merge line of LSVs. The company has been aggressively pursuing the consumer segment as its primary market since the inception of the e-Merge line. The company sources the body and frame from Asian sources, but assembles the controller and engine and the rest of the drive train in Augusta, using U.S. built parts and components. Final quality control is done in Augusta. The e-Merge line carries a warranty with one year full coverage and up to five years extended coverage.
Former Hyundai Engineers Bring the e-Zone to the U.S. Market
Two former Hyundai engineers, James Park and Young Gi Lee, as the principal executives of CT&T, have designed and built an LSV that is a striking departure from other vehicles in this class. Like the ANVIL it comes with an AC motor and drive and a 72 volt battery pack which can be either traditional lead acid technology or an optional lithium-polymer battery, affording close to twice the driving range as the former (approximately 70 miles, according to company information). An optional model also features a direct drive motor in the wheel.
The e-Zone has a fully integrated, high rigidity aluminum frame, two independent circuit type hydraulic disk brakes, and four wheel independent suspension. The vehicle comes with three door options: fully open, a bar-type door, and a full door. According to company officials, the vehicle has been successfully crash tested to 30 mph and meets U.S. FMVSS301 standards, as well European standards. An airbag is optional.
This vehicle has impressive walk-up appeal which is a combination of good styling and an appearance of solid durability. The e-Zone will be manufactured in Canada by Royal Laser Manufacturing of Toronto. Production was scheduled to begin in March.
Garia’s Elite Golf Car
Denmark is known for its elegant modern styling and the Garia luxury golf car is no exception. Engineered with top quality features, the Garia is targeting the high end golf car market. Garia has contracted the Valmet Automotive company of Finland to manufacture its vehicle and plans to have product in the U.S. in September. Valmet manufactures, among other high end vehicles, the Porsche Boxter and Cayman sports cars.
Although the Garia is a golf car, it comes already equipped with front and tail lights, turn signals and seat belts, and with various options should easily qualify as an LSV. The vehicle features four wheel disc brakes and a “double wishbone” suspension. Various battery options are available. As stated by a representative at the show, “We designed the Garia so that many options would be available, including the choice of battery power.”
NHTSA’s Restrictive Rules
The National Highway Transportation and Safety Agency’s Rule 500 is clearly becoming a restrictive barrier to low-speed vehicle and clean energy market growth. Vehicles on display at the PGA and GIS clearly hint at this. The ANVIL, e-Zone, and Garia are all potentially upgradable vehicles with regard to speed, safety, and versatility. Moreover, with the continuing crossover between utility and personal use applications, significant new opportunities for industry growth are in the offing, providing Rule 500 evolves to meet new market conditions.
Want more? Subscribe to our Digital Edition for a year's worth of industry-specific information, six downloadable PDF issues and access to past issues, all for only $6.00 (USD). Click here for more details on how to subscribe to our Digital Edition.
For back issues of this publication, call 518.329.0067 or visit our back issues page.
