CURTIS INDUSTRIES PATHPRO SS CAB SYSTEM FOR POLARIS RANGER 800 CREW
Features include both functionality and versatility
Curtis Industries LLC has a new addition to its line of cab systems for the Polaris Ranger. The new PathPro SS cab system for the Polaris Ranger 800 Crew UTV offers functionality, versatility and value.
Because this vehicle is used in a multitude of applications, the new PathPro SS cab system’s rugged design will withstand a host of obstacles. Its main feature is the interior, offering almost 100% panoramic visibility, allowing the driver easy access to see in all directions with limited view obstructions.
Using quality 30oz clear, double-polished vinyl, the PathPro SS cab system seals snug around the entire vehicle, making the ride virtually air tight with minimal noise intrusion. Each cab features a steel roof with textured powered-coat paint and acoustic headliner that comes in 2 pieces, for easy shipping and assembly. The windshield is made from polycarbonate with quantum coating, allowing the ability for optional wiper usage and reduced marring. Accessories are also available for these cab systems that include heaters, work lights, plows and spreaders.
For more information on Curtis products please visit www.curtisindustries.net
US BATTERY ANNOUNCES NRE ADVANCEMENTS IN DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES
U.S. Battery Manufacturing announces one of the greatest advancements in deep cycle batteries in recent history…XC2™! Back in 2006 U.S. Battery introduced their trademarked XC® (Xtreme Capacity) formulation. This exciting improvement brought with it significant performance gains such as higher initial capacity, higher overall capacity, longer cycle life, improved energy density, better recharge ability, and stronger plates. At the time, these improvements were considered innovative and have helped to position the U.S. Battery brand as the top performer in the industry. Along the way U.S. Battery was challenged to make their product even better and with XC2™, they have risen to the challenge. In March of this year the second generation of XC® will be introduced into their complete line of golf and some specialty batteries. The XC2™ formulation uses the platform created by XC® and takes it several steps further. Donald Wallace, executive vice president stated that “for the past two years we have been listening to and working with some of our biggest customers. Their goal was to create an optimized performance package consisting of chargers, controllers and batteries. The objective was to get component suppliers working together to design a system that would work in perfect harmony, thus optimizing the performance of their equipment.” One of the biggest problems with large deep cycle flooded lead acid batteries has been the long break in period required to attain 100% of their rated capacity. Typically, the move to improve initial capacity performance in deep cycle batteries would lead to shorter cycle life. Using the XC2™ formulation allows the U.S. Battery brand to achieve 100% rated capacity in as few as 25 cycles as compared to competitive brands which take as many as 125 cycles or more to reach the same level. This performance jump increases the amount of runtime that consumers can expect, increasing customer satisfaction and brand reliability. Not only do batteries using the XC2™ formulation reach capacity sooner they stay at rated capacity for a greater number of cycles.
Another problem encountered by deep cycle battery users is related to the industry switch to high frequency or smart chargers. Creating the correct charger algorithm for large battery packs using these charger types has proven to be more difficult than originally expected. Improving charge efficiencies in deep cycle batteries plays an integral part in ensuring a complete battery recharge within the industry required time standards as well as working with chargers that are at the top end of their capability. To further complicate things, states such as California are implementing legislation which will place energy efficiency requirements on combined charger/battery systems for any battery powered application, including equipment using large deep cycle batteries. Once adopted in California it is anticipated that these limiting charger/battery efficiency requirements will spread to other states as well. The XC2™ formulation improves overall charge efficiencies in the U.S. Battery brand making it highly compatible with the wide range of chargers used in the field. Mr. Wallace further stated that “Implementing XC2™ allows our batteries to reach full charge at minimum input levels well within the California range. We have not seen this ease of recharge in any other brands making the U.S. Battery XC2™ brand the new industry benchmark.”
The benefits of XC2™ include:
• Highest initial capacity
• Fastest cycle up to full rated capacity
• Greatest total energy delivered over the life of the battery
• Ultimate compatibility with the wide range of chargers currently used in the field
• High charge efficiency designed to meet the new California Energy Commission regulation for combined charger/battery charge efficiency
U.S. Battery has spent the past two years testing internally and coordinating with independent testing to ensure that XC2™ is working as promised. The results achieved with the XC2™ formulation are impressive and set new standards for deep cycle battery performance.
MINTER’S GOLF CART SALES OPENS STORE IN URBANNA
Minter’s Golf Cart Sales operates by a simple but effective principle, said president Tom Minter. “We treat customers like we want to be treated… we always have and always will.”
That motto has kept customers happy and Minter’s Golf Cart Sales has grown steadily in the past 22 years—with golf cart sales numbered in the thousands.
Minter’s Golf Cart Sales recently opened a branch in Urbanna at 5437 Old Virginia Street, just west of town. Minter explained his business has built a large customer base in Middlesex County. With two large campgrounds in the area, the Urbanna store will make it more convenient for local customers.
When it started in 1989, Minter’s Golf Cart Sales was one of the few places in the area that sold and serviced golf carts. Customers came to Minter’s main store in Tappahannock from as far away as Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Maryland. “They have stayed with me through the years,” he said.
Minter’s also sells golf carts wholesale and internationally, and has several commercial customers, which include hospitals, government agencies and corporations that use golf carts as utility vehicles.
Minter’s Golf Cart Sales specializes in new, used and reconditioned golf carts as well as service, accessories, parts and short or long term rentals. The firm has a well-stocked parts department. Service technicians have the training to make all repairs, and Minter’s will pick up and deliver your golf cart, said Minter.
Minter’s, one of Virginia’s largest E-Z-GO golf cart dealers, also sells Car Club and Yamaha carts, and offers financing and insurance. Minter’s sells an average of 700 golf carts a year. Minter’s was one of the first to customize golf carts with lift kits and custom wheels and tires, and can even build “stretch limo” golf carts or carts for utility use.
EVERGREEN ELECTRIC VEHICLES ENDORSES SOLAR DRIVE
Evergreen Electric Vehicles, LLC endorses the Solar Drive system as the preferred Solar Top for all of its vehicles. “We are very impressed with the quality and performance of the Solar Drive products,” says Keith Andrews, President of Evergreen Electric Vehicles. “The robust design and attention to detail are qualities that drew us to the product. The management and support staff are highly professional and forward thinking. We wanted to give our customers some direction on which of Solar top to consider.”
The Solar Drive top fits a wide range of vehicles. The hardware to install the top uses top quality stainless steel fasteners and the solar panels are surrounded by an attractive extruded aluminum frame with a Scandinavian flare. Solar Drive’s home office is located in Denmark.
The Solar Drive top converts solar energy from two one hundred watt PV modules through a proprietary Maximum Power Point Tracking charge controller to maximize the amps and volts to the battery pack.
“The use of the latest state of the art solar panels along with a superior management system is what differentiates the Solar Drive system from the others.” says Erik Andersen, General Manager of Global Sales for Solar Drive. “This free power from the sun can extend the vehicles range five to ten miles per day, depending on a variety of conditions. By keeping the batteries constantly charged, the rate and level of discharge is improved, which over time will improve the battery life,” adds Andersen.
To learn more about the Solar Drive system or to locate a Solar Drive distributor near you , go to www.solardrive.com . To find our more about the full line of Evergreen Electric Vehicles go to www.evergreenev.com
EASLEY CHAMBER WELCOMES XTREME CARTS
The Easley Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed Xtreme Carts to the Easley business community on Wednesday.
Xtreme Carts has been in operation since 2004 when owners Travis and Angel Weathers set up shop on Latham Road. In April they moved the retail location to its new home at at 6129 Calhoun Memorial Highway.
Angel said it began as a hobby for Travis and his sons- Preston, 13, and Cameron, 7. “We bought a golf cart for them to tinker around with and it just took off from there,” Angel said.
The family-owned business makes custom made golf carts and four-wheel drive hunting vehicles which they sell locally and nationally from the Xtreme Carts retail store and through the company’s website. The shop also carries outdoor gear, hunting gear and also repairs carts and hunting vehicles.
The Weathers even have their own patented hunting cart — the Stalker XTV. Travis designed the Stalker XTV solely for hunting purposes and said he’s sold the carts to hunters as far away as Iowa and Texas.
Travis began his career working in paint and body shops for businesses in Greenville and decided to launch his own business here in Easley so he could spend more time with his family. “It’s just fun to be able to work with my kids around,” Weathers said.
Members of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce gathered at the store on Thursday to officially welcome Extreme Carts to the Easley business community.
“We’re proud to have Xtreme Carts as the newest member of the Chamber of Commerce,” Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce President Kent Dykes said. “We wish them success in their business and their family.”
E-Z-GO TOPS VEHICLES WITH AMES FIRM’S SOLAR CELLS
The PowerFilm panels cut battery charging costs as much as 20%
PowerFilm Inc., the Ames manufacturer of flexible solar panels, is partnering with Textron Co. to make solar power an option for E-Z-GO golf cars and other electric vehicles.
The companies said in a product announcement that they had developed a snap-top installation system that allows PowerFilm’s solar cells to be easily attached to the roofs of E-Z-GO cars. The rooftop solar system will be available in February. Pricing for the option has not yet been established, said PowerFilm’s Mike Coon.
The panels are expected to reduce energy costs for charging the batteries in golf cars by as much as 20 percent, the companies said. PowerFilm has experimented with solar-powered golf cars for some time, and last year made 10 solar-powered cars available for use at the Principal Charity Classic golf tournament in West Des Moines.
The companies said the advantages of solar power include increased driving range, easy installation of the rooftop panels and reduced energy costs. The panels are lightweight and durable, weighing less than 7 pounds. They are “designed and manufactured using military-grade specifications,” the announcement said.
“The solar panel creates, on average, enough electricity per year to offset nearly 175 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions,” it said. “E-Z-GO’s partnership with PowerFilm aligns with our commitment to environmental excellence,” said E-Z-GO President Kevin Holleran in the announcement. PowerFilm President Tim Neugent said the Ames company has been working with E-Z-GO for more than two years.
The product rollout is consistent with PowerFilm’s efforts in recent years to promote use of its flexible solar cells to the building industry for rooftop installations. The company has also worked with the military to develop solar panels that can be used on tents and other installations to promote remote power for computers and other devices used in desert situations.
YAMAHA GOLF-CAR COMPANY ANNOUNCES THE HIRING OF MATTHEW JONES
Yamaha Golf-Car Company is proud to announce the recent hiring of Matthew Jones as District Sales Manager for south Texas.
Jones is an experienced golf professional who joins YGC after two years as General Manager for Cross Timbers Golf Course in Azle, Texas. His prior experience includes a four year tenure as Director of Golf at Koasati Pines Golf Course in Kinder, Louisiana and has worked as a member of the golf staff at Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas and at Golfcrest Country Club in Pearland, Texas.
Matt graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a degree in Business Management and received his membership into the Professional Golfers Association in 2006.
“Matt has a great deal of golf course experience and understands the challenges faced by today’s golf clubs and managers. We feel this knowledge gives him the inside track in understanding how to build a better relationship with General Managers, Course Owners and Golf Professionals”, said Kevin Norcross, Department Manager of Direct Sales and Marketing for Yamaha. “We’re happy to have Matt on our team and know he’ll do an excellent job taking care of our customers in south Texas.”
If you’d like more information, please visit us on the web at www.yamahagolfcar.com.
GLOBAL ENTERPRISE WILL POWER GROWTH IN JOHN DEERE GOLF
Golf course maintenance professionals and club managers to gain innovative products, business-focused services and improved after-the-sale support
To enable greater global growth, John Deere recently underwent a global reorganization of its golf business, which will now fully integrate into the John Deere Agriculture & Turf Division. The enhanced organization puts the full resources – innovation, expertise and history – of the expansive John Deere Enterprise behind its golf business, allowing John Deere Golf to better serve golf superintendents and greenskeepers, club managers, and maintenance professionals.
“We see an exceptional opportunity within the global golf business,” said John Lagemann, vice president, sales and marketing, John Deere Agriculture & Turf Division. “And, we’re well positioned, as an Enterprise, to strengthen our industry position worldwide. By aligning more closely with their peers, our golf-dedicated team members now have more resources at their disposal. As a result, our customers ultimately will benefit through more innovative products, improved business services and reinforced after-the-sale support.”
This expanded global focus not only keeps current team members in positions aligned with their experience, but also integrates them into focused business units that have additional resources.
“We are pleased that we’ll now be able to fully leverage John Deere’s global reach, backed by 61,000 employees, a $32 billion company and a $3 million-a-day investment in research and development,” said Gregg Breningmeyer, global segment manager, John Deere Golf. “While this is an exciting internal change, we remain focused on our customers. We understand they play a key part in managing golf facilities, and we’re looking forward to leveraging our global assets to help them fortify and grow their businesses, as we grow ours.”
“John Deere Golf is trusted by some of the most demanding facilities and customers in the industry,” continued Lagemann. “So, it’s a natural progression for us to utilize all of our resources to grow globally…and to help our customer grow in all of our markets. John Deere prides itself on its commitment to continual improvement and learning, and this is best realized when each of our businesses are able to benefit from the focus and strength of our entire global organization.”
For more information please visit; www.john-deere.com
