Managing a Commercial Cushman Golf Cart Fleet — 10 FAQs

Are you considering deploying a fleet of golf carts for industrial use or other commercial applications? Cushman’s rugged utility vehicles are an excellent choice, offering versatility and durability to meet your business’s needs. This article answers 10 common questions about utilizing Cushman golf carts by businesses, and if you read through the end, you’ll find a link to download a free full-version eBook with more information. 

Get all your questions answered here. 

What Industries Can Benefit from Using Cushman Carts?

Cushman carts are highly versatile and designed to meet various industries’ needs. Their adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including utility purposes, personnel transport, hauling equipment and materials, food and beverage services, and turf maintenance. Here’s an expanded look at how different industries can use Cushman carts:

• Government: Maintenance and landscaping tasks, personnel and supply transport, event management, etc.
• Education: Campus maintenance, student and staff transport, security tasks, etc.
• Resorts& Hospitality: Guest service, housekeeping and maintenance, food and beverages services, etc.
• Industrial: Heavy howling and towing, personnel and supply transport, etc.

What Are the Benefits of Managing a Cushman Golf Cart Fleet?

Managing a commercial fleet offers numerous benefits across various industries, enhancing overall operational efficiency, saving time, and reducing costs. Deploying a golf cart fleet simplifies transportation and logistical tasks, making operations smoother and more streamlined. Using Cushman electric carts within these fleets contributes to environmental sustainability, promoting greener business practices. Additionally, the versatile models allow businesses to customize their fleets to meet specific needs, further simplifying management and maximizing utility.

Specific industries gain unique advantages from managing a commercial fleet. For instance, industrial facilities benefit from increased security and safety, as golf carts enable quick and efficient movement of security personnel and maintenance teams across large areas. In the hospitality sector, resorts and hotels boost guest satisfaction by providing convenient and comfortable transportation options, ultimately leading to a better reputation and future reservations. 

What Are the Main Cushman Golf Cart Series for Commercial Use?

The most extensive Cushman golf cart series are the Hauler and the Shuttle, which are used for utility and personnel transport, respectively. The specific models in each series vary by weight capacity, operational capacity, seat capacity, powertrain, etc. Therefore, when selecting the models for your fleet, it’s important to identify your business needs first. Ask yourself questions such as:

• What is the primary use of the vehicle?
• How many passengers it will be transporting?
• Do you need extra clearance?
• Do you need a street-legal vehicle?

Are there LSV Models?

Yes! Cushman offers several low-speed vehicle (LSV) models, like the Hauler Pro LSV and the Tour LSV. The distinction between a golf cart and an LSV is important mainly due to their street legality. LSVs come equipped with mandatory safety equipment to be street-legal, whereas standard golf carts require additional safety features and DMV registration to legally operate on public roads. Street-legal LSV models provide advantages for commercial uses like government agencies or campuses where employees might need to travel between different buildings or areas.

Should I Buy or Rent My Cushman Carts?

Buying involves higher upfront costs but offers long-term savings, the ability to customize, and the opportunity to recoup investment through resale. Renting has lower initial costs but may be more expensive in the long term. When considering whether to purchase or rent your Cushman golf cart fleet, make sure your decision aligns with your operational needs and financial capabilities. Specifically, consider your budget, timeline for needing the carts, customization needs, and maintenance resources.

How Can I Customize my Cushman Golf Cart Fleet? 

Popular golf cart customization options in commercial settings include safety accessories (lights, sirens, seatbelts), weather protection (canopy tops, enclosures), branding features (colored seat covers, branded license plates), and amenities (armrests, stereos, chargers).

You might want to know that other customization options are more tailored to specific industries. For instance, government facilities and resorts can install a space for wheelchairs for increased accessibility. Industrial facilities can increase load capacities by installing larger storage compartments, ladder kits, dump beds, or hitches. 

What Maintenance is Required for Cushman Golf Cart Batteries?

Properly maintaining your Cushman golf cart batteries is crucial for maximizing their lifespan and ensuring optimal performance. A few key practices include fully recharging after every use, avoiding overcharging, using compatible chargers, checking water levels and refilling with distilled water, and regularly cleaning terminals. 

Some general battery care rules are to never let the batteries completely drain, always charge in a well-ventilated area with vent caps tightened, and never smoke or allow open flames nearby when charging or servicing the batteries. 

What Are the Best Practices for Operating A Cushman Fleet Safely?

The key point to remember is that even though your Cushman carts operate within “closed” premises, such as industrial facilities, campgrounds, or campuses, it doesn’t inherently make these areas “safer.” Various hazards and obstacles can still be present, so it is essential not to overlook defensive and responsible driving practices.

Poor maintenance of the carts could also impact their performance and, as a result, their safety. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to follow a scheduled routine maintenance protocol to reduce the risk of accidents and extend the golf carts’ lifespan.

Lastly, when you’re at the dealership, ensure that your selected vehicles comply with OSHA’s requirements for using golf carts in off-highway job sites.

Why Cushman?

Cushman is a leading global manufacturer of golf carts and other utility vehicles, with a reputation grounded in versatility, dependability, and heavy-duty performance. Their durability, off-road handling, and suitability for diverse work applications like maintenance, construction, and materials transport make them a popular choice among businesses needing a robust commercial fleet. By meeting both federal and industry standards, Cushman vehicles are regarded as some of the most reliable in their class for tackling tough utility transportation tasks.

What Does the New eBook Cover?

Good thing you asked! Recently we published a new eBook focused on utilizing Cushman golf carts for commercial use. The complete “Definitive Guide to Deploying a Cushman Golf Cart” eBook includes three main chapters:

1. Cushman: Vehicles for All Sectors
2. Acquiring Your Cushman Fleet
3. Managing Your Cushman Golf Cart Fleet

Each chapter covers additional subtopics to provide a full picture of how to acquire, deploy, and maintain a full-service Cushman golf cart fleet, from buying vs. renting considerations and financing options to golf cart selection and customization guides. 

You are welcome to download a free copy of the eBook and don’t hesitate to contact us when you’re ready to put your Cushman golf carts into gear.