As it’s easily accessible, aluminum has become one of the preferred types of metals for golf cart frames in recent years.
It is not the highest-grade metal, but it is not without benefits, which is why it attracted so many brands.
Below we will give an overview of what golf cart companies are using it and the benefits/drawbacks of this metal for your golf cart.
What Golf Carts Have Aluminum Frames?
The three big brands will have an aluminum frame on their models:
- Club Car
- Yamaha
- EZGO (Select models)
While you may find a few EZGO models with aluminum frames, it will not be widespread like you will find in Yamaha and especially Club Car golf carts.
EZGO usually prefers a stronger or higher grade metal for their frames, to elevate their golf cart models above the rest.
Club Car model golf carts are big fans of aluminum frames, with many of their models having them as a standard option.
Yamaha is also a manufacturer that has taken advantage of aluminum frames and the benefits that they offer for golf carts.
How Do I Know If I Have an Aluminum Frame on My Golf Cart?
If you just looked at your golf cart and you are not sure if it is aluminum, there are a few ways to make that determination so that you know what type of metal you have securing your frame.
- The Lift Test
- The Scratch Test
- The Magnet Test
- The Knock Test
You can use one or more of these tests to confirm whether or not aluminum is the base of your golf cart’s frame.
Is It Easy To Lift?
If you are a healthy person and consider yourself pretty strong, you may be able to lift the side of your golf cart (this is not medical advice – proceed with caution). If you have a golf cart made of aluminum, you may get the impression that you can lift that cart on its side temporarily.
If you attempt to lift your golf cart, and it does not move, then it is made of steel and not aluminum.
To safely lift a golf cart, check out our linked article.
📋 Keep in mind: This should not be your first test, but make it your last because of the risk it can present.
Does It Scratch?
The potential damage that can be done to your golf cart with this test is something to consider before you do it. If there are already existing scratches on your golf cart, you may not mind.
In the scratch test, you use a small knife to cut and see if a scratch is left behind.
Make sure you put this test on an area that is not seen. If you do see a scratch then you have an aluminum frame on your golf cart.
Is There a Magnetic Field?
There is a test that is great for education and will not damage your golf cart.
If you have a kitchen magnet or another magnet at your home, place it on your golf cart for the magnet test.
If it does not stick to your game, there is no metal on the frame, and it is aluminum.
Knock, Knock
The last test that you can do is the knock test to see what type of metal you have on your frame. While it is not 100 percent accurate all the time, you should be able to make a decision.
If you give your golf cart frame a sturdy knock, you will be able to tell if it is a solid metal or if it is hollow.
If you notice that when you knock on the frame it is hollow, then it is most likely an aluminum frame golf cart.
💡 Golfible Tip: It is best to pair this test with another just so you can confirm the metal type.
Are There Benefits To Having an Aluminum Frame on My Golf Cart?
If you have determined you have a metal frame or are looking to purchase a golf cart with a metal frame, you need to know the benefits that come with aluminum.
- A lighter weight means less power
- The surface does not rust as easily
- Replacements are less costly than others
- Long lifespan and longevity
Aluminum is known to be one of the lighter-weight materials. This is why it is used in a variety of different vehicles and other types of equipment outside of golf carts. However, if your golf cart is lighter, it will use less gas or less electricity.
This is essential for performance and maintenance costs when using your golf cart, especially for those who use them daily.
Aluminum is also inexpensive to repair and does not rust as easily as other metals.
When you are traveling on the highway, any damage to the roadways will not have as much of an impact as it would with other heavy-duty frames.
Cons of Aluminum
If you are worried about aluminum frames on your golf cart, there are a few things that are not as attractive as the benefits above.
- Will warp in a collision, requiring repair
- Not as strong as steel frames.
Should you get into an accident with your golf cart, either with another vehicle or an inanimate object, the aluminum in the frames will bend easily and need to be repaired.
In fact, most accidents involving aluminum-framed golf carts always need some type of repair, even if it is small.
This is because aluminum is not as strong as other steel options that are found in competing golf cart brands. Collisions in those golf carts may not require any maintenance.
📢 Need To Know: As long as there is no rust on your steel frame golf cart, you could get double the life span out of it compared to the aluminum frame.
FAQs
Can The Aluminum Frames Of Golf Carts Rust Easily?
Aluminum frames in golf carts are generally resistant to rusting due to the material’s corrosion-resistant properties. However, exposure to certain conditions, such as saltwater or harsh chemicals, can lead to corrosion or oxidation over time. Regular maintenance and proper cleaning can help to prevent and address any potential rusting issues.
Do Yamaha golf carts have aluminum frames?
Yes, the golf carts manufactured by Yamaha come equipped with aluminum frames. Yamaha has been incorporating aluminum frames in their golf carts for a considerable amount of time. Aluminum frames offer a lightweight, robust foundation for the vehicle, enhancing its maneuverability around golf courses, while also increasing its longevity and durability.
