The Turf Chopper is an electric, single-rider golf cart designed for both on and off-course use, offering versatility with its ability to switch between riding and walk-behind caddy modes. It is available in several models, including the RW (Ride or Walk), SF (Split Frame), OG (Original Golf), and BigBoy, with model years ranging from 2007 to 2019, all manufactured by Bridgeburg Golf.
Function Description:
The Turf Chopper is primarily designed to transport a single golfer and their golf bag around a golf course. Its electric drive system provides quiet and efficient operation. Key features include:
- Programmable Drive System: Factory-programmed for specific applications, ensuring optimized performance.
- Drive-by-Wire Electronic Throttle Control: Provides smooth and responsive speed management.
- Handlebar-Mounted Controls: Includes a direction selector switch (forward/reverse), neutral button, and a kill switch for emergency power cut-off.
- Descent Speed Control and Auto Hill Hold: Enhances safety and stability on varied terrain, preventing the cart from gaining speed on declines and maintaining desired speed on hills.
- Dynamic Braking System: Engages automatically when the throttle is released, bringing the cart to a smooth stop.
- Electro-Magnetic Parking Brake: Automatically applied for secure parking.
- Convertible Configuration (RW and SF models): Can be easily converted between riding mode and walk-behind caddy mode in less than 10 seconds, offering flexibility based on user preference or course requirements.
- Golf Bag Accommodation: Designed to securely hold a golf bag, with clubs positioned between the handlebar uprights and the bag's bottom cradled in the motor panel.
- LED Diagnostic Display: A red LED on the key switch indicates operational status and flashes fault codes in case of a problem, aiding in troubleshooting.
Important Technical Specifications:
General (Across Models):
- Seating Capacity: 1
- Power Source: 24-volt electrical system
- Motor Type: 24-volt DC induction motor, 800-watt (800w-9716)
- Transaxle: Transaxle RP-T2-800A
- Batteries: 2x 12-volt AGM 50Ah Deep Cycle batteries (non-spillable, zero maintenance)
- Battery Charger: 24V Electric Battery Charger (110 to 230 service) EC certified
- Controller: Curtis controller 1228-2908
- Speed Settings: Forward 1, 2 (Hi/Low), and Reverse.
- Brake System: 6N.m Dynamic brake system, Electro-magnetic parking.
- Frame: Welded steel powder-coated.
- Body Panels: ABS.
- Steering: Trike design.
- Front Suspension: Fork (RW, SF, BigBoy), Spring Shock (OG, BigBoy).
- Rear Suspension: 2 x leaf spring.
Model-Specific Dimensions and Weights:
Turf Chopper RW (Ride or Walk):
- Overall Length: 53 inches
- Overall Width: 28 inches
- Wheelbase: 28 inches
- Ground Clearance: 4 inches
- Curb Weight: 168 lbs
- Load Capacity: 250 lbs + full bag
- Front Tire: 11 x 4 x 5
- Rear Tire: 13 x 6.5 x 6
Turf Chopper SF (Split Frame):
- Overall Length: 53 inches
- Overall Width: 28 inches
- Wheel Base: 28 inches
- Ground Clearance: 4 inches
- Curb Weight: 172 lbs
- Load Capacity: 250 lbs + full bag
- Front Tire: 11 x 4 x 5
- Rear Tire: 13 x 6.5 x 6
Turf Chopper OG (Original Golf):
- Overall Length: 63 inches
- Overall Width: 28 inches
- Wheel Base: 28 inches
- Ground Clearance: 4 inches
- Curb Weight: 172 lbs
- Load Capacity: 250 lbs + full bag
- Front Tire: 13 x 6.5 x 6
- Rear Tire: 13 x 6.5 x 6
Turf Chopper BigBoy:
- Overall Length: 66 inches
- Overall Width: 34 inches
- Wheel Base: 28 inches
- Ground Clearance: 6 inches
- Curb Weight: (Not specified, but load capacity is higher)
- Load Capacity: 300 lbs + full bag
- Front Tire: 13 x 6.5 x 6
- Rear Tire: 18 x 8.5 x 8
Usage Features:
- Handlebar Connection: Removable handlebars for transport and storage. Secured by a gooseneck clamp that must be tightened before operation.
- Throttle Control: Motorcycle-style rotating throttle on the right handlebar. Gentle twisting increases speed; releasing it initiates dynamic braking. Over-twisting or aggressive use can damage the system.
- Hand Controls (Left Handlebar):
- Kill Switch (Red): Emergency power cut-off. Unit stops quickly. Must be in the "Up" position for operation.
- Forward/Reverse (Yellow): 3-setting horizontal switch for Reverse, Low speed, and Hi speed. Should only be operated when the cart is at a complete standstill.
- Electric Brake Release (Green): Lower button that, when pushed and held, electronically releases the brake, allowing the cart to free-wheel.
- Steering Bolt: Located on the front of the steering tube, it limits turning range and is used when changing modes (RW, SF). Loosening it allows 180-degree handlebar rotation for walking/riding modes. Must be tightened securely after mode changes.
- Seat Connection: The seat assembly is hinged at the rear with two lock-down plungers at the front. To load/unload a golf bag, retract the seat assembly by pulling it up and back. Ensure both sides are firmly connected before operation.
- Mode Pin (RW, SF models): Located on the tank side at the top of the frame. Used when converting between walking and riding modes. It is a safety feature that acts as a crumple point to reduce impact force on front-end contact.
- Charging Port: Located on the right side of the frame (front body panel) for AGM batteries, or under a siding panel on the top of the main body panel for Lithium batteries.
- Steering Damper: Adjustable clamp on top of the front fork to tighten/loosen steering stiffness. Tightened for walking mode to reduce wandering, loosened for riding mode.
- Key Switch and LED Display: Key requires a 1/4 turn to power on. Red LED indicates power and operational status; flashing codes indicate faults.
- Manual Parking Brake Release: Lever at the back right of the unit. "Up" position engages the brake, "Down" position disengages it. Must be in the "Down" position for operation.
- Hill Negotiation: Approach inclines/declines as directly as possible. Lean slightly forward when ascending hills for stability. Avoid sharp turns on hills.
- Safety Precautions: Always keep both feet on footrests when in motion. Ensure safety pins and clamps are secure. Never drive standing up or with passengers. Avoid deep ruts, severe bumps, standing water, and sharp turns. Always remove the jumper wire before working on batteries. Do not touch battery posts with metal objects or tools.
Maintenance Features:
- General Cleaning: Clean gently with mild soap and water/sponge. Avoid abrasives, harsh cleansers, power washers, or spraying water directly into switches/levers.
- Tire Pressure: Maintain 12 to 15 psi in all tires.
- Rear Axle Nuts: Check tightness at least twice a year.
- Lubrication:
- Lubricate the front seat post lock-down plunger as needed (do not over-lubricate).
- Grease steering bearings periodically.
- Grease the charging port on the Turf Chopper/BigBoy battery charger periodically to prevent corrosion.
- Battery Charging: Recharge after every use and periodically during long-term storage. The built-in inhibitor prevents operation while plugged in. The smart charger prevents overcharging. A red LED indicates charging, green indicates fully charged (8+ hours for a full charge).
- Fuses: A fuse plate is located under the upper body panel, containing three crucial fuses: a 10-amp on the charger line, a 1-amp on the controller line, and a 100-amp main fuse. A fourth inline 1-amp fuse is also located under the upper body panel. Use only correct, replaceable fuses; incorrect fuses are not covered under warranty.
- Battery Access: To access batteries, remove three screws and one wing nut on the upper body panel. A small adjustable wrench is needed for hook-up/disconnection. Avoid short-circuiting.