CRICKETesv Cricket Mini Golf Cart ESV Owner’s Manual
- June 15, 2024
- CRICKETesv
Table of Contents
Cricket Mini Golf Cart ESV
CRICKET® Electric Sport Vehicle
Owner’s Manual, Safety Guide, and Warranty Information
Thank you for the purchase of your new CRICKET Electric Sport Vehicle.
This owner’s manual is designed to furnish you with a basic understanding of
the features and operation of this vehicle. Important safety information and
information about special techniques and skills needed to operate and ride
your CRICKET ESV are also included in this publication. Basic maintenance and
inspection procedures and warranty information are also included.
Please consult Cricket Mini Golf Carts (toll-free at
1-888-795-2278, or via email:
service@cricketminigolfcarts.com)
if you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your
CRICKET.
For your safety, and the safety of all passengers:
- Please read this owner’s manual carefully and completely before operating your CRICKET. Make sure you understand all instructions.
- Take special notice of all warning and caution notices herein.
- Operate your CRICKET ESV only after with proper training or instruction.
- No one under 16 years of age should ever operate a CRICKET ESV.
Mode!: Double-seat CRICKET Electric Sport vehicle — Four-wheel, electric-
powered
Power: Single 24-volt magnet DC 1,000-watt motor
Transmission: Direct drive through 30:1 reduction gearbox
Speed Control: Twist-grip step-less control for smooth operation
Directional Control: Forward/Reverse switch conveniently located on main
control
Maximum Speed: Controlled from 0 to 10 mph in consideration of congested areas
and terrain
Hill-climbing ability = 1:3 Gradient
Battery Charging: Plug charging unit into rear of buggy
Frame: MIG-welded high-tensile steel with corrosion protection
Body: Molded in polymer-reinforced plastic
Brakes: Single regenerative electromagnetic braking
Batteries: Two heavy-duty gel 12-voilt 85-amp/hour in series
Battery charger: 10-amp, automatic cut-off when fully charged
Tires: 13” x 6.50 x 6” Tubeless
Turning Radius: 102”
Overall Length: 52° (including utility box)
Overall Width: 32” (including utility box)
Overall Height: 28” (when folded down)
Load Capacity: 600 Ibs.
Weight: 313 Ibs (typographical error in product brochure reads 213 Ibs)
NOTICE: CRICKET specifications, safety, and performance features are
subject to change as we continue to Improve the CRICKET ESV.
General Information
This guide is provided to assist the owner or operator of this CRICKET ESV in the safe operation and maintenance of the vehicle.
Safety
General Safety Information
This guide is provided to assist the owner or operator of this Rick’s
Specialty Vehicles product in the maintenance and safe operation of the
vehicle. The warnings in this manual are not a replacement for good common
sense and safe driving practices. Your CRICKET ESV is designed and
manufactured for off-road use. It does not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards and is not equipped for operation on public streets.
Operators of the CRICKET ESV should have a valid motor vehicle license. No
one under 16 years of age should be allowed to operate a CRICKET ESV.
Operating Safety
- Always use your CRICKET in a responsible manner and maintain the vehicle in safe operating condition.
- Always read and observe all warnings and operation instruction labels affixed to the CRICKET vehicle.
- Always follow all safety rules established in the area where you are operating the CRICKET vehicle.
- Always use extreme caution when making sharp or blind turns.
- Always release throttle gradually (rotate forward, away from yourself) to control speed and stability on steep grades.
- Always use extreme caution when traveling:
a) In wet areas
b) In blind spots
c) Along loose terrain
d) On uneven roads
e) In traffic with other vehicles
f) Near pedestrian areas.
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
The following notations indicate important information. Failure to follow the warnings contained in this owner’s manual could result in serious injury or death.
NOTE
Condition that should be observed. This provides key information that makes
procedures easier or clearer.
CAUTION
Condition that may result in damage to the vehicle. Special precautions
must be taken to avoid damage to the vehicle.
!WARNING!
Hazardous condition that could result in severe injury or death to the
machine operator, a bystander, or a person inspecting and/or repairing the
vehicle.
General Safety Practices
Steep Grade ►! WARNING !
In areas where steep grades exist, vehicle operations should be restricted to
the designated vehicle pathways wherever and whenever possible. Such potential
hazards should be identified with a suitable warning giving the following
information: “Warning: STEEP GRADE – Ascend or descend slowly, and proceed
with due caution.”
Wet Areas ►! WARNING !
Wet grassy areas may cause a vehicle to lose traction and may affect
stability. Wet areas should be chained or roped off to prevent access and
potential accidents with injury.
Sharp Turns, Blind Corners, Bridge Approaches ►! WARNING !
Sharp turns, blind spots, bridge approaches and other potentially hazardous
areas shall be either chained or roped off to prevent vehicle operations or
identified with a suitable warning to the operator of the nature of the hazard
and stating the proper precautions to be taken to avoid the hazard.
Loose Terrain ►! WARNING !
Loose terrain may cause a vehicle to lose traction and may affect stability.
Areas of loose terrain should be repaired if possible, or chained or roped off
to prevent vehicle operation, or identified by a suitable warning to operators
not to operate vehicles in this area due to loose terrain or possible
hazardous conditions.
Pedestrian Areas► ! WARNING !
Areas where pedestrians and vehicles interfere shall be avoided whenever
possible by rerouting the vehicle traffic or the pedestrian traffic to
eliminate the interference. If elimination of the interference is not possible
or is highly impractical, signs should be erected warning pedestrian traffic
and to drive slowly and use extreme caution.
Ventilation ►CAUTION
Never charge a vehicle in an area that is subject to flame or spark. Pay
particular attention to natural gas or propane gas water heaters and furnaces.
Safety
On steep hills it is possible for vehicles to coast at greater than normal
speeds encountered on a flat surface.
To prevent loss of vehicle control and possible serious injury, speeds should
be limited to no more than the maximum speed on level ground. Limit speed by
applying the automatic brake, which is engaged by gradually lowering your
throttle speed.
Catastrophic damage to the drive train components due to excessive speed may
result from driving the vehicle above specified speed. Damage caused by
excessive speed may cause a loss of vehicle control and is costly.
This is considered abuse and will not be covered under warranty. Use extra
caution when towing the vehicle.
If the vehicle is to be used in a commercial environment, signs should be used
to warn of situations that could result in an unsafe coasting condition.
Keep this manual as part of the permanent service record in case the vehicle
should be resold.
Your CRICKET vehicle is intended for off-road use only. The owner should check
local and other applicable laws and regulations before operating.
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can result if you do not follow these instructions:
-
Read this entire manual carefully and follow the operating procedures described.
-
Operate a CRICKET ESV only if you have had proper training or instruction.
-
Follow these age recommendations:
No one under 16 years of age should operate a CRICKET vehicle or be left without adult supervision. -
Be wary of the safety of passengers and pedestrians.
-
Do not operate a CRICKET vehicle on a highway.
-
Do not consume alcohol or drugs before, or while operating, this machine.
-
Never operate at speeds too fast for your skills or the outdoor conditions. Always operate at a speed that is suitable for the terrain, visibility and operating conditions, and your experience.
-
Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or other stunts.
-
Inspect your vehicle every time it is used to make sure it is in safe operating condition. Follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in this manual.
-
Always keep both hands on the both handles of the steering tiller during operation.
-
Always drive at slower speeds and be cautious when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Be alert to changing terrain conditions at all times when operating a CRICKET vehicle.
-
Do not operate your vehicle on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain until you have learned and practiced the skills necessary to control the vehicle on such terrain. Be especially cautious of these kinds of terrain.
-
Always follow proper procedures for turning as described in this manual. Practice turning at low speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds. Do not turn at excessive speed.
-
Do not operate the vehicle on hills too steep for the vehicle or for your ability. Practice on smaller hills before attempting larger ones.
-
Always follow safe procedures for climbing hills. Check the terrain carefully before you start up any hill. Never climb hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight forward. Never open the throttle suddenly or make sudden gear changes. Never go over the top of a hill at high speed.
-
Always follow safe procedures for going down hills and for braking on hills. Check the terrain carefully before you start down any hill. Shift your weight backward. Never go down a hill at high speed. Avoid going down a hill at an angle that could cause the vehicle to lean sharply to one side. Go straight down the hill wherever possible.
-
Always follow proper procedures for crossing the side of a hill as described in this manual. Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight to the uphill side of the vehicle.
Never attempt to turn the vehicle around on any hill until you have mastered the turning technique on level ground. Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill if possible.
Control Function
CRICKET CONTROL PANEL
Functions of the respective switch positions:
ON: One click of key clockwise activates power and makes engine ready for
operation. One more click clock- wise turns on the headlight and taillights.
OFF: In the totally vertical OFF position, all electrical circuits are
switched off. The key may now be removed.
CHARGE: “1” signifies full charge. “0” signifies no charge.
DIRECTIONAL TOGGLE SWITCH: Up (0) for forward – Down (#) for reverse.
Entering the Vehicle
All passengers (including driver) must be seated at all times while the
CRICKET vehicle is in use.
Turning the Vehicle On > Switch on key switch and select the desired direction
(Forward or Reverse).
One click forward (up) automatically engages the engine and drive train of the
CRICKET.
Driving the Vehicle
After making the desired directional selection, slowly turn the throttle
backward (towards you) with your right hand to engage the vehicle’s power
train. Always be aware of surrounding terrain and use caution.
Judge speed accordingly. Be cautious when encountering loose or wet terrain.
Do not attempt steep grades.
Stopping the Vehicle
Slow down by twisting the hand-operated throttle forward. Once you reach zero
forward speed, the automatic electronic braking system turns your CRICKET off.
Turning the Vehicle Off
After turning the throttle all the way forward (away from you) to the OFF
position and automatically stopping the vehicle, switch the key to the Off
position.
Exiting the Vehicle
Once the vehicle has come to a complete stop, the key switch is turned to the
Off position, all passengers can carefully exit the vehicle. Never attempt to
exit the vehicle while it is still moving. This could lead to severe injury.
Storing the Vehicle
Store your CRICKET vehicle with the key switch in the Off position. Do not
store vehicle for more than one day without the battery charger hooked up.
Always Leave batteries on charger when not in use.
Riding the Vehicle
Ride with Care and Good Judgment. Get Training If You Are Inexperienced.
This CRICKET vehicle should only be used by experienced operators. This
vehicle requires special skills obtained through practice. Take your time to
fully learn techniques before attempting more difficult maneuvers.
You should familiarize yourself with the operation of the vehicle to achieve
the skill necessary to enjoy riding safely. Be sure you have read this entire
guide and understand the operation of the controls before you begin to ride.
Pay particular attention to the safety information.
Beginners should get training from a certified instructor. Become familiar
with this vehicle at slow speeds first, even if you are an experienced
operator. Do not attempt to operate at maximum performance until you are
totally familiar with the vehicle’s handling and performance characteristics.
Passenger and Driver Safety ►! WARNING !
During Operation
Always keep your feet inside the vehicle during operation. Otherwise, your
feet may contact the rear wheels. Removing even one hand or foot can reduce
your ability to control the vehicle or could cause you to lose your balance
and fall out of the vehicle. If you remove a foot from inside the vehicle,
your foot or leg may come into contact with the rear wheels or objects outside
the vehicle, which could Always keep both hands on the steering wheel and both
feet inside the vehicle during operation.
Tires and Tire Air Pressure
Operating this vehicle with improper tires, or with improper or uneven tire
pressure, may cause loss of control, thereby increasing your risk of an
accident.
Always use the size and type tires specified in this manual for this vehicle.
Always maintain proper 8-15 PSI tire pressure as described in this manual,
adjusting periodically for conditions, load, and terrain.
Check tire pressure and adjust accordingly by removing custom full wheel cover
from each wheel and removing cap from valve stem, just as with any automobile
using pneumatic tires. Always replace valve stem cap and wheel cover after
each tire pressure check operation.
CRICKET Installation, Maintenance and Operational Instructions
Installing Double Seat
a. Position seat squarely on seat frame, with down-ward-sloping side of seat
facing rear of vehicle.
b. Secure seat to frame with six self-tapping screws provided in delivery kit.
(Phillips-head screwdriver is only tool required.)
Adjusting Steering Tiller
Adjust the firmness and/or forward-backward motion range of the steering
tiller by pulling up the rubber boot at the bottom of the steering tiller and
tightening (or loosening) the nut and bolt that connects the steering tiller
to the front axle.
Charging the Batteries
a. Simply raise the hinged front seat with the convenient lift strap for easy access to the new on-board permanent charging system.
b. Insert the plug (it will fit only in one direction)attached to the battery-
charging unit into any convenient 110-volt electrical outlet. (Also works with
Coach and other portable generators.) Always keep batteries on charger.
c. Charge light turns GREEN when CRICKET is fully-charged, and the unit cuts
off automatically. Just unplug the cord, replace it in the underseat
compartment, and return the seat to its secure driving position.
Adjusting the Free-Wheel Lever
a. The free-wheel lever is conveniently located just underneath the left rear
of your SW3.
b. Pull the free-wheel lever toward rear of vehicle “out-of-gear” condition
for free-wheeling operation; when you hear the “click”, you’ve engaged the
free-wheeling function. (This makes pushing, rolling, and/or loading the
vehicle much easier.)
c. Remember to push the free-wheel lever back in, toward the front of the
vehicle, prior to normal operation.
(Listen for another “click” to indicate you have returned to regular driving
configuration.)
Replacing your CRICKET SW3 Batteries
a. To remove battery cover, unhinge two latches at at front of engine
compartment (beneath the front portion of the seat) and slowly, carefully
slide the cover forward to reveal both batteries.
b. Use 13mm wrench or pliers to turn bolts counter-clockwise to loosen and
remove batteries with built-in, convenient rope handles.
c. JnstaU new batteries by reversing procedure in step ”b”, above. (Replace
and secure cover.)
NOTE: Batteries are hermetically sealed and require
NO MAINTENANCE for the life of the battery.
No acid. No acid odor. No leakage.
Adjustment of Legroom and Vehicle Length
a. Use your hand to pull up the spring-loaded
T-lever in the center of the floorboard, just in front of the engine
compartment cover.
b. While still holding T-handle up and unlocked, firmly push front of vehicle
chassis forward 1-2” (or pull it backward 1-2”) until you “click” into your
desired position.
c. Then push T-handle back down securely to lock vehicle in preferred
position.
Installation of Rear Carrier Rack
a. Remove two rear center platform bolts and install carrier rack support
brace and replace bolts and secure loosely at this time. (Do not firmly
tighten any bolts or nuts until rear carrier rack is correctly positioned.)
b. Position rear carrier rack on top of support brace, tighten those two
bolts, and secure rack to vehicle with two bolts in holes at bottom of seat
back.
c. When rear carrier rack is properly aligned, tighten all six nuts securely
to bolts.
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