We receive a lot of requests every day by telephone, asking us to explain the differences between the two remote operation models

This is an attempt to explain both the differences and the similarities. However, it should be realized that in the end they are both very similar in that -

Because of this the reaction to the appearance of the design differences and the model selection are almost entirely subjective and can only be made by the purchaser.

Differences

Frame

The two frames are quite different in appearance and folding operation.

The LX400 model utilizes a traditional frame layout that has been around for at least 10 years. The LX400 was introduced by us at the very beginning of 2007. Improvements included the addition of an extra frame member leading to the front wheel assembly. To fold this model you click and disengage the spring-loaded top hinge on the frame - repeat this with the lower hinge - the frame forms a "Z" and fold flat very quickly. It actually folds down slightly lower than the newer HGR360 model - see dimensions

The frame on the newer - introduced by us around July 2007 - HGR360 is a "mono-tube" frame of heavier aluminum and generally has a more "chunky" appearance. To fold this model you depress the lever on the large aluminum central latch - this frees both the forward and rear sub-frame sections from this latch - everything then folds down easily. However because of the metal motor-casing at the rear it does not fold down quite as low as the LX400 design

The appearance of these frames to the buyer is entirely subjective - about 60% of purchasers prefer the look of the newer HGR360

Handle

The handle on the newer HGR360 is much larger - with a more "chunky" appearance. Its functions are however the same.

Motor and Gearbox configurations

These are very different on the two models - however the end result is the same

On the LX400 model the two 200 Watt LINIX motors point outwards towards the front of the cart. They drive through inboard LINIX gearboxes mounted to the two drive axles. This has always been the traditional engineering layout.

On the newer HGR360 model the two 180 Watt LINIX motors are positioned horizontally across the rear of the cart - inside a metal nacelle which holds them. They then drive through LINIX gearboxes which are mounted "outboard" immediately next to the wheels.

Motor sizing

Motor output and power and torque realized is dependent upon various factors too complicated to get into here, including the gearbox and its gearing ratios. However when we test these two models there is no discernable difference in their power, or their speed, or ability to climb gradients.

Wheelbase width

The width to the outside of the two drive-wheels on the LX400 is about 28" - this is reduced to about 24" on the newer HGR360. The wider wheelbase would indicate an increase in stability, however once again this is nominal, The most important stability issue on a remote control golf cart is from front to rear. They have so much power and the golf club weight is positioned in the most difficult area - high and to the rear. This can result in the cart trying to tip over backwards when going uphill. It is then the function od the rear stabilizer wheel to come down to the ground and stabilize the cart. Both models are fitted with the same robust stabilizer wheel.

Dimensions and Weights

The LX400 is 4" wider but folds down a little lower

The HGR360 is more narrow - more compact - but does not fold down as low

On most US vehicles these differences will make no difference - in Europe with some much smaller vesicles one of these two dimensions could be more important.

Because of the metal nacelle over the motors on the HGR360 it weighs a few pounds more than the LX400 - however it is more compact - so once again this tends not to make any difference to the user, since the battery is always removed before folding the cart and lifting it into the vehicle.