Many people who are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of small engines or appliances – particularly golf cart engines - are beginning to realize the benefits of repowering the engine, rather than ordering a new one. These days, a new gas powered golf cart typically costs between $12,000 and $20,000 and finding reliable used or rebuilt older gas powered carts is often difficult.

There are several advantages to repowering a utility vehicle or golf cart rather than replacing it with a completely new vehicle. Apart from the environmental reasons, the financial reasons alone make sense - as mentioned above, new golf carts don’t come cheap.

Repowering the engine on a golf cart or other small vehicle can also increase the power and flexibility of the vehicle. A more powerful engine can mean more carrying or towing power for your vehicle – perhaps saving more money by having one vehicle performing multiple tasks. Less vehicles means less maintenance and storage costs for your company or facility.

You may also be eligible for state financial incentives under your state’s emission reduction program if you choose to repower your engine rather than replace it. Some states will reimburse the cost of repowering the engine, as well as cover the costs of related parts.

A repowered engine is also easier to repair and maintain. Finding parts for an older engine can be time consuming and isn’t always easy. If you ever need spare parts, it’s a lot easier to obtain the parts for a newer engine than an older engine model.

Aside from golf carts, repowering can be useful for other appliances around the golf course or garden, too. Instead of discarding greens keeping equipment such as raking equipment and mowers, they can also be easily repowered – and with the same financial benefits.

Repowering an engine also has significant environmental benefits. Most modern engines are generally more efficient, quieter and environmentally-friendly. And by repowering rather than replacing, your older vehicle won’t be taking up space in a landfill or a city dump.

Some states are so concerned about air quality that they now have laws passed that regulate the amount of emissions that are allowed. The emissions on older golf carts and other utility vehicles are routinely above acceptable standards.

The environmental advantages of repowering are so great that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a comprehensive program in place to repower most of the 11 million diesel engines in the United States by 2014. The military has also realized the benefits of repowering and has its own program.

Repowering an engine is fairly easy for most people who have some mechanical expertise. You can easily purchase a repower kit from Kohler or other companies that contains everything you need to complete the job as well as easy to follow instructions.

And the disadvantages of repowering small engines? It’s actually hard for most people to come up with any. Repowering is easy, cost-effective and good for the environment. You can repower several engines for the cost of replacing one. And most people will agree - there’s also something satisfying in prolonging the life of an old and trusted piece of equipment.

-2007 Ben Anton