Kart Manufacturers
This is an overview
of who is building karts, and their current status as we understand
it, as of the update date of the page. Please keep in mind that,
in the business world, things can change very quickly.
Please note, to our
knowledge, all karts are now manufactured in China. Some may be
assembled in the U. S. from parts manufactured in China. The
only related product that we know is still made in the U. S. is the
Landmaster UTV.
American Landmaster**:
The "new" Manco, previously American
Sportworks.
Most, if not all, of their karts now come from
China. One of the few companies for whom parts are readily
available for current models. They bought Brister's Design &
Mfg., manufacturer of the Chuck Wagon UTV. The Chuck Wagon is
now called "Landmaster."
Baja Motorsports:
According to what we've heard, this company was
formed, in part, by the "Godfrey" who was "Yerfdog." (See "Yerf-dog"
below.)
Brister's Design & Mfg. Co.
Inc.**:
The Brister family started building karts in
1959. Brister's discontinued their go-kart
line in favor of their Chuck Wagon utility vehicle. Brister's was then
bought out by Manco, which was then bought out by American Sportworks.
Carter Brothers*:
Carter is closed -- they burned in a fire on
July, 12, 2010. The fire was ruled an arson, and the insurance
company is allegedly refusing to pay. It's doubtful they'll be back.
Hammerhead Offroad:
Purchased by Polaris.
Parts have become difficult to obtain. Previously, they were
"Twister."
Kartco*:
Closed in Summer, 2010.
Ken-bar*:
Closed in July, 2010.
Kinroad*:
One of the two Chinese-built karts we have
carried.
Parts have become
difficult to obtain.
KINT:
Karts International bought out Thunder Karts,
USA Karts, Straight Line, and several other companies, then quit
producing them. They then "became" Nitrous Go-Karts, but
they are out of business, too.
Manco*:
Manco Products filed bankruptcy in the
early 2000's, re-emerged as Manco Powersports, and then they went out
of business. Some of Manco
Powersports' intellectual property was purchased by American Sportworks,
which is now American Landmaster.
Murray:
Murray filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in
December, 2004.
Murray was purchased by the Briggs and Stratton Corporation
as of February 11, 2005. Briggs and Stratton has "determined
that it will not manufacture, sell, or distribute [go-karts],
nor
will it provide any service parts,
warranty
coverage, or technical support for these products." Further, it has been
reported that Briggs & Stratton destroyed all replacement parts for
the Murray go-karts.
Therefore, parts are very limited for Murray karts.
Nitrous Go-Karts:
Out of business. See "KINT".
Thunder Karts*:
Out
of business. See "KINT".
Twister*:
See "Hammerhead Offroad."
USA Karts:
Out of
business. See "KINT".
Yellow Jacket*:
Bought out by Manco in the late 90's and discontinued.
Yerf-Dog:
A company formed by a man named "Godfrey."
("Yerfdog" is "Godfrey" spelled backwards.) They are out of
business.
* indicates we are
(or were, if they are out of business) an authorized dealer for this
brand.
**
indicates we are
an authorized dealer for parts only for this brand.
Names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies. This
page represents facts as we understand them, plus our opinions. |