American Landmaster golf carts and UTVs are made by American Landmaster, a company now owned by Whisper Carts LLC following an October 2025 acquisition.
The brand is known for rugged, American made utility terrain vehicles built for farm, hunting, and work applications, including an all electric model called the AMP.
Whisper Carts LLC is a privately held, Tennessee based luxury electric golf cart manufacturer led by founder and CEO Dave Hatley.
Knowing about this recent ownership change helps buyers understand why American Landmaster’s production location shifted in late 2025 after more than a decade under its previous owner.
This article covers American Landmaster’s ownership history, its new Tennessee manufacturing base, the AMP electric UTV line, and how the brand compares to traditional golf cart makers.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns American Landmaster?
American Landmaster was acquired by Whisper Carts LLC in October 2025, following more than a decade under previous owner Darryl Doden and Ambassador Enterprises.
The brand’s roots trace back to Manco Powersports and Brister’s Design and Manufacturing, two Indiana companies that merged in 2007 to form American SportWorks before later rebranding as American Landmaster.
Whisper Carts founder Dave Hatley previously built LPI, Inc. into America’s largest hot tub manufacturer before turning his attention to electric golf carts and, now, American Landmaster’s UTV lineup, according to a deal announcement from financial advisory firm TrueNorth Capital Partners.
Where Are American Landmaster Vehicles Made?
American Landmaster vehicles are now built at Whisper Carts’ facility in Johnson City, Tennessee, following the October 2025 acquisition.
Production previously took place in Columbia City, Indiana, where the company had manufactured UTVs for years before the ownership change, according to coverage of the acquisition from UTV Driver.
The company says it sources more than 70 percent of its parts from within the United States, supporting its American made positioning against lower cost imported alternatives.
What Is the American Landmaster AMP?
The AMP is American Landmaster’s all electric UTV line, available in Standard Cab, Crew Cab, and HD configurations.
AMP models are rated for up to 1,750 pounds of towing capacity and up to 1,000 pounds of bed capacity, depending on configuration.
The company also offers California residents access to a Zero Emission Ag UTV Voucher Program, which provides cash incentives for replacing older gas or diesel UTVs with electric models like the AMP.
American Landmaster vs Traditional Golf Cart Brands: How Does It Compare?
American Landmaster vehicles are built on a UTV platform rather than a traditional golf cart chassis, giving them higher ground clearance and towing capacity than a typical golf cart.
The brand has positioned itself as a domestic alternative to Chinese made UTVs, emphasizing American assembly and sourcing as a core part of its identity.
With Whisper Carts now behind the brand, American Landmaster gains access to newer electric vehicle engineering resources that were previously used only for Whisper’s own golf cart lineup.
For comparisons with other manufacturers in this category, see Who Makes Evolution Golf Carts and Who Makes Kandi Golf Carts.
Is American Landmaster Any Good?
American Landmaster’s real world reputation, at least under its previous ownership, is genuinely rough, with a consistent pattern of complaints showing up across the Better Business Bureau, PissedConsumer, and hunting and outdoor forums.
Recurring themes in these complaints include rear axle and drivetrain failures within the first 20 to 80 hours of use, warranty claims that dragged on for weeks or months, and dealers refusing further warranty work because Landmaster had not reimbursed them.
Some buyers specifically noted long delivery delays on the electric AMP model, along with build quality issues like leaking battery compartments and window seals that the company would not replace.
Not every account is negative, since some long term owners on outdoor forums describe years of reliable, if unremarkable, use once the vehicle was set up correctly, with common criticisms centering on engine noise and modest power rather than outright failure.
Because most of this feedback predates the October 2025 acquisition by Whisper Carts, it reflects the brand’s performance under its previous ownership and manufacturing setup in Indiana rather than the new Tennessee operation.
The honest takeaway is that American Landmaster has a well documented history of warranty and quality complaints, and buyers considering the brand today should ask dealers directly how service and parts support have changed since the Whisper Carts acquisition before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Landmaster
Who currently owns American Landmaster?
American Landmaster is currently owned by Whisper Carts LLC, following an acquisition completed in October 2025.
Did American Landmaster move its factory?
Yes, production moved from Columbia City, Indiana, to Whisper Carts’ facility in Johnson City, Tennessee, as part of the 2025 acquisition.
Does American Landmaster make electric vehicles?
Yes, the AMP line is American Landmaster’s all electric UTV, available in Standard Cab, Crew Cab, and HD configurations.
Is American Landmaster the same company as Manco?
American Landmaster traces its history back to Manco Powersports, which merged with Brister’s Design and Manufacturing in 2007 before eventually rebranding under its current name.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.