air ride seat?

[cold1313]

I hope this topic isn't beaten to death already.

I'd like to look at adding an air ride seat to my Kubota F3990. Even in low speed, I get bounced around pretty bad that I end up with a sore neck / back after 3 - 4 hours of weekly mowing. I'm 33 years old and still get sore, if that gives any indication as to the condition of my yard and why I should probably just pave my back yard :laughing:

Knowing nothing about air ride seats, the sticker shock is pretty high. If I decide to pull the trigger, I guess I want to make sure I am buying the right brand and be done with it.

Are there any downsides to an air ride seat that I'm not aware of?

I believe I have enough width for the seat to fit...but this mower is like a billy goat and I want to make sure I will still feel comfortable when mowing slopes.

 

[oosik]

I infrequently have dreams of an air ride seat. I'm sure if I researched long enough - there is a suitable model for my tractor. BUT - as you said - $$$$.

The one thing I wonder about but have never heard a negative comment about - rupture or puncture of the "air bag".

My "lawn" is really a big 'ol meadow thats been mowed for 36+ years now. Over the years its filled in and actually looks pretty good. BUT - talk about a rough ride when mowing. I've given up and simply go slower - saves the back, the neck, the kidneys, the bladder etc, etc.

BTW - I'm 76 and its been "paining" me for going on 36+ years. You are 33 - you should make your move now or , like me, look forward to at least 36 more years of pain.

 

[Ortimber]

Cost is the biggest downside. We have several air ride equipped tractors and so far no issues. The oldest one is going on 12 years.

I have a newer Kubota zero turn that has a very good suspension seat and its pretty good but doesn’t compare to an air ride (which is on my short list).

 

[LouNY]

We have had to repair / replace a few of our air seats they are nice but expensive, the other option may be to slow down and go wider :cool2:

Down in second gear at 12 feet wide is fairly productive

 

[TripleR]

I believe Eric the Oracle did a thread on this.

 

[Cord]

I've added spring seats to my skid steer and mower and I'm very happy with the results. Generally I pick the model that I want (don't forget to calculate for headroom!) and then start watching CL and eBay for it to come up for the right price.

 

[cold1313]

I infrequently have dreams of an air ride seat. I'm sure if I researched long enough - there is a suitable model for my tractor. BUT - as you said - $$$$.

The one thing I wonder about but have never heard a negative comment about - rupture or puncture of the "air bag".

My "lawn" is really a big 'ol meadow thats been mowed for 36+ years now. Over the years its filled in and actually looks pretty good. BUT - talk about a rough ride when mowing. I've given up and simply go slower - saves the back, the neck, the kidneys, the bladder etc, etc.

BTW - I'm 76 and its been "paining" me for going on 36+ years. You are 33 - you should make your move now or , like me, look forward to at least 36 more years of pain.

You hit the nail on the head. I want to either get one now or I'll just suffer through it. I really don't go 'that' fast, I keep it in low gear. Even with the 72" deck, it takes several hours.

How do air ride seats feel when leaning the tractor to the side? (i.e. going across a slope) As far as head room, should I expect a large increase in seat height? Being a shorter guy, I don't want to put extensions on my pedals :laughing:

 

[cold1313]

Cost is the biggest downside. We have several air ride equipped tractors and so far no issues. The oldest one is going on 12 years.

I have a newer Kubota zero turn that has a very good suspension seat and its pretty good but doesn’t compare to an air ride (which is on my short list).

What brand seat have you had good luck with?

 

[murph1]

Funny I beat around the bush on this for 2 years. Right Larry?! I finally ordered 1 yesterday. a Milsco V5400 for 559.95. Should have it in by Thursday.

 

[cold1313]

Funny I beat around the bush on this for 2 years. Right Larry?! I finally ordered 1 yesterday. a Milsco V5400 for 559.95. Should have it in by Thursday.

Care to share your reason for that seat? Maybe your thoughts on it after it's installed?