I have an idea on improving the seat suspension on a 1026R

jimfrits · Apr 30, 2013

I have a new 1026R and I like the tractor, but hate the seat suspension. I also have a 2520 that I hated the seat, but I solved that problem by installing a suspension base for a 3320. INFINITELY BETTER! I have been reading a lot about folks buying the Michigan seat from Northern Tools, installing "special edition" seats from the X700 series etc, but I also have the backhoe which requires the 180 degree turnaround adapter and I just don't want to fight the battle of figuring out how to adapt a new suspension base along with the extra costs of another suspension base.

So, I'm left with trying to improve the suspension base that I have. I'm 6' and 230 lbs and I can tell you that I bottom out the base a lot on my property and it hurts. I think the problem with these seats are the hard rubber bumpers that don't have much compression ability. I was doing a search for compression springs in McMasterCarr.com website and ran across some some "Shock Absorbing Plastic Compression Springs" that look real promising to me. Just go to their website and search "compression springs" and you will see them among the choices.

The trick here would be the selection process. You have to make a reasonable selection which accounts for the Energy capacity (in=lbs). You may get lucky with first choice but it might take a couple of tries to get it right. But, the springs are relatively cheap when compared to a new suspension base.

Maybe someone here has already tried them?? What do you guys that hate these seats think?

Jtschnel · May 2, 2013

Great idea. I just had my new 1026R delivered less than an hour ago. In the decision process to upgrade from my old 485, I finally came down on the side of the 1026R. As part of that process I spent a short time on a neighbors 1026 and found the same issue you have bottoming out. Figure I'd address the issue after I had the tractor delivered. You suggestion is a good place to start. I'm about 6' but closer to 275 and it can really jar the back on some of the larger bumps. I have a number of attachments coming, a backhoe is to be one of them. I hadn't thought about the seat swiveling even though we'd talked about the backhoe at the dealer. Does the 1026 seat swivel 180 or do they switch seats when putting on the backhoe?

jimfrits · May 2, 2013

Hey, thanks for answering

In answer to your swivel question, the backhoe attachment comes with a swivel adapter that fits between the seat cushion and the seat suspension base. In other words the stock seat on the 1026R remains and turns 180 degrees.

I'm going to try the shock absorbers that I mentioned, in fact, I ordered two different variations and should have them tomorrow according to the tracking number. One problem that I hadn't considered is the bottom bumper location which sees both vertical and horizontal movement from the top plate of the suspension base. The two top bumpers see only vertical force which will be better. I'll know more when I get them and take a look at how they work. McMastrer Carr has anything a person could want in the way of hardware. I discovered them back in 1975 when I was doing some purchasing at my job with an industrial mechanical contractor.

I've got a degree in mechanical engineering, but that came 40 years ago so I have forgotten more than I knew

but I think I can figure something out. I'm seriously thinking about designing and building my own suspension base and I have been formulating some other ideas today using springs and shock absorbers. I want the ability to adjust for different weights. I would also like to eliminate some of the side to side slop I now have. The swivel adapter only made it worst. I have the ability to do metal working and I can weld so that helps.The fact that the base is sloping just makes it a bit more difficult in my opinion.

Jtschnel · May 2, 2013

Not sure, but I suspect for someone with your talents instead of a bit more "difficult", I suspect it'll actually be a bit more "interesting"! I'll be very interested in hearing about the outcome of your trials. I'm also going to look at McMastrer Carr a little closer as well.

Thanks, Jim.

swick1 · May 3, 2013

Please let us know how the mcmaster parts work out. I'd love to try it if it works.

greg_g · May 3, 2013

Advancing arthritis in my spine and neck forced an upgrade to the air suspension last year. So if anybody's interested, the OE mechanical seat suspension and tilt platform from my 3720 is for sale. It's already modified with compression springs that prevent bottoming out. Still looks new. JD wants ~$450 (new/unmodified), but I'll take $200 plus shipping

//greg//

Jtschnel · May 3, 2013

greg_g said:
Advancing arthritis in my spine and neck forced an upgrade to the air suspension last year. So if anybody's interested, the OE mechanical seat suspension and tilt platform from my 3720 is for sale. It's already modified with compression springs that prevent bottoming out. Still looks new. JD wants ~$450 (new/unmodified), but I'll take $200 plus shipping

//greg//

I'm sorry but I'm pretty ignorant as to what will fit on the 1026R or how the seat you have is better than what came on the 'lil fella.

If it will provide better support for my lard arse, I would definitely be interested. Can you enlighten me?

Many Thanks!

Jim

greg_g · May 4, 2013

I too disliked the way the standard 3x20 series seat bottomed out on rough ground. And the weight adjustment control failed to compensate. The two extension-type springs seemed sized for women and children, certainly not 200+ pound male operators. So I added a second pair of springs (extra stiff compression-type) to buffer the drop. Right up until I replaced it with the air suspension, it never bottomed out again.

The mechanical suspension part number is MIA11339, and the sliding tilt platform is LVA14854. The latter bolts to the former, and the former attaches to the tractor with another 4 bolts. The bolt pattern is approximately 4.0"x9.5"

//greg//

Jtschnel · May 4, 2013

Thanks for the info, Greg.

I'm traveling but will look into this when I get back.

Appreciate the information.

Jim

PsRumors · Oct 12, 2013

I know this thread is a few months old but.....I had a heavier spring designed for the 102xR tractors.

The factory spring has a weight capacity of 103lbs each, the replace spring has a 125lb capacity. It is a direct drop in and maintains stock travel. I've begin very happy with the results.