Making the PT Seat more comfortable

[PTWannaHave]

Thanks for the replies. However, no one really commented on the idea/value of those two New Take-Off options...

 

[woodlandfarms]

The downside of either of the seats is that it raises you up, an that puts you into the ROPS. As for the value of the seat, IMO over priced. Typical of dealer take offs. You can get brand new for the same. Well, the seat for $100 is tempting but I would pass on the $400.

 

[SpringHollow]

I checked my setup - there is 37 1/2" between the seat and FOPS. When I sit down, there is 38 1/2" (best as I can measure while sitting on it - measurements from the top of the pads, not the bottoms of the creases between pad sections). When the suspension is adjusted properly, my hat does not hit the FOPS when going over large bumps. I am not looking at it but I suspect I could gain an inch by getting rid of the front/back rails. I never adjust it but a row of holes on the plate would allow for "permanent" adjustability.

Ken

 

[PTWannaHave]

Thanks again.

I think I'll hold off until I actually get the machine, and then keep an eye out for the seat upgrade.

 

[Marks481]

I bought a suspension seat and installed it.

Very straight forward. The seat itself has drilled/tapped holes that lined up with the mounting plate that PT uses.

Since the seat adds about 3" height, I drilled new holes in the mounting bracket for the pivot bolts about 3" away from the old one (you can see the old hole on teh bracket below).


This allow the seat bracket to clear the hydraulic tank filler cap by about an inch, and it didn't make impact from articulation during my last mowing session. This solution wouldn't work for everyone... I am 5'10" and I now have maybe 1" under the ROPS, but didn't bump my head on it once in an hour of rough mowing.

Happy with the results. The seat suspension has about 2" of travel, and has a scissor frame with horizontal springs. Very effective, I was able to drive much faster without the corresponding pain from wheels falling in the random gopher holes in my pasture. I bottomed the seat out a few times, but the jolt wasn't painful as it would have been with the PT seat.

 

[SpringHollow]

Very nice looking seat installation! Only 1" head clearance - I would be a goner on my trails.

 

[Marks481]

time will tell, haven't hit my head yet. The seat actually has a height adjustment (probably an inch of travel). I can get another 1/2"-3/4" if I take the seat rails off, but that would require me to weld up a custom mounting bracket.

I was pleasantly surprised that the existing bracket bolted on effortlessly to the seat; I has thought I would be doing some welding this weekend to make it all fit.

The original seat only gave me maybe 2" of headroom.

 

[cqaigy2]

That sure looks comfy. I'd be temped to pull the PT into the front room to watch telly from it.:laughing:

 

[PTWannaHave]

Good for you TMarks11 !

What is the brand, price, and purchase location of the seat...?

Cheers,

 

[Marks481]

Concentric, purchased on ebay for $250 with free shipping. Search for "Universal Forklift Seat/Suspension Fits Clark"

You can see it full product description (for way more money + shipping) at Northern Tool.

Expensive, but I was swearing to myself when I mowed the pasture last time that I wouldn't do it again until I fixed the seat.