BWSwamper
Bronze Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2018
- Messages
- 71
- Tractor
- PowerTrac
I just finished up a suspension install on my PT1850 using a Trac Seat suspension kit. The suspension is wider than the standard seat setup, so the rotating mounting plate had to be modified (widened).
tracseats.com
Got everything back together and the setup seemed fine. The seat had been at stable level rest prior to the swap out. I marked the mercury switch connections, so I am sure the wiring is back as it was. I called it a night without cranking the machine.
When I came back the next morning, the seat had fallen over to its limit on the left side (the hydraulic cylinder had leaked down, suggesting the valve was open). I cranked up the machine expecting the seat to return to level, but nothing. I unbolted the cylinder leaving its hoses attached and moved the seat back and forth, but the cylinder did not respond.
The tractor is sitting at a remote location and I didn't have any time to track the problem down. And, didn't have a multimeter with me at the time.
I did check the wiring diagram and follow the physical wiring as best I could and found no fuse in the circuit.
Any hints on how to go forward with my trouble shooting? I haven't been back to the machine since, but would like to have a clearer idea of how to approach this.
One thought that I did have is that I have interrupted the ground. If memory serves, both mercury switches ground to a post in the box on the back of the seat meaning the seat itself is the ground. After we modified the rotating seat base, it got a new coat of paint, the seat was off, so its rusty bottom got a new coat of rust converter paint, and the suspension unit had intact factory paint. Perhaps the switches aren't getting a good ground from the ground post through the suspension through the rotating seat base to the frame. ( The suspension unit is mounted between the rotating seat mount and the seat.)
Any suggestions or hints greatly appreciated. I will report back after I get the chance to go back to the machine.

Trac Seats Seat Suspension Kit for Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Tractors - John Deere, Hustler, Z TRAK, Kubota, Exmark, Snapper Pro, Ferris, Cub Cadet, Gravely, Toro, Big Dog Yazoo, Bad Boy, Grasshopper, Scag, Ariens, Dixie Chopper
*INTERNATIONAL BUYERS CLICK THIS LINK TO PURCHASE*: https://ebay.us/gGPFfB Features Universal style mounting (some drilling may be required) Steel construction 1 year warranty Made in USA 275 lbs max capacity 1" suspension travel Mounting Hardware included Important This suspension is designed...
Got everything back together and the setup seemed fine. The seat had been at stable level rest prior to the swap out. I marked the mercury switch connections, so I am sure the wiring is back as it was. I called it a night without cranking the machine.
When I came back the next morning, the seat had fallen over to its limit on the left side (the hydraulic cylinder had leaked down, suggesting the valve was open). I cranked up the machine expecting the seat to return to level, but nothing. I unbolted the cylinder leaving its hoses attached and moved the seat back and forth, but the cylinder did not respond.
The tractor is sitting at a remote location and I didn't have any time to track the problem down. And, didn't have a multimeter with me at the time.
I did check the wiring diagram and follow the physical wiring as best I could and found no fuse in the circuit.
Any hints on how to go forward with my trouble shooting? I haven't been back to the machine since, but would like to have a clearer idea of how to approach this.
One thought that I did have is that I have interrupted the ground. If memory serves, both mercury switches ground to a post in the box on the back of the seat meaning the seat itself is the ground. After we modified the rotating seat base, it got a new coat of paint, the seat was off, so its rusty bottom got a new coat of rust converter paint, and the suspension unit had intact factory paint. Perhaps the switches aren't getting a good ground from the ground post through the suspension through the rotating seat base to the frame. ( The suspension unit is mounted between the rotating seat mount and the seat.)
Any suggestions or hints greatly appreciated. I will report back after I get the chance to go back to the machine.
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