HELP! Seat frame

[Bigfoot18]

LS MT 347 HS no cab
I am in a dilemma help please. I am considered a giant at 7’3” this is a brand new tractor sitting in my shop and I was getting ready to have a seat frame built for it probably 16 inches high. in order for me to use the pedals correctly. Right now can’t get to them because of my legs. But I am seeing all of the warning signs do not raise seats extremely high due to center of gravity but damn I don’t have a choice. I’m just a semi retired law-enforcement for 38 years and I finally got me a nice piece of property. Could’ve gotten a larger tractor, but I don’t need one. I don’t need a larger tractor. I’m just mowing and move some dirt around. I’m not farming just getting the property ready for some wildlife. Any suggestions?

 

[Chewwy]

I too am taller than average, although not as tall as you. Larger tractors do not necessarily provide more leg room.

I have modified both of my Massey Ferguson tractor’s seats by raising them and relocating them back somewhat using C channels. I also replaced the OEM seats with aftermarket seats having greater adjustment (forward/backwards) capabilities as well as weight adjustment.

I wouldn’t worry to much about center of gravity but you would not won’t to raise the seat so high as to make your head the new roll bar. At your height you might also consider replacing the roll bar with one having greater height.

 

[Alan W.]

I agree with the roll bar suggestion.
You may be able to replace the seat with something like this to get more elevation.

NEW LOW PROFILE SUSPENSION SEAT WITH ARMREST DOZER BACKHOE TRACTOR SKIDSTEER | VEVOR US

VEVOR forklift seat with adjustable backrest and headrest, durable PVC material, ergonomic design, and high-density foam cushion for ultimate comfort and support.

www.vevor.com

 

[dodge man]

I’m just a little over 6 feet tall and am amazed at the number of things designed for people that are 5’6” tall. Mops, vacuums, brooms and yes tractors. I found my last tractor, a Kubota BX and my current tractor, a JD 2025r are big enough for me but just barely. I’d do whatever you need to for your comfort. If you raise the center of gravity that’s ok and better than unsafe condition of it not fitting you.

 

[BlueKnife]

LS MT 347 HS no cab
I am in a dilemma help please. I am considered a giant at 7’3” this is a brand new tractor sitting in my shop and I was getting ready to have a seat frame built for it probably 16 inches high. in order for me to use the pedals correctly. Right now can’t get to them because of my legs. But I am seeing all of the warning signs do not raise seats extremely high due to center of gravity but damn I don’t have a choice. I’m just a semi retired law-enforcement for 38 years and I finally got me a nice piece of property. Could’ve gotten a larger tractor, but I don’t need one. I don’t need a larger tractor. I’m just mowing and move some dirt around. I’m not farming just getting the property ready for some wildlife. Any suggestions?

I'd get a new seat and custom build or have built a roll bar. Don't worry about center of gravity. That's a 4000+ lb tractor. Even a giant dude isn't going to make enough of a difference to matter sitting a foot higher.

 

[Jstpssng]

The only thing that I can add is, Welcome to TBN!!!

When you get a chance perhaps you could post pictures of your new tractor.
Also some pictures of your property, if you want.
We like pictures... lots of pictures!

 

[rgr33]

I have modified the seat on all 3 of my tractors, and my zero turn lawn mower.
A little bit for leg room, but mostly for ride comfort
Center of gravity won’t be a problem

 

[WinterDeere]

I wouldn't worry at all about raising the height of the seat having any appreciable impact on center of gravity. It's a 4000 lb. tractor, easily over 5500 lb. with loader and ballast. Moving your 200 lb. rear a few inches higher is not going to have enormous effect.

As to ROPS, I rarely use mine, but do like knowing it's there and working on those rare occasions I'm doing a lift near max capacity and want to put it up. If lifting the seat puts your head in the crush zone for the ROPS, then I'd guess that'd be a bigger concern. Modifying the ROPS comes with more potential pitfals than might be obvious, to most.

Is moving the seat frame more rearward than up an option? Seems that going up could cause more steering wheel / leg interference issues, as well as the ROPS issue. Perhaps moving rearward only requires re-positioning of some rear remotes, etc.

 

[CliffordK]

I wouldn't worry at all about raising the height of the seat having any appreciable impact on center of gravity. It's a 4000 lb. tractor, easily over 5500 lb. with loader and ballast. Moving your 200 lb. rear a few inches higher is not going to have enormous effect.

As to ROPS, I rarely use mine, but do like knowing it's there and working on those rare occasions I'm doing a lift near max capacity and want to put it up. If lifting the seat puts your head in the crush zone for the ROPS, then I'd guess that'd be a bigger concern. Modifying the ROPS comes with more potential pitfals than might be obvious, to most.

Is moving the seat frame more rearward than up an option? Seems that going up could cause more steering wheel / leg interference issues, as well as the ROPS issue. Perhaps moving rearward only requires re-positioning of some rear remotes, etc.

Right, 200 lbs will change the center of balance a little bit, but the main thing keeping the wheels on the ground is the weight of the engine and transmission.

When I'm driving side-slope, I try to move my body to the uphill side of the tractor.

I had thought about going back. Probably a combination of up and back so it is comfortable and one isn't hanging too far off the back of the machine. This isn't one of those vintage tractors with the seat just hanging off the rear.

As far as the ROPS. With it up, the tractors are designed not to roll over 180 to 270 degrees. Rather just flop on the side, 90 degrees. I would want to give adequate space that one's head isn't banging into it. Anyway, for that side flop, I don't think making it taller (splicing in good steel with good welds) would harm it.

If the tractor is kept in a barn or shed, it will depend a bit on the height of the door. Easiest to just leave the ROPS up all the time.