Need a solution. Back problems and my Zero Turn.

[MGH PA]

So, I'm not old but any stretch of the imagination (37), I have had off and on lower back issues since I was in college due to lifting, but never too bad. I injured it this fall pretty bad and am still recovering/rehabbing. Not sure I will get to 100%, but I have improved. Anyways, my Gravely Promaster 148z is quite rough as most Zero Turns with no suspension are. I have a pretty rough 1.25 acres to mow, and I was hoping to add a suspension seat. However, the factory Gravely suspension seats aren't made for my model, and most of the suspension platforms I've found online aren't very close in bolt pattern.

Living on 25 acres (in the middle of my parents 200+), I have the need for a tractor, even though my dad has a JD990, and was considering just selling the ZTR for a B series to be a jack of all trades gap filler. Right now, my yard has a few spots that I won't take the ZTR, but a tractor is fine, so that would also be a plus. I think the BX will be too small (although probably the better mower), but before I go tractor shopping, I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a good aftermarket suspension seat? I've also toyed with selling the mower, and buying another one with a suspension seat and larger deck (one complaint I have with the 48" deck now is the lack of edging trim).

Thoughts?

 

[Hay Dude]

Might not be enough, but have you ever replaced your seat frame bolts with these? I have lower back pain from battles at work and injuries. I’m pretty big, so the seat suspensions usually bottom out on me.

I put them under my seat in place of the rigid steel on steel mounts and it took a lot of the “shock” to my back away.


Here’s what it looks like done. Cost me about $50 in hardware and a couple hours total start to finish.

Only downside I see from it is you sit an inch higher, but as shot as my seat probably is, it’s not the same height as a new seat.
Been running this way for 2-3 years and I like it a lot.

 

[LittleBill21]

can't you also build a bracket to mount the seat to your existing frame

 

[Carl_NH]

I have a Ferris with full suspension, but have a Cub Cadet with a U spring similar to this - it's $80 Amazon.com: Springfield 1840220 Seat Suspension System : Automotive

Then look at Trac Seat - but make sure the holes line up etc. $160 K & M Low-Profile Mechanical Seat Suspension, Model# 6081 | Northern Tool

 

[kf4uda]

Look into lowering the air pressure in your tires. It won’t make a huge difference but every little bit helps. I suffer from back problems as well. I also would look into making an adapter plate for a suspension base or seat as mentioned already.

 

[Dwellonroof]

I found an old cloth with filling of some sort seat back cushion I use on my scag turf tiger that helps alot

 

[bdhsfz6]

I also have back issues. I spent $1200 to put a Grammer air ride seat on my Kubota MX5800. It required some modification but the time and $$ were well spent! It made a huge difference in my back pain and I figure it will eventually pay for itself in reduced trips to the chiropractor

 

[Randy Gann]

Another thing to keep in mind is tire size. A larger diameter tire should also improve the ride. So when you mentioned the B vs the BX the B should ride better. I mowed my 2 acre yard for many years with an old Farmall Cub. I had replaced the old pan seat with a nice padded seat with armrests. Was much more comfortable to ride on than my Toro Z turn but the z turn is much faster. Don’t overlook the possibility of an older Ag tractor with capability to hang a mid mount mower.

 

[Doughknob]

Might not be enough, but have you ever replaced your seat frame bolts with these? I have lower back pain from battles at work and injuries. I’m pretty big, so the seat suspensions usually bottom out on me.

I put them under my seat in place of the rigid steel on steel mounts and it took a lot of the “shock” to my back away.

Here’s what it looks like done. Cost me about $50 in hardware and a couple hours total start to finish.

Only downside I see from it is you sit an inch higher, but as shot as my seat probably is, it’s not the same height as a new seat.
Been running this way for 2-3 years and I like it a lot.

I like this. I have used old dual coil tappet springs in a similar manner for suspension (not seats) in the past.

 

[ericm979]

Lowering tire pressure is free and will make a difference. You can go lower than what the mower manufacturer says. Like if they call for 10 psi try 8. The drawback will be a slightly less even cut.

Another option would be to level the lawn or at least fill in the larger holes.