PT Seat Suspension

[BobRip]

I am have some back issues after driving the PT422. I looked at the seat suspension and if you compare it to a typical riding mower it actually has none. The riding mower seat has a hinged front and springs supporting the back of the seat. The PT422 pivots on bolts, but really has no suspension. An old style tractor at least has a U shaped spring. In an effort to solve this problem I installed a suspension seat (Model A-W223YL) from Tractor Supply. It has adjustable spring tension to compensate for your weight. It cost about $100. I had to removed the 10 Micron Filter cap on the hydraulic reservoir and go back to the original unfiltered cap to get enough head room, but otherwise it was not to bad. I originally mounted it too far forward and had to remount it twice. This required drilling extra holes. We will see if this helps the problem.

 

[SnowRidge]

I hope it helps, Bob. Please keep us informed. So far, I haven't had serious back issues from operating the PT, but that day may come. Like everyone else, I'm not getting any younger.

BTW, the thread's title got my attention. Before I clicked on the link, all I could think was, "What suspension?"

 

[SpringHollow]

I REALLY like the suspension seat system I put on my even if it was pricey - helps a lot with my back.

Ken

 

[cqaigy2]

BTW, the thread's title got my attention. Before I clicked on the link, all I could think was, "What suspension?"

That's exactly what i was thinking.

 

[coolconnection]

Got any good pictures?

Thanks

 

[BobRip]

I REALLY like the suspension seat system I put on my even if it was pricey - helps a lot with my back.

Ken

My main purpose in posting this was to let people know that PT's seat suspension is a level below what even a cheap riding mower has.
I don't have any pictures. I will try to take some tomorrow in the daylight.

 

[SpringHollow]

Pictures of my seat modification can be found here:

USA Discount Generators - Standby and Portable Gillette Generators

Ken

I guess i need to edit the titles on my web pages

 

[cqaigy2]

Pictures of my seat modification can be found here:


I guess i need to edit the titles on my web pages

ooo that looks comfy!

 

[washita]

good choice on the seat one of the first mods done to my tractor, only problem I ran into was head bumping on rops on rough terrian

 

[Phils]

I put a suspension seat on my 422 back in '07, there's a link to the photo in my first post here.. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/105535-new-seat-my-422-a.html

I still prefer the stock seat when operating on a sidehill but I haven't put it back on. I just avoid sidehills (20+ degrees).

For the hours spent with the brushhog, the suspension really helps.

Phil

 

[BobRip]

good choice on the seat one of the first mods done to my tractor, only problem I ran into was head bumping on rops on rough terrian

Yes, there is only about 2 inches of clearance over my head. I actually have a foam liner under the ROP for sound deadening, but it will help with bumps too, I hope. I have attached some pictures. Notice that the seat is mounted much further back on the PT seat plate than the PT seat. I actually mounted it 3 times, much to my shame. I need it all the way back and could use a little more distance, but this seat has more depth than the PT seat. Also the arm rest do not fold up.

 

[KMA]

Yes, there is only about 2 inches of clearance over my head. I actually have a foam liner under the ROP for sound deadening, but it will help with bumps too, I hope. I have attached some pictures. Notice that the seat is mounted much further back on the PT seat plate than the PT seat. I actually mounted it 3 times, much to my shame. I need it all the way back and could use a little more distance, but this seat has more depth than the PT seat. Also the arm rest do not fold up.

I did this exact same mod (see link in my sig) and ended up moving back to the stock seat after a year or so. The TSC seat definitely helped absorb some of the pounding on my back and kidneys, but it sat me up too high and caused my knees to hit the edges of the steering column area. Once I got used to it, I didn't bang my knees nearly as much though. Also, over time the seat began to loosen up and tilt slightly from side to side. It wasn't very much, but enough to cause shifting and discomfort when operating the mini hoe or driving across a hill.

I find myself doing different types of work then when my house was first being built, so the harshness of the stock seat isn't quite as much of an issue now. The TSC also made the seat height too tall for my 5'2" wife to operate it comfortably.

 

[SpringHollow]

My seat did not raise that much but maybe the PT1850 has much more head clearance and that is why i do not notice. If i think of it, i will measure the headheight with and without me sitting on the seat - it sinks when you sit on it. One reason i went with the suspension i did was that it was much lower than most. The arms swing out of the way.

I must admit i had forgotten how bad the original seat was until this thread got started. It now feels like it has always had this seat setup and i never think about it.

Ken

 

[SpringHollow]

The head clearance depends upon where you measure - 37 1/2" at the front of the seat, 39" at the rear where you are sitting. Relative to the original seat, the suspension mechanism adds 1.75" - 2.75" of height depending upon how you have it adjusted. The slide rails, plate, etc. add another 3/4" or so. It looked to me about 3 1/2" additional height as compared to the original seat. Carl might be able to measure his at some point to give you an actual comparison to a well used original seat. I sent him all of my original seat parts so I have nothing to measure.

Ken

 

[BobRip]

I got this injury from driving too fast across a rough field. So this was really my fault. Maybe a year from now I won't need the suspension seat.
By the way I have foam pipe insulation strapped to the corners of the steering pedestal to protect my knees. I did this because my old Kubotoa would hurt my knees. I now may need it on the PT.

 

[MossRoad]

I got this injury from driving too fast across a rough field... .

I've been jarred around pretty hard doing that, too.

 

[woodlandfarms]

I would love the suspension seat, but I am also mulling over a wheel chair insert. It was recommended elsewhere on TBN. Make the wife make a cover and put it on the old seat base.... I have to say the PT gives the worst ride of a tractor. Then again, if you guys have never been on the tilting seat version of PT it is a bizarre experience. The seat is always moving, and lots of times not quickly or correctly... Probably adds to the pain...

 

[SnowRidge]

Make the wife make a cover and put it on the old seat base....

Make the wife? You appear to have a different kind of wife than most of us.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Its my second, probably not my last. This one is much more domesticated then the previous, the previous being a lot more adventerous but no where near as stable. Kind of like owning a Lamborgini then buying a volvo. Looks seem to have been a trade off as well not nearly as sexy, not nearly as firm, but as we all get older, seems to matter less.

 

[RegL]

Its my second, probably not my last. This one is much more domesticated then the previous, the previous being a lot more adventerous but no where near as stable. Kind of like owning a Lamborgini then buying a volvo. Looks seem to have been a trade off as well not nearly as sexy, not nearly as firm, but as we all get older, seems to matter less.

Hopefully, she don't know how to shoot if she ever reads this post.