Seat Cracking

[CCWKen]

I just made new seat covers for the Kenbota and Woods ZTR. I used auto upholstery material that is UV stable as well as wear resistant. I started to make new covers for the Ford tractor but the seat pans were in poor shape (rusted through) so I just bought a replacement blue seat for the time being. When I build the cab on it, I'll go with a better seat and custom cover. I went plain black vinyl on the Kenbota but the Woods got vinyl edges/boxing with channeled tweed inserts since I spend more time on it. The tweed sure makes a difference--No hot sweaty seat time.

I've never seen an OEM tractor seat last more than a few years before it starts cracking. I think the OEM covers are a PCV or vinyl blend and heat formed then foamed. I've seen auto seat covers on cars that were stored outdoors last 50+ years. The foam usually deteriorates before the seat covers. As far as what to put on it; I don't think it matters but a protectant with UV blockers might help. I think they'll crack anyway and anything that soaks in will probably destroy the foam backing. They're cheap seats!

 

[Scooby074]

If already cracked use Gorilla Clear tape(clean area with alcohol wipes) Flip the seat over if it's made to do that,or keep a big black garbage bag on the tractor and cover the seat when not in use.

Learned something new! I didnt know about Gorilla Clear. Just repaired the cracks on the top of my BX seat with my go to "duct tape" the wide Gorilla, but its black. Need to look for Gorilla clear sometime.

To the OP, Personally I wouldnt oil up any seat (slippery enough). Maybe something like 303Protectant which is used in boats (they see a lot of UV). I dont sweat it on my tractor, its a tractor afterall and the seat is a "wear" item.

 

[Al Mac]

Well it looks like I will stick with the "baby oil" and see if it keeps the seat from cracking. I have nothing to loose at this point.
From what others are saying I should know if it helps or not in a few years.

Al

 

[silvertramp]

What is the cost of "baby oil" gonna add up to after a "few years"? Just replace the seat as needed. Rinse and repeat.

 

[Wagtail]

Well it looks like I will stick with the "baby oil" and see if it keeps the seat from cracking. I have nothing to loose at this point.
From what others are saying I should know if it helps or not in a few years.

Al

If you're going to go 'baby oil', you might as well go with Fluid Film or some other lanolin product... plus you can use it elsewhere on the tractor.

 

[PILOON]

Armorall will probably do those seats good as it does 'feed' the plastics as well as provide some UV protection.

 

[Al Mac]

I dislike Armorall. Several years ago we has 2 cars that were the same. One was road legal and the other was drag race only and both stored in the winter. Six new tires bought at the same time for the cars. The road car tires (4) were Armorall all the time and the drag car tires (2 front) was not. after a few years the road car tires were cracking real bad and the drag car tires were like new just not shiny. I never used Armorall after that.
I have never used fluid film for a seat but have it here. I am not sure it will dry to a dry look and not slippy like the baby oil does or leave a oily look .
The couple buck it will cost to do this is cheap as I think a bottle will last 10 years and will make it one of the cheapest projects I have done.

Al

 

[locknut]

Another thing you could use,and may already have some,is smooth hand cleaner like GO-Jo or similar.I use a worn down bug sponge or scotchbrite pad to work it in good.If early signs of the material starting to open up I'd put some Gorilla clear over the problem area as a preemptive strike against a full blown crack.

 

[MF283]

I wonder if it's a humidity thing. Of the 4 tractors i've owned, one from the 60's, i've never had a problem with the seat's??

I know they sat outside before i bought them, when not in use, they are in the shop. We have a lot of humidity here, do ya'll have dry/arid air?

Ronnie

 

[N80]

I live in South Carolina. High heat (supposed to be near 100 in a couple of days), high UV, high humidity. My tractor lived under a tarp for about five years and has spent the last 6 in an open sided shed. No cracks or splitting. It does not get much UV but it does get the heat. I think the worst combo would be UV and dry conditions.

Now, I always leave mine in the tilted over position. Keeps the seat dry when it is wet and keeps it cool when in direct sun. Keeps the bird poop off the cushion when in the shed. If I leave it down, while in bright summer sun, it will burn your fanny through cloths.