Replacing a Tractor, Forklift or Digger Seat: Will It Bolt On?

The cushion has split, the suspension bottoms out or a hard seat makes long days miserable. Before ordering, check how the new seat mounts, which suspension suits the work, how high and wide it sits, and the seat switch.

The Vehicle Seats range at PartsForMachines covers nearly 50 seat models, from waterproof pan seats for mowers to suspension seats for forklifts, tractors, plant and trucks.

Will a Replacement Seat Bolt Onto My Machine?

It will if the mounting holes line up. Makers give the floor mounting as hole centres, side to side and front to back. These vary: 120 × 203 mm on the 11/E6 mechanical seat, for example, but 260 mm square on the SCIOX Super air seat. Measure the old seat, or its slide rails, the same way.

Some seats suit more than one pattern, such as the Mi600 with its multi-hole mounting, while the Mi800 pan seat has universal M8 threaded holes at a 260 mm mounting width. A seat top on its own also needs a base.

Pan, Mechanical or Air Suspension: Which Seat Do I Need?

A static pan seat, such as the P2, has no suspension and suits small agricultural, turf-care and construction vehicles. A mechanical seat cushions the ride with springs: the W700, for example, has 80 mm of travel for drivers from 50 to 120 kg.

An air seat runs on a compressor or the machine’s own air, and several add powered or automatic adjustment. The Rancher LGV95/H152 AHD air seat has a 12V compressor, a 120 mm stroke and powered height and weight adjustment. On a mechanical or air seat, set the suspension to the driver’s weight, as a badly adjusted or worn one can bottom out on rough ground.

Will the New Seat Sit Higher or Wider Than the Old One?

It can, so measure the old seat’s height and width first. Makers often give height as a SIP (seat index point) figure: 160 mm on the US20, for example, and 285 mm on the W700. ISO 5353 defines how that point is found, so seats compare like for like.

For width, check the clearance to controls such as a PTO tower, guards and the door at full seat travel. The MSG20 Narrow mechanical seat, with a 410 mm cushion, is built for forklifts and small diggers with little room to spare.

Does My Replacement Seat Need a Seat Switch?

Yes, if your machine has an operator presence switch in the seat. It tells the machine when the seat is empty, so drive or hydraulics can be cut, and some machines will not start or move until it detects the driver.

Choose a seat with a compatible switch: the US20 forklift suspension seat has one as standard, and the P2 and Mi800 pan seats offer one as an option. Switches come normally open or normally closed (NO/NC), so check the machine’s wiring diagram, or send our team a photo of the plug.

What Should I Check Before I Order?

• The mounting: the old seat’s hole or slide-rail centres, side to side and front to back.
• The space: cushion width and seat height against controls, guards and the door.
• The suspension: pan, mechanical or air, and a weight range to suit every regular driver.
• For an air seat: a 12V or 24V supply, or the machine’s own air.
• Safety: the seat switch type and plug, and the seat belt fixings.

Browse the Vehicle Seats range, or contact the PartsForMachines team by WhatsApp, telephone or email with the machine make and model and photos of the old seat’s mounting and switch plug.

Product options, delivery options and returns terms are shown on each product page. A 30-day return policy applies to eligible items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which seat suits a mower or a machine that lives outside?

A PVC pan seat with drainage. The P2 waterproof pan seat has vinyl with contoured channels that let water run off, and the water- and weatherproof Mi600 has one-piece draining foam under a PVC cover.

Which seat suits a forklift?

A compact seat that fits the space and keeps any presence switch working. The narrow 211, for example, suits forklifts and small construction vehicles where room is tight, and adjusts in five steps for drivers from 50 to 120 kg.

What is a seat top, and do I need a base?

A seat top is the cushion and backrest without a suspension or base. The T4B, for example, needs a matching KAB base, such as a suspension, slide rails or a fixed bracket, plus a fitting kit to suit the vehicle.

Can I fit a seat belt to a replacement seat?

Often, yes. The W700 has seat belt mounting points, pan seats such as the P1 offer a static lap belt as an option, and the 524 takes a belt to ISO 6683 with 15 kN anchorage strength. Check the fixings before you order.

Is a non-original seat safe on a forklift?

It can be, if the floor mountings are sound and the belt and presence switch still work. A machine that could overturn should have a seat restraint, so choose a seat with belt fixings: the MSG20 Narrow offers a static or retractor belt.

12V or 24V: which air seat do I need?

Match the compressor to the machine’s electrical system. The Rancher has a 12V compressor and the LGV 90-C2 Mustang offers a 24V option. The 555 is available with a 12V or 24V compressor, or a manual valve for machines with their own air supply.

Do any replacement seats swivel?

Some do. The Rancher turns 20° each way, which United Seats says helps with rear view when ploughing and with getting in and out of the cab. The Mustang has a 360° turntable in 10° steps.

Which adjustments help on long days in the seat?

Adjust the seat to improve your posture, and set the suspension to your weight. Look for fore-and-aft travel, backrest angle and lumbar support: the 211, for example, slides up to 210 mm, and the 11/E6 has mechanical lumbar support.

What operator weight will a suspension seat take?

Many cover 50 to 120 kg, but ranges differ: 50 to 130 kg on the MSG20 Narrow and 80 to 150 kg on the 524. Choose a range that covers every regular driver.