Replacing forklift seats

Replacement forklift seats can be purchased if your current seat is getting worn out. Depending on your budget you can buy either new, used, or refurbished seats. If you are interested in an OEM seat, you should contact the forklift maker directly (i.e. Toyota, Clark, Crown, Yale, Hyster, etc.). Using worn out seats is extremely uncomfortable and can result in forklift operator fatigue.

In order to buy the right seat for your electric or diesel forklift, you will need the exact part number. You can find this part number directly on the old seat. You can also find the seat model information if your forklift owners manual has an exploded parts diagram. If the part number has worn off, you can find this information by calling your dealer with your forklift truck model information. Your dealer can also provide you with this information if you have your forklift serial number handy.

You can purchase aftermarket seats for less than the price of a new forklift seat. Aftermarket seats usually have adjustable mounting brackets which will fit your particular brand of forklift. There are many different retailers which sell parts online. You can purchase seats in fabric, plastic/vinyl, or leather. While there are many different choices, spending a little more on your seat can give you extra benefits such as suspension with shock dampers, back adjustments, lumbar support, etc. Purchasing a comfortable seat can be a great benefit to those who spend their entire day driving around on a forklift truck. Pay extra attention to the foam padding on the cushions. Lower end forklift seats will generally come with a softer cushion. You do not want soft cushions as they will not provide adequate support. A good seat will be made with high density foam which will not easily compress. This is very similar to the seats on your automobile. Seats which are made for back support will feel very firm to the touch.

You can perform the seat replacement yourself, as long as you have the basic hand tools needed. If you are installing an after market seat, be sure to keep all the nuts, bolts and mounting rails from your existing OEM seat. In certain cases you may need to reuse some of these parts for your new seat installation.

NOTE: If the seat belt on your forklift machine is worn, you should have it replaced immediately. Machines with worn seat belts are extremely unsafe and can result in operator injury. Depending on the model of your lift truck, you may be able to purchase a separate seat belt assembly without having to buy an entire replacement seat.