What do forklifts, sweeper/scrubbers, personnel burden carriers, and light construction equipment all have in common? They all require the operator to spend long hours sitting. With heavy lifting comes punishing jolts and jerks that can lead to a sore back, general discomfort, or pain in the rear end. A well-designed seat can help lessen the impact of spending long hours in the seat and provide maximum operator comfort and safety. Today, our product experts share some tips on determining when it's time to replace your seat and how to choose the best option.

Engage Your Senses

Not sure if it's time to replace your seat? Let your eyes and rear help guide you.

• Conduct a Visual Inspection - External wear and tear is easy to spot; torn, peeling or worn fabric is an obvious indicator that it's time for a replacement. Are you using Duct Tape to keep the stuffing from leaking out from the bottom or edges? Here's your sign.
• Take a Seat - Maybe the easiest way to see if it's time to replace your seat is to check with the person sitting in it every day. A worn or broken seat will cause discomfort. If your operator is complaining about pain, it's time to replace your seat.

Permission to Pick Your Seat

You've determined that it's time to replace your seat, but how do you choose your replacement? The most straightforward option is to simply replace what you have with the exact same model. But if the seat caused your operator discomfort or if it wore out faster than expected, it may be time to upgrade to a better quality model. Here are some things to consider when selecting your next seat.

• Air-Type Suspension - These seats will absorb the majority of shock and vibration produced by the machine so it isn't transferred to the operator.
• Ergonomic Design - Ergonomic seats are designed to offer maximum comfort.
• Built-in Seatbelt - A built-in seatbelt ensures that your operator is always belted in when operating the machine.
• Seat Cover Material - You can choose a seat covered in vinyl or cloth. Vinyl seats are good for outdoor applications because they're resistant to moisture and humidity while cloth may be better indoors. Vinyl is easier to maintain and clean because it doesn't stain, but cloth is more durable and breathable in hotter situations.
• Safety Switch - This safety feature prevents the machine from being operated if someone isn't in the seat.

Seek and You Shall Find

A happy, comfortable operator is more efficient and productive. Not every seat is created equal so it's important to do your research to ensure the seat you choose will benefit your operator. TVH carries seats from some of the top brands in the industry, including Grammer, HO Bostrom, Sears, Michigan, and Total Source®. We offer both suspension and non-suspension options in a variety of designs including one-piece, wingback, flip down, and more. We also carried a large selection of replacement parts including seat adjusters, replacement cushions, seat switches belts, armrests, and hip restraints. Visit tvh.com or contact your sales representative for more information on the extensive line of seats and accessories we carry.