Seat retrofit on Electro 12

[formariz 12,040]

Due to my aging body, the way that my legs are in relationship to my hips while sitting on the Electro gives me a real problem. In the summer its ok because when deck is on, i use the deck as a foot rest having that way my legs extended. In the winter however i have to use the actual foot rest and raising my legs that much it gives me some painfull issues with my hips.

 

So, I been researching seats and came across a seat that is higher and adjustable allowing me to keep my legs extended. I am not as much concerned as to mounting the seat but really how this whole assembly relates to the rest of tractor such as possible issues with fender latch opening due to additional pressure towards back of tractor.

 

Having said all of above, my question is , has anyone fitted one of these seats in this type tractor and if so how well does it work? Any input is greatly appreciated

 

 

 

 

Edited February 6, 2015 by formariz

[RedRanger 1,469]

I've installed one really similar on my JD.  I've got the Big Boy from Northern Tool.  http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200418190_200418190

 

It is super comfortable and adjustable for tilt and weight/spring tension.  With the suspension built in, it glides over the yard.  With sitting higher, your legs and back are very comfortable.

As a seat, I highly recommend it.

The one in your post I also considered and was runner up for me.

 

Downside is their size.  They sit considerably higher than the stock seat.  I had to modify the shock and spring on mine to allow it to sit lower at rest.

My JD is much larger than a WH Electric and I'm not so sure how these seats would fit or function on a smaller tractor.

The problem is dimension "B" at 10+ inches, the seat cushion sits higher than the back of most stock seats.  Even at compression with you sitting on it, it sits much higher.

IT does compress, but not as far down as a stock seat.

 

Hope I don't appall anyone with the color, but thought I'd post this so you can see the size.  Both the seat you're looking at and the one from Northern Tool are about the same size.

 

I also added a 1/4" plate between the fender pan and the seat bracket to add rigidity.  I'm sure the WH pan would need the same.

 

 

My personal belief is that the WH Electro, or about any lawn/garden tractor would be too small for this type of seat.

The seat is designed more for sub compact utility tractors or farm tractors.

Edited February 6, 2015 by RedRanger

[RedRanger 1,469]

FYI, the seats compress about 3-4 inches from resting height when you sit on them.

[MalMac 1,332]

If memory serves me well, the Electro's seat sits directly on the finder pan. No seat springs at all. If I am correct any of the newer style seats that use the seat springs and seat pan will help get your seat up a good 3 inches. Sitting directly on the seat pan is uncomfortable at best. Take someone 6 foot tall or someone even shorter with some hip or back problems and you have the perfect recipe for trouble. The problem you have with getting a seat to high is you might start getting into steering wheel height problems. If you use the seat you have pictured here you most defiantly would have to use some more meat between the seat and the fender pan or you risk cracking the pan.

[RedRanger 1,469]

Agree with Mac.  With either of these seats, I believe the steering wheel would be between your knees on this tractor.  I'd stick with a smaller garden tractor seat and add something with a spring system.

 

I kind of wonder if this one wouldn't fit the tractor better?  Looks a bit smaller?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200403585_200403585

Edited February 6, 2015 by RedRanger

[formariz 12,040]

Thank you everyone. What has me leaning towards the one shown above is the fact that it is adjustable up and down, so I can customize the height for my needs. That particular one does not have a "suspension system". It stays where it is set when you sit. Definitely all controls are going to be further away from my hands, but I have to sit in such a manner that my legs are extended as much as possible. I am 6" tall and right now it is like I am squatting when I sit on it. That position ia a definite NO NO for my condition.

 

Good point about reinforcing the pan. Not the strongest system as it is anyway. Occasionally also when I lean back on current seat the latch opens so with new seat that will be definitely a problem since it  has a taller backrest. I will have to devise a way to actually lock that latch.

 

Looking at newer tractors like for example a 520H aren't those seats and their relationship to all controls pretty much what I will wind up with? I have never sat on one of those tractors but looking at one it seems that will be  pretty much it.

 

Red Ranger-- Does that tractor also steer on rear wheels or is it an optical illusion?

Edited February 6, 2015 by formariz

[RedRanger 1,469]

 

 

Red Ranger-- Does that tractor also steer on rear wheels or is it an optical illusion?

Yes.  It is 4 wheel steer.

 

I really believe the seat you are considering will be too high for your tractor, but there is only one way to find out.

 

Personally, I'd find a high back garden tractor seat with either a spring suspension or minimal height - shock suspension.

Your back will appreciate it.

[squonk 43,744]

I thought about one of those seats. But the mounting pattern on it comes no where near one of those u-bend tractor springs you find on a lot of GT's My 73 12 is used for plowing. I had to take the right foot board off for the plow angle arm to fit. I put a stirrup foot mount off of my 704  on it and it works great. I'm considering doing the same on the left side as my leg angle from the seat is such my foot is always sliding up the clutch pedal. I hate the seat on the fender pan and use those u-bend springs with these seats. Both are super comfortable!

Edited February 6, 2015 by squonk