Don’t Wait for Failure Before Replacing Forklift Seats

Forklift seats are the one part of any lift truck that takes the most abuse. Other parts of the vehicle may grab, lift, roll, and turn. But the seats absorb every bump, every jostle, and every quick stop or fast acceleration. No wonder they tend to wear out faster than any other forklift part!

They also happen to be one of the most important parts when it comes to the health and safety of the forklift driver. They are the primary point of contact between the operator and his or her vehicle. So they play a pivotal role in the comfort and security of your work staff.

That’s why it’s so important to pay close attention to the condition of forklift seats and replace them before they fail.

Forklift Replacement Seats — Comfort and Care

Like other parts of the vehicle, forklift seats are mechanical equipment. Most are composed of springs, padding, and a durable covering. When they are bolted to the forklift’s mainframe, they make a physical connection through which all of the movement of the vehicle is transmitted to the seat itself.

When the forklift accelerates, the seat back absorbs the force of that acceleration from the driver’s back. When the forklift hits a bump, the seat cushions the blow from the operator’s backside. And when the forklift turns a corner, the bolts hold the seat firmly in position so that the driver doesn’t slide out of the cab.

Over time, however, all of these mechanical functions can fail. And any single failure can have catastrophic consequences. Even tiny failures — such as seat springs losing their tension — can have an effect on the health of the operator. One of the leading cause of back injuries or pain for forklift drivers is worn seats that have lost their springiness.

Forklift Replacement Seats — Inspect Regularly

Your operators know which forklifts have uncomfortably worn seats and which ones don’t, even if they don’t always bring it to their supervisor’s attention. The vehicles that are last to be chosen usually have the worst seats.

Add checking the condition of the forklift seat to your daily pre- and post-shift forklift inspection reports. This gives front-line users the opportunity to communicate genuine problems that have a direct effect on their performance, not to mention their comfort and health.

And replace worn or damaged forklift seats before they cause injury or discomfort to your drivers. Many replacement seats are universal, meaning they will fit into practically any type or model of forklift. Others must be matched to the specific model.

Regardless of the type of replacement seat you choose, make sure your operators are safe, secure, and comfortable by replacing worn seats in a timely manner.