1026R - Need more seat suspension

42038 Views 66 Replies 29 Participants Last post by BB0ne, Sep 1, 2014

tweivoda

Discussion Starter · Apr 16, 2012

As a honorary member of the "bigger Boned-larger framed" club I noticed that I bottom out the seat suspension on the 1026 on rough ground. I had the deluxe seat suspension from the special edition series on my X748. That seat was adjustable for more weight. It was a very nice accessory albeit expensive.

I'm a little reluctant to plop down $600 but any thought if the deluxe seat suspension from the X tractors would work or are there any other suggestions for a little more suspension "travel."

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mustangary

· #2 · Apr 16, 2012

tweivoda said:
As a honorary member of the "bigger Boned-larger framed" club I noticed that I bottom out the seat suspension on the 1026 on rough ground. I had the deluxe seat suspension from the special edition series on my X748. That seat was adjustable for more weight. It was a very nice accessory albeit expensive.

I'm a little reluctant to plop down $600 but any thought if the deluxe seat suspension from the X tractors would work or are there any other suggestions for a little more suspension "travel."

I would also like a bit more suspension travel... am also bottoming out, even as a member of the smaller boned-smaller framed club! Glad you posted this... perhaps someone can help.

Am a bit disappointed JD did not give us an adjustable suspension seat...

tweivoda

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 16, 2012

I just remembered that I have the standard suspension from my 3720 compact utility in my shed. I installed the optional air suspension on the tractor and kept the standard adjustable suspension. It doesn't look that much wider and it appears that there is room. In the non-compressed mode it is about an inch and a half taller. Its probably fairly complicated to make the switch but I am going to see what is involved.

tweivoda

Discussion Starter · #4 · Apr 16, 2012

Interesting note, I went onto the JDparts.com website and Deere shows the what looks to be the deluxe seat suspension kit from the X 700 special edition series garden tractors as an option seat package on the 1026R. I know they don't offer it on the John Deere's website under the "build your own" listing. But the fact it is listed under parts might suggest that it was being considered at one time.

tweivoda

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 23, 2012

UPDATE: The issue with the seat suspension bottoming out may not be related to a lack of suspension resistance/travel, at least in my case. What I thought was the seat suspension "hitting bottom" but instead is the seat actually hitting the optional third hydrualic control valve. There is almost no room between the right fender and the seat so it is easy to see why the seat hits the valve. It doesn't actually hit the valve but hits one of the steel hydraulic lines.

The service tech who prepared the tractor says there is no adjustment so the resolution has to come from the seat/suspension. The issue is not acceptable as I only have about 2" of travel.

We will see what John Deere has to offer as to a resolution.

I feel somewhat vindicated. I was worried that Deere might respond with "lose some poundage"

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RRMCCABE

· #6 · Apr 23, 2012

Yea I would think they would have to do something.

I had the special edition style seat on my 345 GT. I really miss that on my 2305 and I might have to retrofit one onto the 2305 one of these days.

Its hard to have a nice suspension seat and then go without one.

56FordGuy

· #7 · Apr 23, 2012

Do you have a picture of the valve/ steel line in question? I'm wondering if you could replace the hard line with a flexible hose and route it out of the way somewhere.

glc

· #8 · Apr 24, 2012

Its hard to have a nice suspension seat and then go without one

That's why the only time on my OEM seat was to get it in the garage,which was about 20 seconds. The rest of the 95 hours my butt has been on the SE seat. Worth every penny.

What I thought was the seat suspension "hitting bottom" but instead is the seat actually hitting the optional third hydrualic control valve.

Glad it didn't turn out that JD put a watered down version of the SE seat on the 1 Series.

Greg

tweivoda

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 24, 2012

The dealership is picking up the tractor tomorrow. I noticed that the only time the sits hits the steel hydraulic line is when the seat is pushed back to the rearward position. If I move it ahead a few inches it misses the line. But I like the seat in the furthest back position. Its easier on my knee.

I am close to making a decision on the special edition seat. The UK tractors get special edition seat so it has to fit. My old X748 with the special edition seat is still at the dealership and I compared it with a 1026 they had on the lot and it looks like it is an easy installation.

So, I was wondering, are there any 1023 owners who would like to put the 1026 seat/suspension on their tractor? I was thinking about $300 for everything plus shipping. I hope I don't violate any rules here discussing something for sale. Remember, the only problem I am having with the original seat is because I have the 3rd hydraulic control valve. You should be fine if you don't.

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RRMCCABE

· #10 · Apr 24, 2012

glc said:
That's why the only time on my OEM seat was to get it in the garage,which was about 20 seconds. The rest of the 95 hours my butt has been on the SE seat. Worth every penny.

Greg, how much work was it to install on your tractor?

I actually was able to come up with correct JD hardware/brackets to mount the seat on my 345. But I dont think thats possible on my 2305. I am pretty sure its going to take some custom brackets.

EDIT: Nevermind. Found your thread.

glc

· #11 · Apr 27, 2012

Rich
In my seat thread,I showed the only two items I used from the JD attaching parts kit. I can't say for sure,but I think that large bracket is for a 2305. If you are able to find out for sure,let me know,and I will send you what I have left from the kit.

Greg

RRMCCABE

· #12 · Apr 27, 2012

glc said:
Rich
In my seat thread,I showed the only two items I used from the JD attaching parts kit. I can't say for sure,but I think that large bracket is for a 2305. If you are able to find out for sure,let me know,and I will send you what I have left from the kit.

Greg

Thanks Greg

Rich

Ericfap

· #13 · Jul 21, 2012

1026R seat suspension

To all of you guys who can fabricate items for your tractor, I have an idea that I would like to pass on to you guys. I also need the extra spring in my 1026R seat. I tried some hardware springs to add more tension but there just isnt quite enough room or tension.

I have done some research on air shocks like the semi tractors use. However, our tractor seats don't just move up and down but also backwards. This eliminates a regular seat absorber. Then I thought of the Harley Davidson Road King (like the police use) where it has an air bellows under the seat. The price, used, wasn't too bad. They use a compressor but for our usage we won't need a compressor or an air tank due to the low pressure (7 to 15 psi) and length of seat time. But again this seat only moves up and down. I spoke with an engineer at Goodyear and he recommended the air bag design. This is like an air bag used on truck axles (just smaller scale) and allows for up to a half an inch of movement side to side. I figured our seat moves backward about 5/8's of an inch and close enough for our project. However, these bags are VERY expensive. I have exhausted all of my ideas. I know there are some very clever designers and fabricators out here that may be able to come up with something acceptable price wise.

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glc

· #14 · Jul 21, 2012

It might be worthwhile looking into this setup. I knew I saw this in a post somewhere awhile back. A little searching found it.

RIDING MOWER AIR RIDE KIT FOR SEAT / MANUAL FILL | eBay

Greg

Reactions: 1

Hip 256

· #15 · Dec 7, 2012 (Edited)

Anyone have there suspension break my suspension broke

My seat suspension broke dealer did not replace but welded it not happy with its travel as I am a heavier operator seat has no way to adjust for added weight other than forward or back I also own a X 540 lawn mower and that system can adjust for added weight I opted for the 1026r to get the added features (seat etc) over a 1023 its seat is similar to my X 540 tried to contact John Deere there site says contact dealer shoudn't dealer report this issue to Deere

glc said:
It might be worthwhile looking into this setup. I knew I saw this in a post somewhere awhile back. A little searching found it.

RIDING MOWER AIR RIDE KIT FOR SEAT / MANUAL FILL | eBay

Greg

Hoosier

· #16 · Dec 7, 2012

Hip,

My seat suspension broke during the first month - probably second mowing. Weld broke on one of the suspension arms. Dealer replaced the entire suspension system under the seat.

I figured in the future if it happens again out of warranty I can spot weld it back together just like your dealer did.

Dungar

· #17 · Jan 10, 2013

tweivoda did you ever take the plunge and make the mod?

I just traded in my X728SE on Tuesday and took delivery of my 1026R (H120 Loader, 260 Backhoe, 54" Quick Hitch Front Balde w/hydraulic lift & angling, 54" mmm Auto Connect & Forward Light Kit.). Loved the X728 but wanted to do more around the property. I can tell already that I'm going to miss the SE seat that was on the 728. I new this off the bat since I did a demos back in the summer.

Just another idea not sure how it would work or how to fabricate it yet. I have an unused fox air shock with 3.5" (approx) of travel off of one of my mountain bikes. It would be interesting to see if the shock could be mounted on a bracket behind the seat or under somehow. Pictured below is a newer model of the shock off of the website.

Dungar

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dtg1026r

· #18 · Apr 6, 2013

1026r more suspension

I just figured a way to add more suspension to a standard 1026r seat. I just used another M153100 JD compression spring and removed the rubber stop at the back of seat and replaced with the spring. I purchased 2 springs and only need 1 as for now, but will add the 2nd if needed. :thumbup1gif:

Now the seat doesn't bottom out!! yea!!

Reactions: 1

dieselshadow

· #19 · Apr 6, 2013

dtg1026r said:
I just figured a way to add more suspension to a standard 1026r seat. I just used another M153100 JD compression spring and removed the rubber stop at the back of seat and replaced with the spring. I purchased 2 springs and only need 1 as for now, but will add the 2nd if needed. :thumbup1gif:

Now the seat doesn't bottom out!! yea!!

We're going to need some pics of this.:good2:

RichBaxter

· #20 · Apr 6, 2013

dtg,

Could you post some photos showing what you did? I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean.

Thank you very much for your help.

Rich Baxter

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