Choosing the right seat for the job is not a matter of comfort, it is about selecting the right type of seat for the specific demands of the job.
If you choose the wrong type of seat for the job, it may lead to poor working conditions for the operator, reduced ability to operate the equipment safely and effectively, and potential long term back problems that may ultimately lead to the operator needing to leave the job.
Categorizing the Main Types of Work Seats
There are several basic categories of work seats. There are basic fixed seats, mid-range seats and high-end suspension seats. Fixed seats provide minimal cushioning and no adjustability other than height. Mid-range seats include lumbar support, arm rests and some level of adjustability. High-end seats are designed to isolate the operator from vibrations and impacts with mechanical suspension systems.
The key to choosing the correct category of seat is to ensure that the level of complexity of the seat aligns with the requirements of the job. Spending too much money on a seat that has features you do not need is wasteful. Conversely, spending too little on a seat that does not meet the work environment requirements will cost you more in the long run due to operator fatigue, injuries and turnover.
Seating Requirements for Office Work
Proper seating for office personnel requires a good amount of lumbar support and adjustability because they do not move around like operators of heavy equipment do; however, they require durable office chairs when compared to standard office chairs, due to exposure to harsher elements (dust, extreme temperatures, etc.) and potentially rougher handling.
Businesses which employ both equipment operators and office staff should consider utilizing a supplier who can provide both office seats melbourne and industrial seating so as to ensure that employees using office chairs receive proper seating rather than simply what is available from left over equipment purchases or at a low cost.
Seating Requirements for Construction and Earthmoving Equipment
Equipment such as excavators, loaders, dozers etc., that are used for earthmoving and construction activities experience harsh working conditions with continuous vibrations and impacts. Therefore, operators need seats with effective suspension systems to dampen the impact of the vibrating/impact loads.
For example, look for seats with mechanical suspension or preferably air suspension for larger/heavy equipment or when working on rougher terrain. Weight adjustments are also important; the suspension system needs to accommodate the size of the operator. If the suspension system is too light it will bottom-out on bumps, whereas if it is too heavy it will ride too high and therefore not utilize the full range of the suspension.
Lumbar support is also an essential component of the seat design, as operators will be sitting for extended periods of time while controlling the equipment. Adjustable arm rest supports for the arms will also help reduce the strain on the shoulders and neck associated with the repetitive small motions required to operate the equipment controls.
Seating Requirements for Forklift and Warehouse Equipment
Forklift work experiences different types of stress than construction equipment. While there may be less extreme vibration and shock from the terrain, forklift operators are subjected to prolonged and repetitive movements of sitting, standing, turning and repositioning throughout their shifts.
Therefore, the forklift seat should allow for quick and easy entry and exit of the seat without the operator having to struggle with the seat. In addition, the seat should have sufficient cushioning for comfort during longer sitting periods, yet not so much bulk that it prevents the operator from moving around in the tight spaces of a warehouse.
As with construction equipment, the suspension of the forklift seat is beneficial, especially where the warehouse floor is uneven or the yard area is outdoors with uneven surfaces. However, the suspension of the seat does not need to be as aggressive as that required for construction equipment, as the impacts experienced by forklift operators are generally less severe.
Seating Requirements for Agricultural Tractor Seats
Farm work involves long hours and varying terrain. Tractors may be used for hours on end in smooth fields, or may be used for hours in rough terrain that causes damage to the tractor and its operator.
The type of seat selected will depend on the primary type of work that the tractor is intended to perform. For example, if a tractor will primarily be used for mowing or light field work, a good mid-range seat would be suitable for comfort and adequate support. On the other hand, if the tractor will be used for heavy tillage, working on hillsides or working in rough terrain, a suspension seat capable of handling the constant jolts and impacts is needed.
In recent years, modern tractors have included excellent cab suspension, however this does not negate the need for proper seat suspension. The two systems work together to isolate the operator from the jolts and vibrations that contribute to fatigue and long-term back problems.
Seating Requirements for Truck and Transport
Long-haul truck drivers sit for extended periods of time experiencing road vibration and occasional bumps from rough pavement. The seat essentially serves as the driver’s office chair for 8 to 12 hours a day, thus comfort over extended periods is paramount.
Air suspension is now a standard requirement for serious truck work. Air suspension provides smooth isolation from road vibration and is easily adjusted to fit a variety of driver weights. When purchasing a seat for truck driving applications, look for seats that have numerous adjustment points including lumbar support, seat depth, backrest angle, and armrest position.
Features such as heating and cooling are not considered luxury items for truck seats. These features help truck drivers maintain a comfortable temperature regardless of the climate and prevent excessive sweating or stiffness caused by cold temperatures, which exacerbate the fatigue of long haul truck driving.
Seating Requirements for Marine and Boat Applications
Boats experience a variety of stresses including constant motion, spray, and generally lack cab protection in smaller vessels. The boat seat must be able to withstand not only vertical impacts but also the rolling and pitching motion associated with being on water.
Boat seats with suspension systems must be waterproof and resistant to corrosion, as they are constantly exposed to moisture. Additionally, the suspension system must be able to handle multi-directional motion (not just up and down) associated with water motion.
Pedestal seats that allow operators to stand or sit provide flexibility for various water conditions. Smaller boats may require standing operation for better control and visibility in rough water conditions, while calm water conditions may allow for sitting.
Obtaining Expert Advice
Due to the vast differences between applications of work seats, obtaining expert advice from suppliers knowledgeable in various work environments will help prevent costly errors. Companies specializing in and providing industrial seating will be able to recommend a specific seat model suited to the type of equipment and work conditions, rather than simply recommending the cheapest or available seat.
Companies that specialize in and providing industrial seating will also assist with compatibility issues; i.e., verifying that the seat mounting system is compatible with the type of equipment being used, that the seat dimensions will fit within the cabin space, and that the controls will still be accessible after the new seat is installed.
Weight Ratings
All seats have weight ratings that must be respected. Operating a seat above its recommended weight rating will shorten the lifespan of the seat and compromise the effectiveness of the suspension system. Larger operators must select seats rated for their weight or the suspension will not function properly.
Some seats have wide weight ratings that are adjustable while others are more specific. One of the most frequent mistakes made in selecting a seat is to purchase a seat based upon price or features without ensuring that the weight rating of the seat matches the operators that will be using it.
Importance of Adjustability
While adjustable seats are useful for individuals who will be the sole users of the equipment, seats with adjustable features become increasingly important when the same piece of equipment is operated by multiple people. If the process of adjusting the seat is difficult or time consuming, operators will likely not bother to adjust the seat for each of their own preferences, defeating the purpose of purchasing a seat with adjustable features.
Operators prefer quick-adjust mechanisms for commonly adjusted features such as seat height and lumbar support. Mechanisms requiring tools or multiple steps to adjust the seat will likely be adjusted only once and then left in place even though different operators will be using the equipment.
Environmental Factors
The work environment influences the material selection of the seat. In hot climates, breathable materials should be used to prevent overheating. In cold climates, seats with heating capabilities should be used to prevent excessive sweating or stiffness that limits mobility.
In areas prone to moisture, materials should be chosen that are moisture-resistant and will dry quickly and minimize mold growth.
Justifying the Expense
High-quality seats are more expensive initially, however, they will provide a longer service life and improve the comfort and efficiency of the operators. Inexpensive seats that require replacement annually or biennially are more expensive in the long run than investing in quality seats that will last 5+ years and consistently provide superior performance.
Additionally, improved productivity is achieved through comfortable operators who work more efficiently, commit fewer errors, and require fewer breaks to alleviate discomfort.
