Spending hours on a forklift will quickly lead you to an important discovery — not all forklift seats are the same. From comfort to function, replacement seats for forklifts come in a variety of different styles. Learn about some of the differences between forklift seats so that you can choose the right replacement option.

Comfort

Again, in a busy warehouse, an operator can spend several hours on the forklift in a single day. To keep the operator attentive, it's best to also keep them comfortable. A comfortable replacement seat will have added padding and an ergonomic design that molds to the body and is less restrictive, which is important to comfort. 

It's also a good idea to choose the right material for the seat. For instance, in a warm climate, you should choose a replacement seat that is made from a cloth material instead of vinyl. Vinyl has a tendency to heat up easily, especially when the forklift is operated outside, which can make the seat hot to the touch.

Visibility

The most important operating factor with a forklift is safety. While the operator of the forklift should take measures to follow safety protocol, it's also important to ensure the operator is able to see clearly. If you do not choose the right seat, visibility could be an issue. 

Visibility issues can arise when the forklift replacement seat is not exactly intended to fit within the specific model. For example, if the replacement seat is for a larger forklift, the backing of the chair might be too high, which might obstruct the operators' view behind them. The best way to avoid this issue is to ensure the seat is sized appropriately for your model. 

Warranty

Check the guidelines of the forklift's warranty if your machine is still under warranty. There are several forklift manufacturers that require any replacement parts to be OEM or original equipment manufacturer, and a replacement seat will likely fall into this category. An OEM part is one that derives directly from the manufacturer. 

While the part can be sold by a third-party, it cannot be designed by one. If you discover that your warranty has this restriction, make sure you choose the appropriate seat replacement so that you do not void your warranty, and leave you vulnerable to added costs.

Forklift parts can be confusing, so keep all of these factors in mind when you search for a replacement seat for your forklift to ensure you find the right option for your needs.