Although an essential part of gardening, mowing was never my favorite activity.
In my defense, the self-propelled mower that I bought when I started gardening was ruthless on my arms and back. Fortunately, I upgraded to an electric riding mower that lets me shape my lawn without fatigue.
And while riding my new mower is much more comfortable than pushing around the previous corded model, I soon noticed a flaw — the seat quickly became painful. Moreover, I have a large yard, and the seat seems to dig deeper into my tailbone the longer I sit. And that’s when I realized — I need to invest in a better riding mower seat.
Hi! I’m Stacy Smith, and here’s my selection of the best riding mower seat options on the market today. So, sit back and take a ride with me as I guide you through the good and bad about my top picks.
Top 5 Riding Mower Seat Reviews
1. A & I TM555BL
Sporting a classic and rugged look, this mower seat from A & I is a one-piece construction with ample backrest to keep you comfortable for the long haul. And the best part? It is compatible with most vehicles and equipment, including tractors and lawnmowers.
Product Highlights
This all-black utility seat is designed for various applications. So, the product may serve multiple purposes, whether you need to upgrade the seat on a tractor, skid-steer loader, lawnmower, or other construction equipment. As for riding mowers, the seat fits most models from well-known brands, including Kubota, John Deere, Yanmar, Bobcat, Allis-Chalmers, and so on.
To that effect, the makers have equipped the seat with about 20 mounting holes compatible with various vehicles. But remember to pay attention to the instructions provided by the manufacturer and use SAE instead of metric bolts. The installation process itself is straightforward, and all the parts, including the seat safety switch and adjustment bolts, easily align.
And once you take it for a spin, the high backrest and ergonomic cushions will ensure that you don’t feel any persistent stabbing on your back or tailbone.
What’s There To Like About It?
Although the design of this mower seat follows the industry standard, the mid-back is higher than that of most models. In addition, the thick padding and contoured cushions add to the ergonomics, making it an ideal option for those suffering from chronic backaches.
On that note, I almost look forward to mowing the lawn after hours of bending and working on my vegetable garden. Some may even say that the cushioned back combined with the light vibrations of the mower mimic the experience of a massage chair.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Apart from the seat shape and design, I was pretty impressed by the soft and generous cushioning provided by this mower seat. However, I did notice that the thick cushions, while comfortable, made me sit higher than I wanted. Perhaps, too much of a good thing can sometimes be a bad thing?
Pros and Cons of A & I TM555BL
Pros
Cons
- Thick contoured cushions for operator comfort
- Bolt pattern fits multiple applications
- Fits most models of the following equipment: Allis-Chalmers, Bobcat, Case-IH, Ford/New Holland, John Deere, Kubota, Massey Ferguson, White/Oliver, Yanmar and many others
2. Sunbelt A-B1LGT100BL
Don’t want to shell out a couple of hundred dollars for an OEM replacement part? Check out this crowd favorite — the A-B1LGT100BL model from Sunbelt, for the same quality, durability, and comfort as an original seat replacement from the factory.
Product Highlights
Whether it is a light trim of your lawn grass or heavy-duty farm work, a durable machine goes a long way. Similarly, you want to invest in a well-constructed mower seat to stand the test of rough outdoor jobs — and that’s where Sunbelt delivers.
Despite the rugged frame and vinyl cover, this mower seat has comfortable cushions and a high back, allowing operators to sit back while landscaping. The ergonomics of the seats are further enhanced by the angled and molded design. Not to mention how the product features nifty additions, like sliding tracks to help you adjust your position and a drain hole for easy cleaning.
Nevertheless, this product is designed to fit in most standard riding mowers but comes at half the price of OEM parts. On that note, the mower seat is equipped with multiple mounting patterns to suit various brands. These include models from Kubota, White, Oliver, John Deere, and Massey Ferguson.
What’s There To Like About It?
I must admit, I was pretty satisfied with the original seat on my 2004 Simplicity Broadmoor. However, my trusty companion became worn out with decades of use, and the coils poking out of the seat were far from easy to sit on.
Fortunately, this mower seat from Sunbelt looked and felt the same as the original despite being easier on the wallet. In fact, I am considering ordering the bright yellow model to give my old lawn mower a much-needed makeover.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
According to the manufacturer, this mower seat has a universal fit and can be used with most tractors, golf carts, lawnmowers, ATVs, UTVs, and other farm equipment.
However, I found it was not fully compatible with my riding mower, and I had to make some modifications to get the job done. But, I must mention that the comfort was worth the extra effort.
Pros and Cons of Sunbelt A-B1LGT100BL
Pros
Cons
3. Northern Tool 115000BK
With a durable industrial-strength construction to match its industrial-style look, this seat is ideal for those who often engage in heavy-duty work. And at a hefty weight of 15 pounds, the sturdy steel frame, and firm seat promise a smooth ride every time.
Product Highlights
Unlike many counterfeit models on the market that are upholstered in cheap vinyl, this riding mower seat from Northern tool dons a waterproof polyurethane covering. But what’s most striking about the all-black top hide is that the makers have seemingly injection-molded the material so that it fuses to the seat.
On that note, it doesn’t seem likely that the cover will tear away and expose the padding or springs anytime soon. The cover design is complete with a drain hole to avoid pools of water in the event of rain or a hose-down. As for the cushioning itself, you can expect firm yet comfortable support and ample back support.
Moreover, the straightforward and practical design features a universal bolt pattern measuring 5.25” x 4.5”; 6” x 5”; 7.5” x 7”. So, apart from allowing simple mounting, this seat will fit most models from well-known manufacturers.
What’s There To Like About It?
Right off the bat, the quality construction material impressed me the most. Considering how I was looking for a budget-friendly seat for my Craftsman mower, I expected a cheap knock-off.
However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this product was made in Italy, using steel, solid foam rubber, and waterproof polyurethane. I recommend buyers complete the installation with stainless steel bolts for long-lasting results.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Installation was relatively easy, but I did have to drill two extra holes on the mounting frame. However, I could not figure out how to make the seat adjustable as I did not find the mounting provision provided on the original factory seat.
On that note, you may have to forego the sliding feature that allows you to move the seat front and backward.
Pros and Cons of Northern Tool 115000BK
Pros
Cons
- Steel Frame Durable Construction
- Waterproof Polyurethane Covering
- Universal bolt pattern 5.25" x 4.5"; 6" x 5"; 7.5" x 7"; 1/2" center bolt
4. A & I LGT100 GR
A & I once again delivers comfort, quality, and convenience with this high-back seat. Seemingly designed for all types of zero-turn mowers, interested buyers should check this product out if they own a Hustler unit.
Product Highlights
One look at the bottom of the seat, and you will find various mounting patterns. And while I previously had some trouble getting seats to align, this one from A & I is indeed designed to fit Hustler mowers and tractors.
On that note, the installation process was quick and easy, but do note that the bolts are not included in the package. Anyhow, if you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to contact customer support — most past customers have noted that the company is responsive regarding returns and queries alike.
And coming to the ergonomics, this seat is stiff yet comfortable. The covers have been upholstered with precision and care and won’t tear away or get damaged. Anyhow, the gray color offers a bit more diversity in a market of standard all-black seats. Combined with the sturdy structure and quality construction materials, I’d say A & I offers a bang for your buck.
What’s There To Like About It?
In my experience, this product from A & I is perhaps the best zero turn mower seat I’ve found for Hustler mowers. In fact, my neighbor, Steve, also has a similar product, but he uses a Sears zero-turn mower.
And in both cases, the old brackets and screws that came with the original seat and switch matched up perfectly. So, it’s safe to say this is a universal seat that will fit into most zero-turn units.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
My neighbor was all praises about the comfort and ergonomics of the mower seat. And while the stiff backing was on the firmer side for me, he felt it was perfectly comfortable while also helping him maintain a good posture.
Anyhow, Steve and I agreed that the cover had little grip, and I would sometimes slide from side to side while operating the mower.
Pros and Cons of A & I LGT100 GR
Pros
Cons
5. AI Products Deluxe Mower Tractor Seat
Go back to the basics with this Michigan-style mower seat from AI products. And to add a personalized touch, the manufacturer offers the product in three different colors — classic black, sleek gray, and playful yellow.
Product Highlights
Before I get to the product highlights, remember that this seat does not have provisions for slide tracks and an operator’s switch. That said, it boasts a straightforward design that promises comfort and quality.
On that note, you can expect a superior build consisting of a durable alloy-steel frame and waterproof polyurethane covers. Also, the soft padding and high backrest ensure a comfortable experience. And for added convenience, the seat comes with a drain hole and multiple mounting patterns.
However, do note that this seat is far from a “plug and play” model. In other words, the installation process is slightly complicated, and you may need more than two hands on deck. Nevertheless, the manufacturer has designed this versatile seat to fit with most motor vehicles, including tractors, UTVs, golf carts, lawnmowers, and so on.
What’s There To Like About It?
Out of the three color options, I decided to go for my favorite — yellow. In fact, my husband once took a picture of me mowing the lawn against a backdrop of golden daffodils in my garden, making the seat stand out.
So, if you are looking for aesthetic value, this might be the product to pick. And while beauty is subjective, everyone will agree that the sponge padding makes it an incredibly comfortable seat — and the drain hole is a huge plus.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Right off the bat, you should know that the installation process is not beginner-friendly, and the seat does not come with mounting brackets and other hardware. That said, I had to take my husband’s help in welding the extensions on the steel seat support to put it together.
Pros and Cons of AI Products Deluxe Mower Tractor Seat
Pros
Cons
- Durable Waterproof Construction
- Michigan Style without Slide Tracks
- Multiple Mounting Patterns. Has Drain Hole In Seat
Buyers Guide
While there are plenty of excellent options to choose from, you need to consider a few factors before picking the best riding mower seat. Here are a few guidelines to help you out:
1. Build Quality
Without a doubt, durability is the most crucial aspect of any high-quality riding mower seat. After all, the bumpy movements involved in the activity are indeed going to test the strength of the frame, padding, and seat upholstery.
On that note, rugged steel frames are perhaps an ideal option for the construction, whereas vinyl covers won’t tear away quickly. Also, considering how mowing is a labor-intensive job, be sure to pick a breathable and sweat-resistant fabric.
As for the internal construction, you want your seat to be equipped with comfortable padding. Combined with a high backrest, adequate cushioning will help minimize discomforts such as backaches, waist soreness, arm sprains, and muscle fatigue.
Sometimes, high-end seats come with shock-absorbers to prevent similar body aches. On a side note, a seat-to-back one-piece construction increases stability to reduce movement.
2. Cover Design
An attractive and well-designed seat mower can instantly renew the look of old and worn-out mowers that are frequently subjected to heavy-duty jobs. And while most seat mowers come with all-black upholstery, you can add a little pizzazz with a colorful number.
However, the design does not only refer to the physical appearance but also the ergonomic features, such as a molded design and high backrest. In addition, the seat cover and steel frames should be made of materials that can resist high temperatures.
Considering how most mowing jobs are performed in summers, you don’t want a seat to get sun-damaged. Moreover, heat can lead to friction, which may cause rashes and pain. Also, you may want to look for a seat with a drain hole for added convenience.
Apart from preventing a pool of rainwater on the seat, this feature permits water to pass through when you hose down the mower. And while nobody likes to sit on a wet seat, ensuring it remains dry is crucial for keeping rust and other signs of wear at bay.
3. Ease Of Installation
Most manufacturers label their products as “universal mower seats,” but you can’t always trust these claims. That said, you have to conduct extensive research to ensure that the size and mounting patterns are compatible with your mower.
For this, you can refer to the product description, which details the dimensions of the seat and whether it has multiple mounting hole patterns. On that note, buyers should always prefer a seat with pre-drilled mounting holes to avoid extra steps during the installation process.
When shopping online, I also examine the pictures of the mounting holes provided by the manufacturer and can sometimes guess whether they will fit into my equipment. However, I have been wrong on some occasions, so it is best to look through the customer reviews and go through the experience of past buyers with the same mowers.
Moreover, some sellers design their seats and provide kits for specific brands to help you make a more confident decision. For instance, if you have a Hustler riding mower at home, search for a company that builds replacement parts for Hustler equipment.
4. Additional Features
Not all riding mower seats are designed while making allowances for added features, including sliding tracks and safety switches. That said, installing a non-compatible replacement part may compromise these nifty additions.
While you should never negotiate on the safety switch, also known as an Operator Presence Control device, a sliding track is not always necessary. In fact, if the seat has a high backrest with a comfortable angle, you may not need to adjust the seat at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before installing a new mower seat, you have to remove the original by pushing it up and forward towards the steering wheel. Once the seat is slightly lifted, you will see a few bolts holding the seat down — remove these, and the seat will come off.
Assuming that your replacement seat is fully compatible with the mower, you can easily align the holes and bolt it right back. If not, you may have to drill extra holes to make them fit. On that note, you may have to compromise some of the features, such as a safety switch and slide tracks, if you do not buy an OEM replacement part.
Yes, you don’t have to buy a completely new replacement seat because of a damaged seat cover. Instead, you can call in a professional to reupholster the seat or do it at home by yourself while watching YouTube tutorials or reading online guides. However, DIY projects may lack the professional finish and molded elements of high-quality seat covers.
Depending on the brand, mower seats come in diverse shapes and designs. For instance, a seat may be a one-piece construction or have separate bottom and top parts. Likewise, the material of the frame can be metal or plastic, and the seats can be made of soft padding or fiberglass.
My Final Recommendation
From a classic all-black seat with several features to a bold yellow seat with a straightforward design, these were my top picks. But if I had to pick one, I would go for the A & I TM555BL, primarily because it feels as comfortable as a massage chair.
However, the Sunbelt A-B1LGT100BL comes as a close second as it was available in my favorite color while also offering superior quality and comfort. The difference between the two came down to ease of installation.
And even though both models are advertised as universal fits, only one of them was effortless to put together. So, to reiterate, you must always conduct adequate research to find your perfect fit — sometimes, literally.