If you are in the market for a truck seat, let me give you some common guidelines to help make a better selection. Before you buy, check several manufacturers and ask them to help find the one that best matches some of the following specifications, which are recommended by the Road Freight Transport Industry. Doing your research can save you time, money and give you the best ride.
  • Size. Overall seat size is important. The seat width should be within 19” – 22”. The length of the seat cushion should be no less than 19”. The forward and rear slide rail adjustment should be at least 8”. The seat height range from compressed seat plane to the floor should be between 16”-23” and be adjustable.
  • Shape. Shape of the seat is also important. Look for a seat in which the forward surface of the seat rolls downwards, with the roll beginning approximately 4-5” back from the front edge. This is to ensure that the driver’s legs can move freely without being restricted by the front edge of the seat.
  • Bolsters. There should be seat bolsters on both sides of the seat and backrest cushions and toward the rear of the seat cushion. The cushions should be tapered enough to prevent side to side movement of the driver, but compliant enough to accommodate different size drivers.
  • Height Adjustment Control. Seat height adjustment control must be easy to operate while in a normal seated posture. The backrest width at the lumbar region should be approximately 20” wide. At the shoulder area, it should be approximately 17” wide. Height of the backrest should be approximately 22”. Backrest adjustment should range from vertical to 5 degrees rearward and must be easy to operate while in a normal seated posture.  Cushioning on either side of the backrest must stabilize the driver to restrict excessive sideways movement.

While an air seat will improve the ride, give added durability and comfort, careful consideration must be taken to select the best seat for your application.

K & M Mfg. is a major distributor for National Seating and ISRI air seats and Seats, Inc. truck seat covers.  K & M is located in Renville, MN and can be reached at 800-328-1752. Or, you can send your inquiries to sales@tractorseats.com.
 

 

Comments (6)

Kevin Mulder

I have been with K & M Mfg. for 24 years, the last 16 as the sales manager. I currently reside in Renville, MN. My wife, Michelle, and I have three grown children and one grandchild. I enjoy reading, all sports and spending time fishing and gardening at our lake cabin in northern Minnesota.

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I've talked with a lot of drivers over the years about the seats in trucks and most just don't seem to care, but my thoughts are that since you spend SO much time in either your seat or in your bunk while out on the road, then you should really spend the money on a premium seat and mattress. Just my thinking anyway.

August 10, 2012 8:31:36 AM

I like that the seat in the Cascadia has so many adjustments. The lower seat cushion will extend for Bob and his long legs and I can push it back into position when it is my turn to drive and not put my legs to sleep.

August 02, 2012 14:12:10 PM

Seats have come along way since I started my driving carreer in 1983. With the amount of time we spend driving, it becomes very important to have the seat fit your body with the proper support . Some of the early seats from when I started almost shortened my time as a driver due to back problems.

July 29, 2012 8:28:30 AM

Short seat length cuts off circulation and affects your ability to manipulate the pedals. The ergonomics of a great seat determine comfort AND attitude on a daily basis.

July 27, 2012 11:06:25 AM

Having driven for 3 years I can appreciate the importance of a proper seat. Great article.

July 26, 2012 22:28:48 PM

Nothing worse than a short seat for a tall person. ☺

July 26, 2012 18:08:57 PM