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My 550Z is great to operate, Never knew mowing could be so easy! The main thing I'd like to change is the seat suspension. I have the stock 2-spring system under the seat panel and the seat itself is comfortable. I've seen an upgrade online that incorporates two large springs and is adjustable but it gets mixed reviews and is a little pricey. Is there another way to improve the ride comfort, like better springs to replace the stock ones?

BA,

Whatever you do, get yourself a Seat Warehouse suspension seat kit. If there is flex forks for the front, get those as well. You will love that mower much more than you even thought you have until now.

Good luck,

Max

mhavanti said:

BA,

Whatever you do, get yourself a Seat Warehouse suspension seat kit. If there is flex forks for the front, get those as well. You will love that mower much more than you even thought you have until now.

Good luck,

Max

Click to expand...

Max,

That's the suspension kit I've looked at. It gets mixed reviews. I'll check the measurements to see if it matches the 550Z seat. One complaint is that the mounting holes don't always match.

BA,

I didn't purchase the one specifically for my Raptor SD. However, the bolt pattern is very simple to ascertain. Just measure the bolt patter on your seat mounting deck. Look up Seat Warehouse and find the suspension kit you require. Then it will match.

Only reason I can imagine anyone has had with the bolt pattern not working is they ordered without checking the bolt pattern or by suggestion of someone that gave them the wrong model number.

I ran out right after noon and mowed a bit and I'll tell you that you should come take a ride. We can remove the flex forks and suspension kit and you ride it. Then we'll put it back on and you make up your mind about the suspension kit. They do work and are the same suspension platforms that are under more high dollar units.

I purchased my suspension kit for a buck ten and therefore the reason I didn't buy the one marked for Raptor. Same suspension kit only without the slider from the factory. I purchased the same seat slider kit for 23.84 rather than $40 bucks with the suspension kit. After all said and done, I'm in for $133.84 shipping and all for both.

All I can do is recommend.

My research comes up with this one for your application. Check for yourself though. https://seat-warehouse.com/product/...r-pro-ferris-cub-cadet-tank-big-dog-yazoo-ff/

Reading the comments about the SW suspension kits on Amazon, it was obvious there were a few folks who ordered the wrong thing because they didn't measure first. Of course, then they complained about the return shipping and restocking fees. Gotta wonder about some folks.

I haven't gone to my mower shack yet to check the measurements. I'll definitely to that before ordering. In a couple of the reviews I read, the folks said they had to drill a couple of holes to match their pattern exactly.

My seat has a slider. I assume the suspension kit goes between the slider and the mounting plate on the mower?

SW pricing is interesting. Directly from them the kit is $139.95 plus $9.80 tax with free shipping. On Amazon, it's $149.95, no tax or shipping. They also have it on Ebay for $149.95 with no tax or shipping. I've sent them an offer on Ebay, so will see how that goes.

Your slider should work just fine I'm betting. Also, an EF would probably work fine for you and that is 139.95 shipped on ebay and that is from SW. I'd go with whatever fits your seat deck for the least amount of money, add your slider to the sw kit, then mount the sw kit to the chair. Lay the nose of the chair on the foot deck, lean the seat deck forward and match the two rear bolt holes, place a washer and a nut on each of those two studs from the seat slider and then you can tilt back the seat deck and wala, it will line up the front two studs with your seat deck. Easy peasy.

Have fun with it and then find you some flex forks. You can ten run it like you stole it without breaking your back.

Max

I don't see an EF suspension listed. I gave them an offer and now we're countering, so will see where it ends up.

You'll work it out. It is definitely worth it or at least was to me.

mhavanti said:

You'll work it out. It is definitely worth it or at least was to me.

Click to expand...

Thanks, Max.

After comparing the specs, I see the mounting points are the same for several "models". I ordered one based on your encouragement. I'll post my results next week.

Look forward to seeing the photos and hearing of your new ride.

I received the suspension system Monday evening, but had other things on my schedule. I installed it Wednesday evening but not without a couple of issues.

The instruction say to remove the seat slider mechanism and mount it on top of the suspension system. When I checked the clearance after removing the slider, there was no way to get the seat pressure sensor wire reconnected. So, back up a bit and re-mount the slider to the seat. The next issue was mounting holes on the suspension, so I had to drill two additional holes for it to fit onto the sliders. Then, I had to drill two additional holes in the seat panel on the mower to match the suspension system. Anyway, I got it mounted last night in time to do my regular mowing today. While it's not like going down the road in a luxury vehicle, the suspension did soften the bumps in my lawn somewhat. I've got it set pretty far to the "SOFT" side and will continue to play with the setting to see what works best.

Thanks again for the encouragement to take the plunge!

BA,

Actually, the seat slider attaches to the seat deck of the mower and the seat suspension kit attaches to the slider. Looking down at the mower, you should have the seat, the slider, then the mower in that order.

Is that what you have?

Max

mhavanti said:

BA,

Actually, the seat slider attaches to the seat deck of the mower and the seat suspension kit attaches to the slider. Looking down at the mower, you should have the seat, the slider, then the mower in that order.

Is that what you have?

Max

Click to expand...

In order to have clearance under the seat to re-attach the seat sensor wire, I had to mount the slider to the seat, but re-oriented so the lever is to the outside of the seat. Then, I had to drill two new holes in the suspension system to match the sliders. Next, I had to drill two new holes in the mower seat deck to match the bottom of the suspension. So, from top to bottom, I have seat, slider, suspension, deck.

In that case, you are not getting the full downward travel of the suspension kit. It is bottoming out on your mower seat mounting deck. Rearrange, make a seat safety switch harness extension and you're going to be so much happier.

Matter of fact, you're going to think you purchased yet another seat kit it will ride so much smoother. I made the same mistake as it appeared to me there was plenty of travel. Soon as I saw the paint being rubbed (scratched) by the suspension kit, I knew everyone was absolutely correct. It only took about 20 minutes to correct the problem.

I used two female and two male spade connectors, two pieces of wire approximately 10 inches each. One male and one female for each wire. After you solder in the connectors, cover the connectors with shrink wrap even if using sheathed connectors. Use a bit of dielectric grease on on the connectors so they resist weather and are assured a good connection.

Good luck,

Max

The issue is not the length of the wire, but the distance the seat sensor assembly sticks out of the bottom of the seat. Mounting the suspension directly to the seat would require at least 1" of washers to place the suspension far enough away to have any clearance. Then, one would have to attach the wire to the sensor before attaching the final bolts to the suspension/seat.