Cart 0

How to Identify Your Heavy Equipment Seat Model: A Complete Guide

Posted by TED GOGOLEWSKI on

Why Your Seat Model Number Matters

When it's time to replace a heavy equipment seat or order a replacement part — a cushion, armrest, seatbelt, or suspension component — the model number is the single most important piece of information you need. Ordering by description alone ("a black vinyl seat with armrests") almost always leads to the wrong part. Model numbers tell you the exact suspension type, back height, seat series, and feature configuration.

This guide covers the four major brands we carry — Grammer, KAB, Sears, and Concentric — and shows you exactly how to find and read your seat's model number.

Step 1: Find the Model Label on Your Seat

Every OEM seat has a model or part number label affixed to the seat frame or suspension housing. Here's where to look by brand:

Grammer Seats

Look on the underside of the seat pan or on the side of the suspension housing. The label is typically a white or silver sticker with a barcode. The model number will begin with MSG (Mechanical Suspension Grammer) followed by two or three digits.

Example: MSG85/731, MSG95/732

KAB Seats

The KAB model label is usually found on the rear of the seat back or on the suspension base plate. Look for a label with "KAB Seating" printed at the top. The model number is a three-digit number followed by letters indicating the series and configuration.

Example: 525FC, 524FC, 411FC, 555FC

Sears Seats

Sears (now Sears Seating) labels are typically on the underside of the seat cushion pan or on a tag attached to the suspension. The model number is a four-digit number, sometimes followed by letters for variant configurations.

Example: 5527, 5545, 5587, 8552U

Concentric Seats

Concentric labels are found on the suspension base or seat frame side rail. The model number is a three-digit number.

Example: 330, 440, 760

Step 2: Decode the Model Number

Once you have the model number, here's how to read it.

Grammer Model Numbers: MSG[Suspension][Series]/[Back Height][Features]

Grammer model numbers follow a consistent format that tells you a lot about the seat:

  • MSG — Mechanical Suspension Grammer (all Grammer seats start with this)
  • 65 / 75 / 85 / 95 — The suspension series. Higher numbers generally indicate more advanced suspension:
    • 65 = Low-profile mechanical (MSG65/531 — common on skid steers, rollers, zero-turn mowers)
    • 75 = Low-profile 12V air suspension (MSG75/531)
    • 85 = Standard mechanical suspension (MSG85 series — most common)
    • 95 = 24V air suspension (MSG95 series — premium)
  • /531 — Low-profile seat (fits compact equipment with limited cab height)
  • /731 — Midback seat
  • /732 — Highback seat
  • S suffix — Swivel base (e.g., MSG85/731S — 180° swivel for backhoes)

Quick reference:

KAB Model Numbers: [Series][Configuration]

KAB model numbers use a three-digit series number followed by letters:

  • 400 series — Mid-range seats (411FC = midback, fits many excavators)
  • 500 series — Premium seats (524FC = highback mechanical, 525FC = highback deluxe, 555FC = 24V air)
  • FC — Full comfort configuration with standard feature set
  • Voltage: The 555FC requires a 24V electrical connection; all others are passive mechanical

Quick reference:

Sears Model Numbers

Sears uses a four-digit model number. The key differentiators are suspension type and voltage:

  • 5527 — Mechanical suspension (no power required)
  • 5545 — 12V air suspension with swivel (4WD tractors)
  • 5587 — 24V air suspension
  • 8552U — 24V air suspension, highback with dual armrests
  • NC / w/Arms suffix — Indicates the seat includes armrests

Quick reference:

Concentric Model Numbers

Concentric uses a simple three-digit model number. Higher numbers generally indicate more features:

  • 330 — Full adjustment suspension with adjustable armrests
  • 440 — Mechanical suspension with fold-forward function
  • 760 — Highback mechanical with dual armrests and headrest

Quick reference:

Step 3: Match Your Seat to a Replacement

Once you have your model number, you have two options:

  1. Replace with the same model — If your seat is still being manufactured, order a direct replacement. Use the quick reference links above to find your exact model.
  2. Find a compatible upgrade — If your model is discontinued or you want to upgrade (e.g., from mechanical to air suspension), use the model number to identify your suspension series and back height, then match to a current equivalent.

Can't Find the Label?

Labels wear off over time, especially on older equipment. If you can't find the model number, here are some ways to identify your seat:

  • Check your equipment's service manual — OEM manuals often list the seat model number in the cab specifications section.
  • Measure the seat — Note the overall width (typically 18"–20" for standard seats), back height (midback vs. highback), and whether it has a suspension mechanism visible underneath.
  • Check for voltage requirements — If there's a wiring harness connected to the seat, it's an air suspension seat requiring 12V or 24V power. If there's no wiring, it's mechanical.
  • Contact us — Send us a photo of your seat and we can help identify the model.

Shop Replacement Seats & Parts

Once you've identified your seat model, browse our full catalog of replacement seats and parts:

Share this post

Newer Post →