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The Right Seat Increases Productivity; Reduces Injury and Downtime
By Editorial Staff
Over the years the truck industry has focused on increasing driver comfort. Many now recognize that providing a comfortable work environment for the driver is more than a nice option. Discomfort leads to fatigue, injury, and a loss of focus – all of which can contribute to accidents and downtime for the driver and company.
Seating is one part of the truck that makes a difference in productivity and the prevention of lost working days.
Commercial Vehicle Group (CVG) produces National Seats with two features with the driver in mind: the BackCycler and High Performance (HP air suspension base.
The BackCycler, found exclusively in National Seats, is a simple, but effective tool which aides in the fight against back pain and strain. The BackCycler is an air bladder located in the lower back of the seat and it cyclically inflates and deflates to create slight variations in the position of the back while sitting to prevent the back from remaining in a fixed position for long periods of time, which is a key contributor to back pain.
The driver doesn’t have to shift focus to adjust the seat while driving. The BackCycler was developed following 10 years of research at the University of Vermont in conjunction with the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Used in conjunction with other features such as triple chamber air lumbar, back and cushion air bolsters, and ergonomically designed seats with high density foam, the ride for the driver becomes more comfortable.
The upper portion of the seat is not the only area in which National has spent time developing ways to improve driver comfort. The HP air suspension base is another product developed exclusively for the National Seating product family.
This suspension delivers substantial improvement in ride comfort to the driver over other older suspensions. The key achievement is the reduced transmissibility the HP base delivers to the driver.
Many features have been added to trucks today to reduce the vibration created from operations that are transmitted up through the structures to the driver. Testing conducted on eight leading competitor seat bases versus the HP clearly shows the improvement the HP base brings to the driver in terms of comfort. The improvements in ride comfort are significant as illustrated in the test results chart below.
For more information on National Seating call 1-800-222-7328.
Other Seating Options
In addition to the National Seats mentioned above, Knoedler Manufacturing offers a line of seating for a variety of trucking situations.
The Air Chief “Power-Chief” model features an electric recline mechanism, power fore and aft slide adjustment, power electric front tilt and power electric rear tilt. The power height adjustment can move in excess of six inches and the 25-inch wide seat cushion is comfortable for most drivers.
With a seat cushion extension adjustment of 1.5-inches, the thick and soft seat foam with K-webbing provides comfort and support.
Logic controls positioned on the left side of the seat make it easy for the driver to change positions. The seats also feature an air suspension system with an integrated isolator and a protective suspension cover to prevent damage. The seats feature a storage tray in front of the seat that are easy to reach from outside the cab.
Optional features include adjustable armrests and a massage system and heater & cooling units.
The Air Chief “Low-Rider” is designed for Class 8 trucks with floor height seating. The height can be adjusted up six inches if the ride gets rough.
Standard features include an air suspension system with low configuration and integrated six-inch height adjustability; fore and aft isolator as an integral part of the suspension system for enhanced comfort with fewer moving parts.
The seat cushion measures 23 inches wide and is constructed of extra-thick dual density seat cushion foam for increased comfort. The seat position features a seat cushion extension to support short or tall drivers. The Foarm Adjustment System features air-lumbar support and side bolster width adjustment.
Driver controls are located on the left and an ICP bar (Intermediate Connection Point) moves back and forth with the isolator for more comfort to promote seat belt use. A suspension boot keeps the working environment clean and the seat comes with an infinite backrest angle adjustment.
Optional features include fingertip control front adjustable armrests and a 25-inch wide seat cushion on this “ride low seating” model.
For more information on these air ride seats, contact Knoedler Manufacturing at 1-800-550-1150.
Covercraft SeatSaver
As the world’s largest automotive soft goods manufacturer, Covercraft Industries, Inc., announces the addition of SeatSaver®WT. Custom-fitted and application specific, SeatSaver®WT seat protectors offer protection and comfort for light-duty to Class 8 trucks and fleet vehicles.
Constructed of a heavyweight, breathable polycotton drill fabric, SeatSaver seat protectors are available in three colors: Charcoal black, gray and taupe. All seams are overlapped and double-stitched for durability and strength. The material has been treated with a commercial grade, durable water repellant finish to help block against most spills.
Designed to easily slip on and off in minutes without tools or hardware, the seat protectors are machine washable and dryer safe. Most applications include a convenient map pocket on the back of the seat and have provisions for armrest options where applicable.
For more information or to receive fabric samples, call Covercraft Industries at 1-800-426-8377 or email sales@covercraft.com. SeatSaver®WT seat protectors can be seen at the 2009 NTEA, MATS and NAFA trade shows. |
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