How do I Fix a Ripped Riding Mower Seat?

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Things You'll Need

  • Foam repair filler

  • Caulk gun, required by some fillers

  • Plastic putty knife

  • Vinyl repair kit, including patch and bond adhesive

  • Isopropyl alcohol

  • Cotton ball

  • Scissors

  • Heat gun (optional)

Weight and vibration wear on a riding mower's seat with each use.

Rips and tears in the vinyl covering a riding lawn mower seat get bigger each time the mower is used. Open sections of vinyl may allow some of the foam to come out and create a dent of missing material in the seat. You can fix a ripped riding mower seat in just a few minutes to stop the spread of the tear and improve the seat's overall look. Repairing the damaged seat makes the ride as comfortable as possible.

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Step 1

Spread the ripped area open. Carefully clean out any loose foam material or debris that has accumulated beneath the torn section.

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Step 2

Fill the empty gap in the foam with a repair filler. Add a little at a time. Allow the foam to rise and spread until you reach the level of the existing foam pad. Some foam repair fillers require a caulk gun for application.

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Step 3

Smooth the surface of the foam filler with a plastic putty knife to press it down into the empty crevices. Allow the foam filler to cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This make take two hours or more, depending on the foam product and humidity of the environment.

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Step 4

Cut a vinyl patch to cover the ripped section of the riding lawn mower seat. Cut the patch so it is 1 inch larger than the open area on all sides. Vinyl patches are available in most colors to match the seat material.

Step 5

Clean the area around the torn section with an cotton ball soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Trim away any loose threads or fibers coming from the sides of the ripped vinyl.

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Step 6

Apply the adhesive from the vinyl repair kit in a thin, even layer to the back side of the custom-cut vinyl patch. Press the adhesive-covered side of the patch onto the ripped seat. Allow the vinyl adhesive to set overnight, or according to the directions on the repair kit package. Some patch adhesives require the application of heat with a heat gun to fully set.

Tip

Cover the seat with a waterproof tarp if the riding mower has to be stored outside. A large stone keeps the tarp in place on windy days.

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