Hydraulic press rating?

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi all,

What is a suitable rating (10 ton? 20 ton? 30 ton?) for a hydraulic press used for pressing bearings on/off? Like, for use setting of differentials?

Thanks,

Alan

 

[Pin_Head]

Usually, a 10 ton would be good enough for that kind of stuff, but no matter how big a press you get, you will run into something you need a bigger one for.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Bigger is better. Someday you might want to bend some metal with a press break. Look for a good used 20 tonner.

 

[e9999]

IIRC, when talking about the bushings for the front control arms of an 80 (not bearings admittedly), the word on Mud seems to be that 10 tons is not quite enough and 20 is desirable.

 

[KLF]

I have had my 20T maxed out more than once. Popping bearings off mini truck rear axles will do that sometimes. I just let it sit like that, eventually BANG it lets go.

 

[mudbludger]

Start with a 20t, had a 10 and sold it....

Here is a 55t frame i picked up for free in a scrap yard, only thing kept on it was frame and winch as rest not worth fixing, added 50t and 20t cylinders, electric pump, base with castors etc etc.... Does everything asked of it now, having a press brake attachment makes it very useful.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi all,

Thanks for the responses guys!

I have the opportunity to buy a used, but good shape Harbor Freight brand 12 ton press for $80 (maybe less.) Current advertised price for new is $130.

Does seem like a good deal? Or, hold out for a 20 ton press?

Thanks,

Alan

 

[Pin_Head]

I would say go for the 12 ton, but maybe offer $65. It will always be worth $70-80 in working condition and it will do many things. I use mine for all kinds of bearings and bushings, like the control arm bushings on 80s; no problems. Then I tried to press a bearing off the output shaft of an H42 tranny and even the 20 ton press at work wouldn't get it.

Be safe. When they let go things can go flying. I throw a welding blanket over things if I have to put the wood to it

 

[TLC76]

I just got a HF 12T recently, pressed out Toyota metal sleeved leaf spring bushings easily. Also crushes beer cans pretty flat. I got it on sale with the 20% off coupon. Frame is flimsy as hell, bolts don't hold it. I tack welded it together and it has been fine.

 

[69rambler]

30 tons is a good capacity for small repair work in an H frame style press.

Something worth mentioning is those low end Asian made press frames are rated at their yield point.

Proper pressing equipment is built to operate with minimal frame deflection for accurate/safe work.

I had a 50 ton Carolina press and replaced the China 50 ton jack with a USA Simplex 35 ton jack. In a few years of use I split the uprights, they tore right through the platen pin holes. I was surprised, but after doing the math on the design the press frame was nowhere near capable of working at 50 tons nor even 35.

 

[TLC76]

Man, your "small repair work" sounds pretty big...