Shop Press Recommendation?

[agaisin]

I'm considering purchasing a shop press to assist with the typical automotive jobs like pressing wheel bearings, bushings, etc. I'm new to auto work but was planning to do my cv boots, wheel bearings, bushings, etc. and want to make sure I have the needed tools. The service manual calls for a press but doesn't specify how much tonnage or work height is needed in each case.

Broadly speaking, there are a few types of tools I could choose from, each with their pros/cons. Then there's the question of how many tons do I really need to pull/press?

There are obviously a number of options, but big picture there are 3 tool choices I've seen:
1) 2/3 jaw cage pullers (up to ~5 tons)
2) arbor press (up to ~5 tons)
3) hydraulic bench top or floor shop press (6 tons and up)

I would prefer a bench top tool since I don't have tons of garage space. I have found a 3 ton Grizzly arbor press for $129 but will that suffice for most automotive tasks? Is the tonnage sufficient, and is the throat and work height sufficient at 7.5" throat and work height of 11-1/8"?

I like their 10 ton bench top hydraulic shop press at $170, but the shipping is an additional $75.

What do others use with success in their garage?

Thanks!

 

[PAToyota]

For what you're talking about doing, you're talking a hydraulic press. I've got an 80-ton press I'm thinking about selling...

 

[IH8Wood]

I think 20 ton minimum. I suspect all of the low end stuff is the same Chinese junk. I hate saying this but just go to Harbor Freight. Look on-line for a 20% off coupon.

 

[KLF]

I have the 20-ton Harbor Fright press. Works well, has done everything I've asked of it so far, and I've used it more than I expected.

But get a GOOD bearing splitter, that is important. OTC is a good brand, check eBay.

 

[PAToyota]

Actually, I've considered plumbing a gauge into my press for this reason. I have little idea how much pressure I'm actually using to press various things out - just that certain things sound like gunshots when they let loose...

 

[arndog123]

I think 20 ton minimum. I suspect all of the low end stuff is the same Chinese junk. I hate saying this but just go to Harbor Freight. Look on-line for a 20% off coupon.

x2. This is exactly what I did.

 

[AShoe]

Unless you really want to spend the $$$$ for Japanese or American made, get the coupon and get a 20ton harbor freight. It will hold up fine to garage use.