Hydraulic Shop Press for home

[Black2010]

After tackling the IRS bushings last weekend and still needing to tackle the front I've been serious considering just picking up a press. I don't need one to often but I do find times where one would be useful periodically.

Since it's not an every day use type of thing I was thinking about something like this one:

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/8151...0&cadevice=c&gclid=CIqKxtiXs9ACFQQoaQodh8IFfw

Anyone have experience with this one or another one you would recommend? Ideally trying to stay below $200 but could up that a little if it makes for a big difference. Also, any benefit in going with a 20 Ton over a 12? Seems like 12 would be enough for bushings, bearings and ball joints.

 

[joshcarp81]

if you have a harbor freight close to you wait for a sale and nab a 20 ton. Pretty sure I paid around what that jegs one cost when I got mine on sale. Works great too. had it for 4 years or so now. I also bought a 12 ton for my step dad and he hasntn used it much but no problems there either

 

[cj428mach]

I agree, buy a 20tn version, a 12 tons sounds like a lot but a constant pressing force really isn't all that strong.

I know I've tried removing bearings off a shaft with a 20tn press and it wouldn't even budge them, then you whack them with a large sledge hammer and they'll bust loose, a 12tn may do some of what you need but its not impossible to need something bigger for the average home shop.

 

[GodStang]

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/hydraulics.html


We have had the Harbor Freight one for many many years. Works great!

 

[MG0h3]

I picked up the harbor freight 6ton which has the same frame as the other two listed above. Was able to press my rear wheel bearings out but holy shit it took every ounce that thing could offer. I dont see myself using it all that often is why I went with the 6ton. 130bucks and the checkout chick gave me warranty for free

 

[TxCobra76]

Harbor frieght here also. Can't remember if it's 20t or 30t but it's handy. I use it mostly for bearing removal and install on gear bearings. It's also great at straightening bent brackets.

 

[01yellercobra]

I have the 20 ton. I've pushed it a couple removing bearings and stuff. I almost got the lower rating. I'm glad my wife talked me into the 20 ton.

 

[joshcarp81]

a little tip when I worked for a friend at his transmission shop. if you have a stuck bushing or bearing we could sometimes help them along by tapping the material they are pressed into while under pressure to get them to pop. heat also helped obviously.
the one there was an air/hydraulic big bastard and still had a couple cringe worthy stuck bearings. as in just waiting for something to explode from the pressure! lol

 

[hotcobra03]

I had gotten harbor freight 20 ton ..

I use it more than I thought after doing rear bearings

 

[86gt5liter]

Same thing, I got harbor freight. Sometimes you can catch them on sale and use a 20% off coupon.

 

[Black2010]

Appreciate the feedback. I'll pick up a 20T. Sounds like it's a worth while investment. I do have a Harbor Freight close by so I'll wait for a sale and cash in a coupon.