Hydraulic Shop Presses: Bench and Floor Models 6–50 t

Bench presses are compact and suit small bearings and bushings, while floor-standing H-frame presses are designed for heavy and large parts. Choose the force with a 20–30 % margin: 12–20 t is usually enough for car service, 30–50 t for trucks and farm machinery. See how to choose hydraulic tool load capacity and working force.

The working ram stroke is usually 130–200 mm, and on some models the cylinder can be moved across the frame width for off-centre parts. Spring return speeds up work, and interchangeable ram tips protect the part. Read how to choose a hydraulic cylinder or ram.

Floor presses offer a working width of 450–900 mm, and the table can be set at several heights using pins or a winch. Check the maximum distance from ram to table and whether your half-shafts and bearing separators will fit. See how to choose a hydraulic puller and separator.

Most presses have a built-in hand pump, while some models use a foot pump or a two-speed pump with rapid approach that shortens the idle ram travel. A system with a separate 700 bar pump and quick couplers lets you use the same pump with other cylinders, and presses with an electric or air-driven pump suit serial work. Read how to choose a hydraulic pump and power source and how to choose a hydraulic power unit and construction hydraulic tools.

A pressure gauge shows the actual force in tonnes or bar and helps you stay within the permissible load on the part and the press. The relief valve limits pressure to the rated value, and the hose between cylinder and pump must be rated for high pressure. See how to choose hydraulic hoses, couplers, valves and pressure gauges.

The frame should be welded from thick steel sections, have wide feet and, where possible, be anchored to the floor. Budget models use a bottle jack as the power unit, which can be replaced with a model of the same size. Read how to choose a hydraulic jack.

Check whether the kit includes V-blocks, press plates and adapters of various diameters. Availability of extra adapters, seals and ram tips extends the service life of the press. See how to choose spare parts for pneumatic and hydraulic tools.

During pressing a part can break and throw fragments, so wear safety glasses, stand out of line with the ram and use a protective guard where possible. Position the part in line with the ram and never exceed the rated force. Read how to use hydraulic tools safely.

Use the hydraulic oil specified by the manufacturer, check the level regularly and bleed air from the system. Ram creep or oil leaks indicate worn seals, which are fixed with a repair kit. See how to store and maintain hydraulic tools.