HF presses

[signcrafter]

Looking to pick up a press this week and was reading some reviews on the HF 20 ton press. Lots of info out there but was reading they made some changes a while back and one is better then the other. Something about it coming in 2 boxes instead of 3 or vice versa. Anyway, are the presses at HF still halfway decent or complete garbage? I think you can use a coupon on them right? If so the 20T will be around 150. Just trying to get some real world experience with them before I go pick one up. Thanks.

 

[Greeny]

The newer version is silver and has better arbor plates. It is quite decent.
The older one is orange.
Check out leftyz coupons for your savings needs: http://www.hfqpdb.com/

 

[Wizzard]

I have the 20T press that I got a while back (~7 years ago), the orange one. I've used it to press hub bearings, axle studs, etc. A press is a very handy tool indeed. However, having said that, I wish I could of paid a bit more and gotten a better press that offered more precision. The H shaped design of the HF20T press limits its precision by the nature of the design, it will always have side-to-side slop in it.

For example I had to re-do a couple of axle studs to get them seated perfectly due to the loose tolerances inherent of the HF design. If you can afford it I would spend a couple hundred extra and you will be happy for the rest of your life. I simply couldn't afford it back then so my hand was forced.

 

[Bobf]

As stated already the newer "silver" painted one is a better press. I bought one a few months ago, came in two boxes (jack in the 2nd box) and bolts together. Had to redo the top piece as it was welded crooked. Paid $150 on sale.

 

[sz0k30]

Do some searching on this site. Lots of posts about the HF 20T shop press. Lots of good info about improvements & modifications.

 

[signcrafter]

So the silver one is the one to get right? Hopefully all the orange ones are gone at my store and they only have the silver ones.

Thanks for the link to that coupon site. Pretty handy site since you can just type in a key word and search.

 

[nevercouldfigureitout]

Anyone know the measurements of the old versus the new? I've heard the newer is a little smaller

 

[Greeny]

Anyone know the measurements of the old versus the new? I've heard the newer is a little smaller

I don't know the measurements, but I bought a 12 ton HF press about 20 years ago. Sold it about 8 years ago. Bought the 20 ton press about one year ago, and it's pretty close to the same size as my original 12 ton press. Maybe just a tad taller and wider.

 

[McLean]

Anyone know the measurements of the old versus the new? I've heard the newer is a little smaller

They are very similar. Maybe +/- 1". If you are curious about any specific dimensions on the newer grey press, let me know.

I used to have the old orange press, then sold it an bought the newer grey one. Both of them worked as designed except for one of the old arbor plates cracked.

 

[Kirbot]

It wouldn't be too hard to shim out the rails/guides to take up the slop.

It hasn't really been a problem with mine.

 

[ar2stp48]

I am waiting for local store to get more of the newer, silver model (60603 ?) Story I was told last Thursday was that both models are still available; they come from different manufactures Waiting for this weeks delivery; store has one of the orange in stock

 

[nevercouldfigureitout]

They are very similar. Maybe +/- 1". If you are curious about any specific dimensions on the newer grey press, let me know.

I used to have the old orange press, then sold it an bought the newer grey one. Both of them worked as designed except for one of the old arbor plates cracked.

Yea I'd like to know, that way I can pick out where it's gonna go. Also should I bring a truck to buy a newer gray on or is it broke down to where I could fit it in a small car?

 

[2jz4me]

I have the new press. I pressed in some lexus bearings with it and I thought it worked fine. It stands straight and doesnt wobble. If you only do 2 or 3 wheel bearing jobs with it you will more than pay it off. I also opted to get the air powered jack to go with it. With coupons I got a pneumatic, 20 ton press for like 200 bucks. Pretty good deal I think.

 

[BFBOB]

Yea I'd like to know, that way I can pick out where it's gonna go. Also should I bring a truck to buy a newer gray on or is it broke down to where I could fit it in a small car?

The boxes aren't that big. Fit in an ****** easily w/ back seat folded down. Probably would have fit crosswise in the back seat too, but since it was already down, just tossed 'em in through the trunk.

 

[racer32]

Open the boxes and look at the parts before you leave the store. It took me 3 tries to finally get one of the orange (welded frame) HF 20-ton presses that didn't have bent parts. Quality control is NOT very good. Haven't used it much, but it does work (for now). I'm still looking for an older US-made press.

 

[nevercouldfigureitout]

HF is a 45 minute drive for me so if possible I like to take my new fiesta, it gets killer mpg but isn't much on space.