Should I go for a floor or bench hydraulic press?

[lestat]

Time to pony up for my very own hydraulic press. After much consideration it all came down on these 2 models:

http://www.mega.es/catalogo_automocion/catalogo_automocion_detalle.php?sIdioma=en&nIdCategoria=8

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/hydraulic-press/h-frame/shhp20-20-ton-h-frame-hydraulic-press

Both roughly the same price. SGS engineering has a bit more power at 20t, sideways sliding ram, the tall bed and 10 years warranty. The MEGA on the other hand looks more like an industrial build. I would tend to favour the Mega, but at 18'' max working height I'm afraid I might come to regret the purchase if I come across enough 'pressing' jobs that require a taller press. How ofter do you require a gap larger than 18''?

Anyway, let's hear some opinions...

p.s. I would rate regular Sealey and Draper variety below SGS Engineering, even if only taking into account SGS' 10 years warranty. Sealey Industrial and Clarke Strongarm are very sturdy looking but way outside this price range.

 

[junkman104]

Your first rear axle bearing job will answer that question quickly.

 

[Steevo]

I prefer floor-standing for the extra room and to allow you to walk around it or have someone stand behind it to position an awkward piece.
Also, the floor model you listed has a movable head, which is a very handy thing when you need to press something odd-shaped and can't center it between the uprights.

 

[N.I.]

Both?

The bench one would be darn handy and it looks very well made but I think you would regret it long term. It would not be hard to extend - 4 lengths of flat bar with a series of holes. Its the measley 15 ton rating that lets it down.

The SGS one is the best of the budget range. It looks like they are buying in the chinese presses and adapting/ improving them slightly. At least you get thick press plates with it and if you want a bench one you can always cut it down.

I have been looking out for a press myself and ideally want at least 30 tons. Have kept an eye on local auctions to see if one turns up. No luck yet. I think I will end up making my own.

 

[ken w.]

I was thinking the same thing regarding rear axle berrings.The floor model would be the better choice.

 

[Wrenches of Death]

Anyway, let's hear some opinions...

If I could only have one press, it would be the floor model.

Then if I was going to add a second press somewhere down the road, it'd be a smaller bench top model like you chose. They are a lot more convenient for smaller items.

For your third press, a two ton or so bench model arbor press can be handy as hell. You actually have "feel" with it.

Choose wisely.....

WoD

 

[Outlawmws]

Also with the movable head you can actually pres harder with less table/beam flex if you can keep the work area to one side or the other...

 

[lestat]

Good points everybody.

I like the suggestion of buying 2, in which case it would be the Mega and a cheap 30t bottle jack press for the odd job. But even the cheap ones are not that cheap when you factor in shipping, and I have other things on the wish list too. I will crunch the numbers some more but if it's going to be just one, it will be the 20ton. I can't really go wrong with it.

 

[R W]

Floor Model.

 

[E.Marquez]

Floor... as others have said,,,the extra head room is an often required thing.

Only you know the types of jobs you do... so if you need a press to work on things that have no need for that much head room, get the bench top one..

Axles, drive shafts, large assemblies,,, i've needed the room a floor press gives me on at least 1/3 of the tasks I use my press for.