What size press do I need?

[sierradmax]

For a home shop to press U-joints, automotive bearings, skid steer bearings, seals, etc.

Will 12 ton suffice? Or pony up some extra cash for a 20 ton. Looking at the Harbor freight press as it will end up being used sparingly throughout the year.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Spend a little more you won't regret it.

 

[Bagherra]

Yeah...I'd go for the 20 ton...

 

[Billythekid1]

20 ton all the way

 

[gerryw]

20
Now go get it !!!

Gerry

 

[bwringer]

Yep, 20 ton.

I've done some FWD wheel bearings on my 20 ton press that were a real strain -- I don't think a 12 ton would have done the job.

Also, the 12 ton is narrower -- there are times when you really need that extra bit of room.

 

[bdk1976]

Agree with the others - go for the 20 ton. I bought the 12 ton years ago and it's served me fine, but if I have to buy again I'd definitely go with the 20 ton - maybe it's just me, but the 12 ton seems 'marginal' due to a somewhat flimsy frame (mine's bolted together tight but I've never gotten around to welding up joints and adding some steel to make it more rigit) and the little HF jack leaves a lot to be desired IMO.

 

[md21722]

I have the HF 12 ton. I went with it because it takes up less space in my cramped shop and I saw some other Jeep guys have them. It works, but it struggles to do bearings on Dana 44 axle shafts. If you have the space I would go at least 20 ton.

 

[rsanter]

12 ton will do most but will struggle on some
I would prefer the 20 ton. Still may not do everything but you are much closer

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I built a 12 ton once, the ram force was fine but the space between uprights was a restriction for me.

I got a 40 ACCO ton now, much more useable bed space. Lesson learned.

I'd get the 20 if you have space or funds.

 

[sierradmax]

Found out HF has a super coupon for their 20T at $149.99.

 

[ndnchf]

Get the #60603 20 ton model. This is the one that bolts together. There is another 20 ton that is welded together. The bolt together version is the better of the two.

 

[Jbullfrog]

Shop used and get the biggest press you can find. It's always better to have more power then you need.

 

[bczygan]

I caught it for $180 less 25% = $135.

Get the #60603 as mentioned above.

Get the #95553 20ton air over bottle jack for $90.

Installation:

Bill

 

[E.Marquez]

For a home shop to press U-joints, automotive bearings, skid steer bearings, seals, etc.

Will 12 ton suffice? Or pony up some extra cash for a 20 ton. Looking at the Harbor freight press as it will end up being used sparingly throughout the year.

If going HF, get the 20 ton, look on this site and Internet for upgrades..Make sure you get the current production model with the plasma cut press plates or better, forget them as well and get a set from Swag Offroad
http://www.swagoffroad.com/Arbor-Press-Plates_p_7.html

I have come close to maxing out my 20 ton doing 1 ton U joints, and have used well over 12 ton many times over the years...