Looking at getting a workshop press -can anyone comment on whether they think a 20T would be adequate for things like control arm/knuckle bushings, wheel bearings, etc? I realise bigger is more capable but size is a limiting factor, and a 20T will pay itself off much faster...
I can not recall the tonnage but i looked around and purchased one for doing all the Z32 subframe and control arms. I ended up purchasing from repco, I think it were on sale, $199-299 ? Supercheap had a similar version. But,.. Although, pressing the subframe bushes with the hydraulic jack were a very easy task for the jack - it were the press-width that made every task a great balancing act. The repco 420mm were only just doable to get by, and painfully frustrating. It could do the Z32 spindles but it's width made for having to chock for really stupid angles and there were limited access for chocking up because the press's upright always got in the way.... The chocking up is very time consuming. A press with a good width/span between the press's uprights/legs would have made pressing the Z32 spindles alot easier. Ideally you want 520mm+? or wide as such. I used my ratchet's varieties of extension bar's and countless sockets to press with.
I dread to think what these are worth Rob but it looks the Bees Neez. 20 ton and built in oz. Called the Workshop Mate and based in Putney http://acvautotools.com.au
Mine's around a 20T, haven't had anything it couldn't push out. Biggest hassle is the setting up as Zano said. Haven't tried to do a subframe however, would be awkward to get it in there. Worked well for diff bushes, control arm bushes etc.
My press is one from Supercheap upright unit 10T. It's OK for straight forward stuff. But trying to change the rear hub bushes for example it was inadequate due to size restriction and the weird angles of the bushes on the hubs. I had to take the hubs to Repco to do with great results. As far as pressing front and rear wheel bearings out, well, I tried two workshops and they couldn't do it. I have concluded, either purchase second hand or new. The normal presses we get are OK for simple jobs, their use is limited however and I don't mean by the user's imagination. :bash: They are physically limited due to their design and proportions. It's good to have a simple press though. They do come in handy. Peter
So general consensus is 20T should do the job? The one I'm looking at has a 520mm opening and an adjustable ram (slides left and right) -bit more expensive than HAPP but unless theirs has the same features (I'll call today and ask) it'll be more useful. Workshop mate looks awesome but more than what I need.
Hi Rob, I have a 20 tonne air over hydraulic and that size will do anything you will need. I went the air over just because it makes it a bit easier to operate and hold what you are pressing but not really needed just a nice option. I paid around $200 but got a good deal through a mate. What you are looking for is it has to have enough room to fit what you need to press in it. 20 tonnes is more than enough pressure to make things move but 10 tonne might be a bit small for really tight things. Cheers Dave
I got a little super cheap one. Have done front lower control arms on the zed. various zed sub frame bushes. It has done bushes for a Ford Ranger. Only thing it hasn't been able to do yet was an wheel bearing on an AU Falcoon. Took it out to an engineering shop and their 50t struggled for the AU wheel bearings.
I'd say 20t would be decent. My 12t is just a bit small for some jobs. Also struggled getting the rear cv out of my zed, ended up needing a 50t to do the job (and it only just barely did it then).
