CENTRAL 33497-UPC Floor Shop Press Owner’s Manual

CENTRAL 33497-UPC Floor Shop Press

Product Information

The product is a press machine that is used for compressing workpieces. The machine comes with a manual that contains safety instructions, assembly, operation, inspection, maintenance, and cleaning procedures. The manual also includes the product’s serial number and warranty information. The machine should be bolted to the floor before use to prevent any accidents. The product is equipped with arbor plates and a press pin that should not be touched during use. If the workpiece tilts or binds during compression, the machine should not be operated.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Before using the machine, read the safety warnings and instructions carefully. Failure to do so can result in personal injury and/or property damage.
2. Make sure that the product is intact and undamaged when unpacking. If any parts are missing or broken, contact customer support as soon as possible.
3. Tools required for assembly and service may not be included, so make sure you have all necessary tools before assembling the product.
4. Bolt the machine to the floor before use to prevent accidents.
5. Keep your hands away from arbor plates and press pin during use to avoid injury.
6. Do not move the workpiece while compressed.
7. Release load before service or maintenance.
8. Avoid off-center loads. Do not operate if workpiece tilts or binds during compression.
9. Keep the area under arbor plates clear. If arbor plates rest on obstruction (i.e. bolt, debris, etc.), it creates an uneven press, causing excess stress and possible breakage.
10. Stop and release compression if you suspect imminent structural failure. If safe, inspect thoroughly and reposition before proceeding.
11. Do not compress springs or other elastic objects. They could disengage hazardously.

Save This Manual

Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the back of the manual (or month and year of purchase if product has no number). Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference.

Warning

• Read this material before using this product.
• Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
• SAVE THIS MANUAL.

WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS

Warning| This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
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Danger| Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Warning| Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Caution| Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Caution/notice| Addresses practices not related to personal injury.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to heed these markings may result in personal injury and/or property damage. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. The operator must understand that common sense and caution are factors, which cannot be built into this product but must be supplied by the operator.

1. Keep hands away from arbor plates and press pin during use.
2. Do not move workpiece while compressed.
3. Release load before service or maintenance.
4. Bolt to floor before use.
5. Keep area under arbor plates clear. If arbor plates rest on obstruction (i.e. bolt, debris, etc.), it creates an uneven press, causing excess stress and possible breakage.
6. Avoid off-center loads. Do not operate if workpiece tilts or binds during compression.
7. STOP and release compression if you suspect imminent structural failure. If safe, inspect thoroughly and reposition before proceeding.
8. Do not compress springs or other elastic objects. They could disengage hazardously.
9. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles, heavy-duty work gloves, and steel-toe work boots during set up and/or use.
10. Keep bystanders out of work area.
11. Do not stand directly in front of the press when loaded. Do not leave thepress unattended when loaded.
12. Do not operate the hydraulic jack beyond rated capacity.
13. Inspect before every use; do not use if parts are loose or damaged.
14. Jack service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.
15. When servicing a jack, use only identical replacement parts!–!refer to attached, productspecific parts list and diagram. Follow instructions in the “User – Maintenance Instructions” section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions may create a risk of injury.
16. Only use with accessories rated to handle the forces exerted by this tool during operation. Other accessories not designed for the forces generated may break and forcefully launch pieces.
17. Use only with bottle jack included with this press.
18. Industrial applications must follow OSHA requirements.
19. This product is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of children.
20. Maintain labels and nameplates on the Shop Press. These carry important safety information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
21. The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Specifications

Maximum Capacity| 12 Tons
(24,000 pounds)
---|---
Oil Type| Hydraulic Oil

Note:  For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer to the Parts List and Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.

Setup

Before Use

Warning

• Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
• Inspect tool before use, looking for damaged, loose, and missing parts.
• If any problems are found, do not use tool until repaired.

Components of this Shop Press are heavy. You will need a helper to safely assemble this product.

Note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer to the Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.

Assembly

1. Using the Components and Controls section and the Parts List and Diagram near the end of the manual, lay out and identify all pieces before assembly.
2. Have a helper hold the Frame Posts (15) vertically, and hold them steady until the Spreader (16) and Base Supports (14) are secured in place. See Figure A.
3. Slide each Base Support under the Frame Posts, and place the Spreader between them, as shown above. Line up the bolt holes and insert four M10″x”30 Bolts (12) through the Spreader, Base Supports and Frame Posts, then secure in place with four M10 Nuts (13).
4. Determine where you want to use the Press. Check to ensure that the Frame Posts are perpendicular to the Base Supports, then bolt to the floor. Refer to Mounting to the Floor.
5. Align the holes on the Upper Beam (1) with the holes in the top of the Frame Posts and secure in place with four M12″x”110 Bolts (3) and M12 Nuts (2). Check that the assembly is square, then finish tightening bolts. See Figure B.
6. Slide the Support Pins (11) into the holes in the Frame Posts. Angle the Press Apron (10) so the rails of the Press Apron straddle the Frame Posts, then lower into place so the Press Apron rests on the Support Pins. See Figure C.
   • Note: For set-up, position the Support Pins at least several holes down from the top holes in the Frame Posts so you have room to place the Jack Plate (7). You can re-adjust the placement of the Press Apron after assembly.
7. Insert the Eye Bolts (6) into the holes in the Jack Plate and secure in place with two M8 Nuts (8). See Figure D.
8. Place the Arbor Plates (9) on the Press Apron. Angle the Jack Plate so the rails of the Jack Plate straddle the Frame Posts, then lower into place by sliding it down the Frame Posts so it rests temporarily on the Arbor Plates. See Figure E.
9. Bleed the Bottle Jack and make sure it is fully collapsed. Refer to Bleeding the Bottle Jack.

Hang the Bottle Jack

1. Hang the Springs (4) on the bars of the Upper Beam. See Figure F.
2. Place the Bottle Jack (5) on the center of the Jack Plate.
3. Slide the Jack Plate up the Frame Posts so the Bottle Jack Saddle fits in the bracket on the center underside of the Upper Beam.
4. Hook the Springs into the Eye Bolts (6) on the Jack Plate to secure the Bottle Jack/Jack Plate in place.

Mounting to the Floor

1. With assistance, move the Shop Press to the location where it is to be mounted. If needed, drill four 1/2″ diameter mounting holes in the Base Supports and use as a template to mark the spots where four 1/2″ diameter holes will be drilled in the concrete or wood floor. Check for any hidden wiring or cables and adjust the location for the holes as needed. Then, temporarily set the Shop Press aside.
2. For concrete floors use a masonry drill bit to drill the four 1/2″ diameter holes (about 3″–”4″ deep) into the concrete. Make sure to blow out the concrete dust from the drilled holes. Insert lag screw anchors (not included) into the holes.
3. Move the Shop Press back to the location where it is to be mounted, and align the four 1/2″ diameter mounting holes in the Base Supports with the four pre-drilled 1/2″ holes in the concrete or wood. Use four minimum 3″ long, 1/2″ diameter concrete anchor bolts or lag bolts (not included) to secure the Shop Press to the concrete or wood floor.

Components and Controls

Operating Instructions

Warning

• Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.

Bleeding the Bottle Jack

IMPORTANT:  Before first use, check for proper hydraulic oil level in the Jack. Then thoroughly test the Jack for proper operation prior to its actual use. If the Jack appears not to be working properly, it may be necessary to bleed its hydraulic system of excess air. To bleed the Bottle Jack:

1. Remove the Oil Filler Plug. Insert the slot on the lower portion of the Jack Handle over the Release Valve Screw. Turn the Handle counterclockwise to open the Release Valve. See Figure G.
2. Insert the Handle into the Plunger/Fulcrum Assembly. Apply pressure to the Saddle, and pump the Handle quickly several times.
3. Check the Oil Fill Hole and, if necessary, top off the Oil Fill Hole with hydraulic oil.
4. Replace the Oil Filler Plug.
5. Place the slot on the Jack Handle over the Release Valve Screw. Turn the Handle clockwise to close the Release Valve.
6. Test the Jack several times before putting into use. If, after purging, the Jack still does not appear to be working properly, do not use the Jack until it has been repaired by a qualified service technician.

Tool Set Up

1. Use the Support Pins to adjust the height of the Press Apron.
2. Position the Press Apron as high as possible while positioning the workpiece as close as possible to the ram of the Jack Plate.

WARNING: Keep area under Arbor Plates clear of stray bolts or debris. Such items create an uneven surface which can cause the Arbor Plates to break under pressure.

Workpiece Set Up

WARNING

• When pressing two items together, the items must be lined up vertically.
• If not, one item may forcefully eject sideways from the unit.

General Operating Instructions

1. Place the item to press between the Arbor Plates.
2. Using the Jack Handle, jack down the Jack Plate until the ram of the Jack Plate contacts the workpiece. If you are pressing two items together, line them up vertically.
3. Continue to operate the Handle to press the workpiece.
4. When the task is completed, carefully release the Jack pressure. For safety, remove the Handle, and use it to slowly turn the Release Valve Screw on the Jack, allowing the Jack Plate to rise.
   • WARNING: Stay clear of the rising Jack. The Jack may rise quickly during the release process.
5. Clean, then store the tool indoors out of children’s reach.

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance and Servicing

Procedures not specifically explained in this manual must be performed only by a qualified technician.

Warning: TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM TOOL FAILURE:

• Do not use damaged equipment. If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have the problem corrected before further use.

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication

1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition of the Shop Press and Bottle Jack. Check for:
   • loose hardware
   • cracked, bent or broken parts
   • loose or missing parts
   • misalignment or binding of moving parts
   • any other condition that may affect its safe operation.
2. BEFORE EACH USE, test the Bottle Jack for proper operation. If the Bottle Jack appears not to be working properly, follow instructions in Bleeding the Bottle Jack.
3. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces of the tool with clean cloth.

Hydraulic Oil

Change the hydraulic oil at least once every three years. To change the hydraulic oil:

1. With the Bottle Jack fully retracted, unhook the Springs from the Eye Bolts and remove the Jack from the Shop Press.
2. Remove the Oil Filler Plug.
3. Tip the Jack to allow the old hydraulic oil to drain out of the unit completely, and dispose of the old hydraulic oil in accordance with local regulations.
4. Completely fill the unit with a high quality hydraulic oil (not included) until the oil just begins to run out of the Oil Fill Hole.
5. Reinstall the Oil Filler Plug.
6. Clean with a clean cloth using a detergent or mild solvent.
7. Replace the Bottle Jack onto the Shop Press. Refer to Hang the Bottle Jack.

Troubleshooting

Warning: TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:

• Use caution when troubleshooting a malfunctioning Jack.
• Completely resolve all problems before use. If the solutions presented in the Troubleshooting guide do not solve the problem, have a qualified technician inspect and repair the Jack before use.
• After the Jack is repaired: Test it carefully without a load by raising it and lowering it fully, checking for proper operation, BEFORE RETURNING THE JACK TO OPERATION.

DO NOT USE A DAMAGED OR MALFUNCTIONING JACK!

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS| ****

PROBABLE SOLUTION

(Make certain that the Jack is not supporting a load while attempting a solution.)

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Jack will not function at its weight capacity| Saddle lowers under load| Pump stroke feels spongy| ****

Saddle will not lift all the way

| Handle moves up when Jack is under load| Oil leaking from filler plug
X| X|  |  |  |  | Check that Release Valve is closed fully.

X

| ****

X

|  |  | ****

X

|  | Valves may be blocked and may not close fully. To flush the valves:

1.   Lower the Saddle and securely close the Release Valve.

2.   Manually lift the saddle several inches.

3.   Open the Release Valve and force the saddle down as quickly as possible.

X|  | X| X|  |  | Jack may be low on oil. Check the oil level and refill if needed.
Jack may require bleeding – see instructions on page 8.
 |  |  |  |  | X| Unit may have too much hydraulic oil inside. Check oil level and adjust if needed.

Parts List and Diagram

Parts List

Assembly Diagram

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

Warranty

Limited 90 Day Warranty

Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.

To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Contact

• 26677 Agoura Road Calabasas, CA 91302
• Tel: 1-888-866-5797
• Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
• Email our technical support at: productsupport@harborfreight.com

When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken, please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.

Copyright© 2022 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.

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