Used Hydraulic Press Buying Guide: What to Look For

Buying a used hydraulic press can save your operation tens of thousands of dollars compared to purchasing new — but only if you know what to look for. A poorly evaluated purchase can lead to costly repairs, downtime, and safety risks. This guide covers the key factors every buyer should consider.

Determine the Right Tonnage

The press tonnage you need depends entirely on your application. Under-sizing leads to overloading and premature wear; over-sizing wastes capital and floor space.

• Under 100 tons: Assembly, light forming, straightening, bearing pressing
• 100–300 tons: Medium stamping, bending, blanking, deep drawing of small-to-mid parts
• 300–600 tons: Heavy forming, forging, large-part stamping, aerospace components
• 600+ tons: Structural steel forming, heavy forging, large-scale metal fabrication

When in doubt, consult with the seller about your specific application. At Gerrard Group, we help buyers match tonnage to their production requirements.

Inspect the Frame and Gibs

The frame is the backbone of any hydraulic press. Look for:

• Cracks or weld repairs on the frame, columns, or crown — these are red flags
• Gib wear — excessive play in the gib guides means the ram won’t track straight, leading to uneven parts and die wear
• T-slot condition on the bed and slide — check for damage, chips, or excessive wear that would affect die mounting

A gib-guided press (like the Pacific D-series) provides more consistent ram travel than a non-guided design, which matters for precision work.

Evaluate the Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system is the heart of the press. Check:

• Cylinder condition — look for leaks around seals and rod scoring
• Pump and motor — listen for unusual noise, check oil pressure readings
• Hoses and fittings — cracked or deteriorated hoses are a safety hazard and indicate deferred maintenance
• Oil condition — dark, burnt-smelling oil suggests overheating or lack of maintenance
• Filter and reservoir — a clean reservoir and current filters indicate a well-maintained machine

Check the Controls

Modern retrofitted controls dramatically improve a used press’s capability:

• PLC controls (like Allen Bradley) allow programmable stroke, pressure, and speed — a significant upgrade over manual controls
• Light curtains and safety interlocks should be present and functional
• Pressure gauges should read accurately and consistently
• Limit switches should be properly adjusted

A press from the 1970s or 1980s with upgraded PLC controls (a common retrofit) can perform comparably to much newer machines at a fraction of the cost.

Ask About History and Documentation

Before committing to a purchase, request:

• Maintenance records — regular oil changes, seal replacements, and inspections indicate responsible ownership
• Production history — what was the press used for? A press used for light assembly work will be in far better shape than one used for heavy stamping at capacity
• Reason for sale — plant closings and consolidations often yield well-maintained equipment that simply became surplus
• Rigging and installation support — moving a press that weighs 40,000 to 100,000+ lbs requires specialized rigging

What About Shipping?

Heavy hydraulic presses require specialized transport. Factors that affect cost:

• Weight — a 200-ton press may weigh 43,000 lbs; a 600-ton press can exceed 100,000 lbs
• Dimensions — height is often the limiting factor for transport (many presses are 20–26 feet tall)
• Distance — cross-country shipping costs more, but is still a fraction of the equipment cost
• Installation — factor in rigging, foundation prep, and electrical hookup

Gerrard Group Inc provides full rigging, transportation, and installation services throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Contact us for a shipping quote on any of our available equipment.

Browse Our Hydraulic Press Inventory

We currently have several Pacific hydraulic presses available:

• 200 Ton Pacific Hydraulic Press — ideal for medium-duty forming and stamping
• 300 Ton Pacific Hydraulic Press — versatile press for a wide range of applications
• 600 Ton Pacific Hydraulic Press — heavy-duty press for large-part forming

All three feature gib-guided construction, dual cylinders, T-slotted beds, and upgraded Allen Bradley PLC controls. Browse all equipment or request a quote.