WARNING: Read these instructions before using the press
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS GC1120 - ISS 3
Page 2
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE 20 Tonne Hydraulic Press.
Before attempting to operate the press it is essential that you read this manual
thoroughly and carefully follow all instructions given. In doing so you will ensure
the safety of yourself and that of others around you, and you can also look
forward to the press giving you long and satisfactory service.
GUARANTEE
This CLARKE product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of
12 months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt as proof of
purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or
tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was
intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can
be returned to us without prior permission. This guarantee does not effect your
statutory rights.
• Due to the weight of the press, the help of an assistant will be beneficial
during assembly and installation.
• Always operate the press with adequate light.
• Before starting work, check for signs of cracked welds, loose or missing
bolts, or any other structural damage. Do not operate if any of these
conditions exist. Have repairs made only by authorised service centre.
• Before work, always ensure that hydraulic hoses and couplings are
completely sound.
• Never tamper with the press components. The safety valve is calibrated
and sealed at the factory; do not attempt to change the setting.
• Use only the recommended hydraulic oil.
• The components of this press are designed to withstand the rated
capacity. Do not substitute any other components or exceed the rated
capacity of the press.
• Before applying pressure, always ensure the workpiece is firmly secure
and stable.
• Always clean up spills of hydraulic oil immediately as this can be
dangerous in a workshop environment.
• Do not allow any person who is unfamiliar with hydraulic presses to use
the press unless they are under direct supervision.
• Do not stand directly in front of the press when it is in use.
• Always apply the load under the centre of the ram. Offset loads can
damage the ram and may cause the work piece to be ejected.
• Always ensure the work piece is properly supported by the press bed.
• When using accessories such as pressing plates, be certain they are
centered below the ram and are in full contact with the bed.
• Parts being pressed may shatter or be ejected from the press. In the
case of varied applications, it is your responsibility to always use
adequate guards, and wear eye protection and protective clothing
when using this press.
• Keep hands and fingers away from parts that may pinch or shift.
• Never use extension tubes to increase the length of the pump handle.
Excessive effort can cause damage and/or accidents.
• Failure to heed these warnings may result in damage to the equipment,
or serious personal injury.
Ensure the press and its components suffered no damage during transit and
that all components are present. Should any loss or damage become
apparent, please contact your CLARKE dealer immediately
INVENTORY
• 1 x Lower Cross Member
• 2 x Side Posts
• 2 x Upper Cross Members
• 2 x Base Supports
• 4 x Stay Bars
• 1 x Ram
• 1 x Ram Carrier
• 1 x Ram Locking Collar
• 1 x Pump Assembly
• 1 x Pump Handle
• 1 x Hose (attached to pump assembly)
• 1 x Pressure Gauge
• 2 x Pressing Bed Side Frames
• 2 x Bed Support Pins with 4 x Spring Clips
• 2 x Bed Blocks
• 1 x Instruction Manual
• 1 x Fixing Pack
TOOLS REQUIRED
• Wrenches & sockets to suit M10/M12/M16 nuts/bolts or an adjustable
wrench
• Spanners to suit pressure gauge/hydraulic hose connections
IMPORTANT: Due to the weight of the press components, we recommend
that you get assistance during assembly.
IMPORTANT: The press should be firmly secured to a firm and level floor
using expansion bolts (not supplied). Holes are provided in the base
supports for this purpose.
IMPORTANT: Do not locate your press where it will be open to the elements,
as harsh weather conditions will damage the hydraulic parts.
1. With the help of an assistant,
attach the base supports to the
side posts using the nuts, bolts and
washers.
2. Add the stay bars to each side
and bolt into place.
3. Bolt one of the upper cross
members into place to connect
the side posts together.
4. Take the second upper cross
member and the ram carrier and
tie the two cross members
together using the ram carrier.
Then bolt the second cross
member to the side posts as
shown.
• The ram carrier can slide along the cross members.
5. Fit and tighten the locking bolts
loosely to stop the ram carrier
from sliding to and fro.
6. Lift the complete press assembly
upright and manoeuvre it to its
intended location in the
workshop.
12. Connect the hydraulic hose to the
ram cylinder, sealing the joint with
PTFE tape and tighten using two
open ended spanners.
13. The pressure gauge is sealed for
transit and it will be necessary to
make a small hole in the pressure
gauge safety bung with a short
pin or nail before use.
• Do not use a long nail as you
may damage the internal
components of the gauge.
14. Bolt the pressure gauge into
position on the hydraulic ram.
• We recommend sealing the
thread with PTFE tape. Take
care not to let any oil escape
while connecting the hose.
15. Top up the hydraulic oil to the
lower level of the filler plug.
1. Insert the pump handle into the
actuating lever.
2. Purge any air from the system by
opening the release valve
(turning the control knob anticlockwise) and pumping several
full strokes to eliminate any air
bubbles. Close the valve using the
control knob (clockwise).
POSITIONING THE BED
IMPORTANT: Due to the weight of the bed, we recommend that you get
assistance from another person when adjusting the bed height.
1. Position the bed so that it will be as close as possible to the ram when the
workpiece is mounted on it.
2. Raise one side of the bed and insert a bed supporting pin into the next
locating hole.
3. Repeat at the other end to level the bed.
4. Repeat until the bed is at the required height, with the bed supporting pins
secured by the spring clips.
CAUTION: THE BED HEIGHT SHOULD ONLY BE RAISED OR LOWERED ONE
HOLE AT A TIME, WORKING ALTERNATELY FROM ONE SIDE AND THEN THE
OTHER, FAILURE TO WORK IN THIS WAY MAY CAUSE THE BED TO FALL
AND CAUSE INJURY TO THE OPERATOR.
POSITIONING THE RAM
1. Loosen the locking bolts and
position the ram as required by
sliding the carriage along the
cross-beam.
2. Lock it in position with the locking
bolts.
• Always position the ram
directly above the workpiece
and do not position it outside
the range indicated by the
maximum travel limit labels.
The pressing blocks can be placed
on the bed to suit the work.
Check all parts are secure and
correctly aligned before using the
press.
OPERATION
1. Place the workpiece on the bed. It must be completely stable and
supported by packing or shims where required. Pressing plates are
supplied, which locate on the bed. Place the workpiece on these to give it
stability.
CAUTION: DO NOT POINT LOAD THESE ACCESSORIES AS THEY ARE NOT
DESIGNED TO TAKE THE FULL FORCE OF THE RAM IN ONE SPOT. ENSURE
THEY ARE ADEQUATELY SUPPORTED. NEVER USE EXTENSIONS TO THE
PUMPING HANDLE.
Any packing pieces or shims used MUST be capable of withstanding the
pressure that will be brought to bear, and MUST be of sufficient size with
sufficient surface area, so as to avoid the possibility of slipping or springing out.
Mating surfaces MUST be horizontal so that the force being exerted will NOT
be at an angle.
2. Close the release valve by turning
the control knob clockwise until
tightly closed.
3. Pump the handle to bring the ram
very lightly into contact with the
workpiece.
4. Manoeuvre the workpiece or slide
the ram to one side so that the
desired point of contact is directly
beneath the centre of the ram.
5. When satisfied that the workpiece is correctly aligned and is completely
stable in that position, slowly pump the handle so that the ram begins to
exert pressure on the workpiece. Continue to pump the handle whilst
standing to the side. Do NOT stand directly in front of the work, and
constantly monitor the process, ensuring the ram and work remain
completely in line and there is no risk of slipping.
6. Observe the reading on the pressure gauge and take care not to exceed
the rated working pressure of the press.
• The scale from 20 metric tonnes upward is highlighted in red, indicating
pressure being applied above the rated maximum working pressure.
7. When the process is complete, turn the release valve control knob
anticlockwise in small increments to release ram pressure and allow
removal of the workpiece.
MAINTENANCE
ROUTINELY
A visual inspection must be made before each use of the press, checking for
leaking hydraulic fluid and damaged, loose, or missing parts.
Owners and/or users should be aware that repair of this equipment requires
specialised knowledge and facilities. It is recommended that a thorough
annual inspection of the press be made and that any defective parts be
replaced with genuine Clarke parts.
Any press which appears to be damaged in any way, is found to be badly
worn, or operates abnormally SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM SERVICE until the
necessary repairs are made.
If the press is not to be used for any length of time, store it with the ram piston
withdrawn to protect the moving parts.
PERIODICALLY
Check the press frame to make sure all bolts are tight and inspect for cracked
welds, bent, loose or missing parts.
Owners and/or users should be aware that repair of this equipment requires
specialised knowledge and facilities. It is recommended that a thorough
annual inspection of the press be made and that any defective parts be
replaced with genuine Clarke parts.
Check the hydraulic connections for leaks. Replace or properly repair any
damaged or leaking hydraulic components before using. In the event of
leaking seals, oil can be topped up via the plug on the end of the pump. Oil
should be level with the bottom of the hole. If necessary top up with CLARKE
hydraulic oil, Part No. 3050830. This task is carried out with the ram fully
retracted.
If any rust is apparent it must be removed completely and the paint restored.
One of the most damaging sources of environmental pollution is oil products.
Never throw away used oil with domestic refuse or flush it down a sink or drain.
Collect any oil in a leak proof container and take it to your local waste
disposal site.
Should hydraulic components become completely unserviceable and require
disposal, draw off the oil into an approved container and dispose of the
product and the oil according to local regulations.