Which workshop press should you choose in 2026? A practical guide for mechanics
Can you imagine working in a car service without a hydraulic press? Technically… you can, but why would you? Without it, your range of possible tasks becomes seriously limited.
That’s why we’ve put together a practical guide to help you choose the right press for your car service.
Plus – a quick comparison so you can see what each REDATS hydraulic press has to offer.
What is a hydraulic press used for in a car service?
It’s hard to imagine working in a car service without a hydraulic press. This tool comes in handy for a wide range of vehicle repair tasks, such as:
- bending (shafts, bushings)
- pressing in/out components
- compressing materials (metal sheets, rubber)
- straightening elements
So, which press will be right for your car service? Will a 20-ton model be enough, or should you go for something more powerful? That’s one of the most common questions we get – so we’ve prepared this short guide to help you decide.
How does a hydraulic press work?
In simple terms, it consists of two main components: a pump and a cylinder, connected by a hydraulic hose and filled with oil. The system is sealed by pistons.
The press increases the force applied to the object placed on the work table. Inside the closed hydraulic system, constant pressure is maintained, and the pump’s piston builds up that pressure – delivering a level of force you could never achieve by hand or with a hammer.
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How to choose the right hydraulic press for your car service?
What should you consider when choosing a hydraulic press? Here are a few key factors:
- type of operation (manual, foot-operated, or hydraulic-pneumatic)
- pressing force
- construction and durability
- user comfort
Below, we break down each of these factors to help you make the best choice for your car service.
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Types of operation in hydraulic presses – which one should you choose?
Which type will be the best fit for your car service?
- Manual pump presses – operated using a lever. A solid choice for most standard tasks in car services.
- Foot-operated presses – like the REDATS H-370N. These let you control the piston not only with a hand pump but also using a dedicated foot pedal. This lets you keep both hands free to position and hold the part you want to press in or press out on the table.
- Hydraulic-pneumatic presses – such as the REDATS H-380P – can be connected to a compressor. A great option if you handle larger parts, work in higher volumes, or just want to get things done more comfortably.
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How much pressing force should your hydraulic press have?
The most common options are:
- 10 tons
- 20 tons
- 30 tons
- 50 tons
Which one is right for you? It depends on the type of work you do most often.
If this is going to be your main press, it’s best to choose a model with the highest pressing force you can afford – it will give you more flexibility and power for tougher jobs.
If you’re looking for a secondary press to support other equipment in your car service, a lower tonnage (like 10T or 20T) might be more than enough.
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What to look for in the construction of a hydraulic press?
A good press isn’t just about high pressing force – comfort and control matter just as much. Here’s what you should really pay attention to:
- Side-to-side movable cylinder – gives you more flexibility when working with oddly shaped components.
- Pressure gauge – lets you precisely monitor the pressing force. You can see what’s happening with the part in real time and react accordingly. That’s crucial if you want to avoid damage.
- Worktable height adjustment with a hand winch – featured in the REDATS H-390 (50T) model. The table is heavy, but the winch lets you raise or lower it effortlessly. You can place a heavy part on the lowest level, then lift it to a comfortable height using the winch.
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Worktable height adjustment – why does it matter?
Check how many height levels the worktable has. The REDATS H-370 and H-380P presses offer as many as 8 adjustment levels, so you can easily set the right height for the part you’re working on.
In the H-390 model, the table is not only adjustable, but also 155 mm wider – which means larger components can be positioned more securely.
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Comparison of REDATS presses – which workshop press will be the best?
| Model | Force | Working range | Key features |
| H-370 | 20T | 0-1020 mm | – Dual pump (fast/slow stroke) – 8 height levels – Sturdy C-frame construction |
| H-370N | 20T | 0-1020 mm | – Foot pedal control – 190 mm piston stroke – Steel blocks included |
| H-380P | 30T | 0-1000 mm | – Compressor-ready (pneumatic) – Automatic piston return – Reinforced pump and hose |
| H-390 | 50T | 100-1000 mm | – 50T force and wide table (695 mm) – 240 kg weight = stable operation – Height: 1690 mm (fits low-ceiling workshops) |
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Best practices when working with a hydraulic press – 5 things you should know
A hydraulic press isn’t the most complex tool in your car service. We get it. But it never hurts to go over a few basic safety tips – especially if you’re just getting started with mechanics.
- Always center the part under the piston. A misaligned element is a fast track to flying parts. And it’s not New Year’s Eve yet.
- Don’t work without safety glasses. Even for “just a second” – a flying chip could cost you weeks off. And let’s be honest, you don’t want to end up looking like a pirate.
- Keep the piston and table clean. Dust, metal shavings, grime – all of that affects sealing and precision. Wipe it down daily, blow it out weekly.
- Don’t exceed the press’s rated force. If something “won’t go,” check the setup – or grab a stronger press.
- Never leave a part under pressure unattended. The piston may slowly return on its own. And when it does… well, you don’t want to find out.
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How to choose the right press for your car service in 2026? [Summary]
There’s no single right answer. But there are some good questions to ask yourself:
- What kind of parts do you work with most often?
- How much space do you have?
- Are you looking for a main press or a backup?
- Is speed important to you?
- Do you usually work alone?
If you answer these honestly, choosing the right press will be much easier.
And if you’re still unsure – get in touch. We’re here to help.