Central Machinery 33497 Assembly instructions

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Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
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. 22d
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 ma y n o t b e i n c l u d e d .
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Table of Contents
Safety ........................................................................2
Specifications ............................................................4
Setup .........................................................................4
Operation...................................................................8
Maintenance..............................................................9
Parts List and Diagram.............................................10
Warranty ...................................................................12
WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS
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.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
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.

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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
11. Do not stand directly in front of the
press when loaded. Do not leave the
press 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, product-
specific 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.

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
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:
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.
Frame Posts (15)
Base Supports (14)
M10 x 30
Bolts (12)
M10 Nuts
(13)
Spreader (16) M10 Nuts
(13)
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 on page 6.
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.
M12 Nuts (2) Upper
Beam (1)
Frame Posts (15)
M12 x 110
Bolts (3)
Figure B

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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
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.
Support Pins (11)
Frame Post (15) Press Apron (10)
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.
Jack Plate (7)
Eye Bolts (6)
M8 Nuts (8)
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.
Arbor
Plate
(9)
Jack Plate (7)
Frame Post (15)
Figure E
9. Bleed the Bottle Jack and make sure
it is fully collapsed. Refer to Bleeding
the Bottle Jack on page 8.
Assembly (continued)

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
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.
Bottle
Jack
(5)
Springs (4)Springs (4)
Upper Beam (1)
Eye Bolts (6)
Jack
Plate
(7)
Figure F
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.

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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Components and Controls
Jack
Plate
Jack
Upper
Beam
Press
Apron
Arbor
Plates
Frame
Posts
Jack
Handle
Base Supports

Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 33497
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Operating Instructions
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.
Plunger/
Fulcrum
Handle (17) Elevating
Screw
(some models)
Oil Fill
Hole
Oil Filler
Plug
Release
Valve
Screw
Saddle
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.

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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
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 and Servicing
Procedures not specifically explained in this manual must
be performed only by a qualified technician.
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 on page 8.
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 on page 6.

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Troubleshooting
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.)
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.
XX X
Jack may be low on oil. Check
the oil level and refill if needed.
Jack may require bleeding - see
instructions on page 8.
XUnit may have too much
hydraulic oil inside. Check oil
level and adjust if needed.
Parts List and Diagram
Parts List
Part Description Qty
1 Upper Beam 1
2 Nut M12 4
3 Bolt M12 x110 4
4 Spring 2
5 Bottle Jack 1
6 Eye Bolt 2
7 Jack Plate 1
8 Nut M8 2
9 Arbor Plate 2
Part Description Qty
10 Press Apron 1
11 Support Pin 2
12 Bolt M10 x 30 4
13 Nut M10 4
14 Base Support 2
15 Frame Post 2
16 Spreader 1
17 Jack Handle 1
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not available
individually as replacement parts. Specify UPC 792363334976 when ordering parts.

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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Assembly Diagram
2
2
2
2
1
3
3
4
4
5
66
15
15
99
8
8
11
11
10
13
13
14
12
12
12
12
14
13
13
3
3
7
17
16

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.
26677 Agoura Road • Calabasas, CA 91302 • 1-888-866-5797
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.