Clarke 30 Tonne Hydraulic Press

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE 30 Tonne Hydraulic Press. Before attempting to operate the machine, 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 affect your statutory rights.

Safety Symbols

The above safety symbols appear on the product.

Safety Precautions

• Due to the weight of the press, lifting equipment and the help of an assistant will be required during installation. Secure the press to a firm level floor using suitable anchor bolts (not supplied).
• Before starting work, check for cracked welds, loose or missing bolts, a damaged screen (if fitted), or any structural damage. Do not operate if any of these conditions exist. Have repairs made only by your service centre.
• Before work, always ensure that hydraulic hoses and couplings are completely sound.
• NEVER tamper with the press components or modify them. 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 load. Do not substitute any other components or exceed the rated load of the press.
• Before applying pressure, 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 let any person who is unfamiliar with hydraulic presses use the press unless they are under direct supervision.
• Keep children and unauthorised personnel away from the work area.
• ALWAYS position the (optional) safety screen directly in front of the workpiece.
• 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. 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.
• Wear approved impact safety goggles and heavy duty work gloves.
• Failure to heed these warnings may result in damage to the equipment, or serious personal injury.

Unpacking & Inventory

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. The following items should be present in their packaging.

Assembly

Warning: ⚠️ DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE PRESS, LIFTING EQUIPMENT OR THE HELP OF AN ASSISTANT WILL BE REQUIRED DURING INSTALLATION.

Tools Required

• Wrench/socket set
• PTFE tape
• Hex key set

Locating the Press

The press must be firmly secured to a firm and level floor using expansion bolts (not supplied). Holes are provided in the feet for this purpose. Do not locate your press where it will be open to the elements, as severe weather conditions will damage the hydraulic parts.

Assembly Procedure

1. With the help of an assistant, attach the base supports to the frame using the nuts, bolts and washers. Diagram shows the base supports being attached to the main frame of the hydraulic press.
2. Add the stay bars to each side and bolt into place. Diagram illustrates stay bars being fitted to the sides of the press frame.
3. With the help of an assistant if required, lift the frame assembly upright and manoeuvre it to its intended location in the workshop. Diagram depicts the main frame assembly being lifted upright and positioned.
4. Install the ram by passing it through the top carriage and securing with the retaining collar. Diagram shows the ram cylinder being inserted through the top carriage and secured with a collar.
5. Fit the carriage positioning handle to the front of the carriage using the hex bolts as shown. Diagram illustrates the carriage positioning handle being attached to the front of the ram carriage using hex bolts.
6. Remove the travel plug and install the pressure gauge. Diagram shows the pressure gauge being fitted through the frame and secured with a nut.
7. We recommend sealing all threads with PTFE tape where hydraulic oil is to be contained. Take care not to let any oil escape while connecting the hoses.
8. Connect the ram hose to the ram cylinder. Diagram illustrates the hydraulic hose being connected to the ram cylinder.
9. Bolt the foot pedal to the frame using the long bolt, spacer tube, nut and washers. Diagram shows the foot pedal being bolted to the press frame using a long bolt, spacer tube, nut, and washers.
10. Insert the bed support pins into the holes in the frame side supports at a height of your choosing. Secure them in position using the butterfly spring clips. Diagram depicts bed support pins being inserted into the frame side supports and secured with butterfly spring clips.
11. Lift the pressing bed into position on the pins. Note: Due to the weight of the bed, assistance from another person is recommended.
12. Fill the oil reservoir with oil from the container supplied, up to the 1.5L mark. Diagram shows the oil reservoir being filled to the 1.5L mark.

Protective Screens (Optional)

Protective screens (CPS30T part number 7615260) are available from your CLARKE dealer.

1. If the protective screens have been purchased, bolt the mounting brackets supplied to the pressing bed as shown. Diagram illustrates protective screen mounting brackets being bolted to the pressing bed.
2. Fit the protective screen to the pressing bed and ensure it can be set in one of the available positions using the latches on each side. Diagram shows the protective screen being fitted to the pressing bed and secured with latches.

Preparation for Use

Purging the Hydraulic System

1. Insert the pump handle into the actuating lever.
2. Open the release valve by turning anti-clockwise.
3. Pump several full strokes to eliminate any air bubbles from the system. Use either the handle or the foot pedal.
4. Close the release valve by turning clockwise.

Diagram shows the release valve and the fast/slow speed adjustment knob on the pump cover.

Positioning the Ram

1. Slide the carriage along the cross-beam.
2. Lock it in position with the four sprung locking bolts. Important: Always position the ram directly above the workpiece.

Diagram illustrates the sprung locking bolts used to secure the ram carriage along the cross-beam.

Positioning the Pressing Bed

Important: Due to the weight of the press bed, assistance from another person is recommended when adjusting the bed height.

1. Position the pressing 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 using the spring butterfly 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.

Diagram shows the pressing bed positioned close to the ram, with bed support pins inserted into locating holes.

Positioning the Pressing Blocks

The bed blocks can be placed on the bed with either the flat face or the V-supports facing upwards. They are prevented from slipping out of position by the retaining pins which drop down within the confines of the bed side members. Check all parts are secure and correctly aligned before using the press.

Diagram shows bed blocks being placed on the pressing bed, with retaining pins shown dropping down to secure them.

Operation

1. Place the workpiece on the bed. It must be completely stable and supported by packing or shims where required. Pressing plates (bed blocks) are supplied, which locate on the bed. Place the workpiece on these to give it stability. Caution: Do not point load such accessories as they are not designed to take the full force of the ram in one spot. Ensure they are adequately supported. Note: 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 clockwise until tightly closed.
3. Select either SLOW SPEED or FAST SPEED using the knob on the side of the pump cover. Note: Fast speed allows faster movement but greater effort will be required.
4. Pump the handle or foot pedal to bring the ram very lightly into contact with the workpiece.
5. Manoeuvre the workpiece or loosen the locking bolts and slide the ram to one side so that the desired point of contact is directly beneath the centre of the ram. Diagram illustrates the sprung locking bolts on the ram carriage.
6. Slowly pump the handle or foot pedal so that the ram begins to exert pressure on the workpiece.
7. Continue to pump the handle and constantly monitor the process, ensuring the ram and work remain completely in line and there is no risk of slipping. Keep hands and fingers away from parts that may pinch or shift.
8. Observe the reading on the pressure gauge and take care not to exceed the rated working pressure of the press. Note: The scale from 30 metric tonnes upward is highlighted in red, indicating pressure being applied above the rated maximum working pressure.
9. When the pressing task is complete, turn the release valve anticlockwise in small increments to release ram pressure and allow removal of the workpiece.

Troubleshooting

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. If the press appears to be damaged in any way, is found to be badly worn, or operates abnormally, it 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 surface of the moving parts.

Periodically

Check the press to make sure all bolts are tight and inspect for cracked welds, bent, loose or missing parts. Clean any foreign material from the ram carrier. Keep the protective screen (if fitted) clean at all times. Check the hydraulic connections for leaks. Replace or properly repair any damaged or leaking hydraulic components before using. Note any loss of oil and if oil is seen to become foul, replace using CLARKE hydraulic oil, Part No. 3050830. If any rust is apparent on the structure it must be removed completely and the paint restored.

Disposal of Unwanted Materials

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.

Technical Specifications

Declaration of Conformity

This is an important document and should be retained.

We hereby declare that this product(s) complies with the following directive(s): 2006/42/EC Machinery Directive.

The following standards have been applied to the product(s): EN 1494:2000+A1:2008, EN ISO 12100:2010.

The technical documentation required to demonstrate that the product(s) meet(s) the requirement(s) of the aforementioned directive(s) has been compiled and is available for inspection by the relevant enforcement authorities.

The CE mark was first applied in: 2020

Product Description: 30 Tonne Hydraulic Shop Press

Model number(s): CSA30FPB

Serial/batch Number: N/A

Date of Issue: 12/08/2020

Signed: J.A. Clarke, Director

Ram Parts Diagram

Diagram shows an exploded view of the ram cylinder components with numbered parts.

General Assembly Parts Diagram

Diagram shows a general assembly view of the hydraulic press with numbered components.

(Visual representation of the general assembly is omitted here as per instructions to exclude images, but the parts list below details all components.)

Pump Parts Diagram

Diagram shows an exploded view of the pump assembly components with numbered parts.

(Visual representation of the pump assembly is omitted here as per instructions to exclude images, but the parts list below details all components.)