Bearing press

[Chris1988]

Hey folks,
I have my L3901 front axel torn apart to replace the seals, in order to put it back together I need a bearing and seal press, there are many to choose from. A shop press is out of my price range, so I am looking for suggestions on the smaller kits.
I was wondering what people have and if they would get something else next time!
Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

 

[McMXi]

I've had a Dake 10 ton press for about 10 years and it's been great for all kinds of projects. I overhauled the transfer case in my Jeep TJ when I installed a SYE (slip yoke eliminator) kit and had to press out/in a bunch of bearings. I used it last weekend to squash a piece of 1/2" black pipe to make a bracket for the M6060. You can build one easily enough but there are plenty of cheap options available.

I would buy the model I have again, even though it's a tool that rarely gets used, but when you need it you need it. The FedEx delivery driver stopped by one weekend with her boyfriend since they needed to do a bunch of work on the front suspension components from a vehicle they owned, so if you buy one, you might not be the only one using it.

This is the model I have. It's a Dake B-10.

 

[Trash Panda]

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-h-frame-floor-shop-press-70604.html

For under 200 bucks, you’re not gonna find a better value. Not sure if you’re near to a Harbor Freight for it to be practical, but I cannot recommend it enough.

 

[007kubotaguy]

I would take it apart before you buy a press. I don't think you will need one.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yea I agree with @007kubotaguy
None of Kubota bearings are pressed in, and the seals are simply installed.
If the seal are pushed in, you don't need a press to do it, a hammer or a hammer and a board will do it.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-h-frame-floor-shop-press-70604.html

For under 200 bucks, you’re not gonna find a better value. Not sure if you’re near to a Harbor Freight for it to be practical, but I cannot recommend it enough.

If you do end up needing a press, I will 2nd @Trash Panda recommendation!!!!!

I have had my HF unit for maybe 30’ish years, and it’s tough to beat for the money.

Although the Drake that @McMXi posted looks pretty nice too.

 

[McMXi]

Although the Drake that @McMXi posted looks pretty nice too.

The Dake is a really good press but I can't argue with the recommendation for that Harbor Freight model, particularly given the limited use that many presses see. I just like nicely made tools and the press has paid for itself many times over.

Whether or not a press is needed for this particular job is another thing altogether, and had the question been "do I need a press to install bearings and seals in the front axle of an L3901" I would have stayed out of this discussion.

 

[Chris1988]

I would take it apart before you buy a press. I don't think you will need one.

I took it apart, I have been unable to get the front seal on.
Kabota changed the seal from the old one and now has a metal inner part that won’t slide over the shaft like the old one did
In the picture it is the second piece from the right

 

[Trash Panda]

I took it apart, I have been unable to get the front seal on.
Kabota changed the seal from the old one and now has a metal inner part that won’t slide over the shaft like the old one did
In the picture it is the second piece from the right

You sure you’re looking at the correct parts drawing?

I was unaware that KABOTA made the L3901. I was under the impression that it is a KUBOTA manufactured machine.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Kubota did not change the seal on that model, it's always been the same.

Typically what happens is upon disassembly, the metal side of the seal gets left on the axle and this the new one will not fit.

The other thing that happens is that you could have the wrong seal.
Did you get it from a dealer and is it TC422-13370?

 

[trikepilot]

Agree 100% with the no press needed for this job. But... having a press around comes in super handy way more often than you might think.

I just bought one. I spent 3-6 weeks just casually watching the CL and FBMP listings for a shop press to get an idea of what was out there and what values they might truly have. When a minty HF 20ton press popped up, I pounded on it and scored it for $150. It sits tucked out of the way in a corner of the shop but has already been used many times. I am sure it will be a valuable addition to the shop for many years to come

 

[Lil Foot]

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-h-frame-floor-shop-press-70604.html

For under 200 bucks, you’re not gonna find a better value. Not sure if you’re near to a Harbor Freight for it to be practical, but I cannot recommend it enough.

Have the same press, and I agree!

 

[John T]

Like they said, You don't need a press.

but if you want a press, I second the HF suggestion...

I beefed mine up by adding corner gussets and stuff.... I also added the HF air over hydraulic bottle jack.... sure beats pumping it by hand.

Before I had the HF press I used to use my wood splitter with a jig I welded up.
That worked brilliantly also.

enter "Yankee ingenuity" here .... or Git R Done.....