what portapower system is good???

[HCJtractor]

I am always bending something and often wished I had a portapower type system to straighten things. I see sets at Northern and Harbor Freight and other tool companies. What is your experience with these? Is it worth having and if so, should I get a 4 or 10 ton for general use on farm equipment? Looks like the additional pull type cylinder would also be useful as an accessory. Of course, I would rather not spend a bundle for this occasional use. What system would you recommend? Thanks.

 

[20 20]

Own the harbor freight 10ton have not looked back since buying it. Works great and is handier then I'd of thought. I also bought the pull type cylinder comes in very handy when replacing a track on the dozer.

 

[streamin]

I have done frame work in bodyshops most of my life, the 4 ton is not enough for farm equipment, get the 10. The Harbor and northern sell cheaper versions, if your price conscious then they will work fine for occasional use. If you never want to replace it again you may want to spend a bit more on a quality one. The cheaper ones will leak over time and I have broken the foot on a couple but I'm sure for your use the cheaper will be just fine.

 

[flyerdan]

I've got the HF 10 ton one, scored it off craigslist for $60. Looked like it had only been used once, if that. It's not something that you need often, but when you do they sure are handy.

 

[Sockwell]

When we started up our business, I bought a 10 ton unit from Northern Tool. I was able to use if for 3 or 4 years before the seals in all the cylinders started leaking. Pretty soon, there was so much fluid by-pass that the cylinders were pretty much un-usable. Understand, this set was bought for industrial maintenance, but was probably used no more that what it would see on the farm. As that set gave up the ghost, I started buying Enerpac components. Much better, also more costly. In my case at least, this was a "you get what you pay for" sitaution.

 

[Soundguy]

Own the harbor freight 10ton have not looked back since buying it. Works great and is handier then I'd of thought. I also bought the pull type cylinder comes in very handy when replacing a track on the dozer.

I own that one as well.

have only used pieces of it so far. have been wanting to use the long rod.. but just havn't yet. I do hav ethe pull back hook as well.. but havn't taken it out of the box yet. the small spreader has been used just this weekend, and it is very nice!

if i worked in a machine shop and used it every day maybee i'd get a name brand one.. but for occasional farm use.. it was a good price..

 

[LD1]

Ditto on getting the 10T. We have a 10T enerpac at work and it is real nice. I cant comment on the jeaper ones, but just wanted to agree with others that said 10T