If your company bonds or molds rubber, composites, or other materials, your equipment’s performance directly influences production quality and efficiency. It can be tempting to explore used hydraulic presses to cut upfront costs. However, that decision comes with serious risks every operation should evaluate carefully.
While the savings from buying a used press seem appealing, you must consider the risks before investing capital in used machinery or other used hydraulic presses.
Below are four potential drawbacks of a used hydraulic press machine that could hinder your performance and product quality.
#1 Unscrupulous Sellers
Hydraulic press machines with poor construction often break down over time. Their condition depends on whether operators maintained and handled the equipment properly.
When you buy a new hydraulic press, you gain a clean slate—a machine that runs at full capacity. If a defect arises, the manufacturer’s warranty typically covers the cost.
That guarantee doesn’t apply to used hydraulic presses.
If the previous owner skipped maintenance, the press could suffer from:
- Shorter lifespan
- Costly repairs
- Frequent downtime
- Overheating
- Hydraulic drift
- Loss of pressure
- Slow pressure build-up
Some sellers patch machines to hide deeper flaws or structural damage. These concealed issues often resurface months later. By the time you identify leaks or overheating, your operation may already face disruption and product quality loss. To make matters worse, sellers often fail to provide manuals or documentation, making training and support difficult. If modifications were made, missing documentation can cause problems when finding replacement parts—especially when the original manufacturer no longer supports older used hydraulic presses.
#2 Longevity
Depreciation plays a major role in cost.
Whether you purchase from a reputable company or a third party, most used hydraulic presses have endured years of wear. For consistent output and minimal turnover, operations need the latest technology—something used models often lack.
Older presses typically require more maintenance and repairs than new machines. This raises operating costs and slows production. Parts for outdated presses can be hard to find or require special orders with long lead times.
For instance, a press might overheat within hours of production. You must replace worn parts and hydraulic fluid regularly to prevent heat buildup. Over time, these recurring costs cut profit and reduce output. Used hydraulic presses often face this challenge due to inefficient cooling systems and older designs.
#3 Optionality
When you search for used hydraulic presses, options are limited to what’s currently available. You might need a four-column press for volume production but only find side plate models on the market.
Finding a used press is much harder than finding a car. It requires time and diligence to inspect each machine and compare limited choices.
Buying a new hydraulic press offers far greater flexibility, including:
- Construction style
- Platen size
- Heating or cooling options
- Programmable controls
A new system often supports advanced molding applications such as:
- Cast Molding
- Compaction Molding
- Compression Press Molding
- Injection Molding
- Reaction Injection Molding (RIM)
- Structural Reinforced RIM (SRIM)
- Transfer Molding.
#4 Hydraulic Press Configuration
Consider your machine’s purpose before buying. A seller may claim a press is optimized for your process, but that’s rarely true. Most used hydraulic presses are built for specific workflows.
Check that the machine aligns with your application needs—laminates, composites, or rubber. The three most important cycle types include:
- Return on position – The ram lowers, closes the die to a set depth, molds the material, then returns to its start position.
- Return on pressure – The ram lowers to a target pressure, then retracts once reached.
- Return on pressure with dwell – The ram holds a target force or pressure for a set time.
When you buy new—especially from French Oil Mill Machinery Co.—you ensure the press meets your exact needs and avoid the costly risks of older used hydraulic presses.
French Oil Mill Machinery Company: Custom Hydraulic Press Designs That Deliver
Buying a hydraulic press is a strategic investment, not a quick purchase. If you’re considering a used machine, think long term. Analyze your production goals and quality standards carefully—especially when comparing new presses with used hydraulic presses.
That’s where French Oil Mill Machinery Co. excels.
Our engineering experts design and build top-quality hydraulic press systems around your exact specifications. We combine precision, durability, and century-long expertise to ensure your press operates reliably for decades.
With French Oil Mill Machinery Co., it will run like clockwork. Contact us to get started today.