American Forge & Foundry 820A - 20 Ton Shop Press That Won't Let You Down

You need a press that shows up every day. The American Forge & Foundry 820A is a 20 ton shop press built for automotive shops and light industrial work where a failed seal or a bent frame isn't just an inconvenience - it's lost revenue. Eight-level bed adjustment, a 20-ton hydraulic bottle jack with overload protection, and an 8-1/2" stroke. It's not the cheapest 20 ton hydraulic shop press on the market. It's the one that's still running when the bargain units are in the dumpster.

Here's what separates it: the cylinders are fully rebuildable and parts are always in stock. That's not marketing copy. It's the reason AFF has been in business since 1963. When a discount press starts leaking at six months, you throw it out. The 820A, you fix it. That's real shop math. The seals hold, the frame doesn't flex, and the reinforced head plate keeps pressure square under a full 20-ton load.

Heavy-duty return springs pull the ram back fast so you're moving through work, not waiting. The bed locks into any of eight positions so you're not fighting the setup for every job. At 61" tall with a 27" footprint, it fits in a working bay without taking over the floor. Everything about the american forge and foundry 820a is sized and spec'd for a shop that actually uses it.

Orders ship free to the lower 48, and if you have questions before or after the sale, our team is a phone call away. No runaround, no ticket queue.

Specifications

Capacity 20 Tons
Stroke 8-1/2"
Space Interval 4-1/2"
Bed Rail Opening 7-1/4"
Post Opening 22-1/2"
Base Width 27"
Height 61"
Shipping Weight 280 lbs.
Warranty 1 Year Limited

What's Included

  • Shop press frame assembly
  • 20-ton hydraulic bottle jack (integrated)
  • Heavy-duty return springs
  • Adjustable press bed (8 locking positions)
  • Reinforced head plate

Installation & Setup

The 820A stands 61" tall, so confirm your bay ceiling gives you enough clearance before positioning. The base footprint is 27" wide - compact enough for most shop layouts, but measure your space first so you're not moving 280 lbs. twice.

At 280 lbs. shipping weight, you'll want an extra set of hands when moving the press off the pallet and into position. Once it's placed, set the bed to your starting height using one of the eight locking positions, connect the hydraulic jack, and you're operational. No specialized tools or electrical hookups required.

Position the press on a solid, level floor surface. A stable base directly affects ram alignment and press accuracy, so don't set it on uneven ground or flooring that flexes under load.

Applications

The 820A covers the pressing work that comes up every week in an automotive shop or light industrial facility. If you're removing bearings, pressing in bushings, straightening shafts, or pulling gears, this is the hydraulic shop press for that work. The eight-level bed adjustment means you're not limited to one workpiece height - you set it where the job needs it.

Automotive Repair Shops

Bearing and bushing removal and installation, gear and shaft work, suspension component pressing. The overload protection keeps your jack safe when you're pushing stubborn press-fits.

Light Industrial & Fabrication

Bending, straightening, and assembly work in light manufacturing or fabrication environments where a 20 ton press handles routine production tasks without the cost of a heavier unit.

Fleet & Heavy Equipment Maintenance

Maintenance bays servicing trucks, trailers, or agricultural equipment can use the 820A for drivetrain component work and general pressing tasks on the bench.

School & Vocational Programs

A floor shop press that's built to withstand instructional use, rebuildable when needed, and backed by parts availability - making it a practical choice for training environments.

Shipping

Free Shipping to the Lower 48 states. This is a heavy freight item at 280 lbs. - your order will ship via freight carrier. Contact us at (855) 498-2147 if you have questions about delivery logistics or need a lift gate.

Warranty

1 Year Limited Warranty - American Forge & Foundry warrants this equipment to the final purchaser to be free from operating defects in material and workmanship for one year from purchase.

If the press is determined to be defective during the warranty period, AFF will, at its option, repair or replace the unit at no charge. Equipment must be shipped with transportation charges prepaid and include proof of purchase to AFF or an authorized Field Service Depot.

This warranty does not cover damage from accident, overload, abuse, or use with attachments not recommended by American Forge & Foundry. AFF's sole obligation under this warranty is to repair or replace defective products. No liability for incidental or consequential damages.

Questions about warranty service? Call us at (855) 498-2147.

Ready to Order or Have a Question?

Call us at (855) 498-2147 - we're here to help you get the right press for your shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tasks is the AFF 820A 20 ton shop press best suited for?

The 820A handles the pressing work that comes up routinely in automotive shops and light industrial settings. That includes removing and installing bearings, pressing out bushings, pulling gears, and straightening bent shafts. The eight-level bed adjustment lets you position your workpiece at the right height for each job, and the 8-1/2" stroke gives you enough travel for most automotive pressing tasks.

Is the hydraulic cylinder on the 820A rebuildable if it needs service?

Yes. The hydraulic cylinder on the AFF 820A is fully rebuildable, and American Forge & Foundry maintains a complete supply of replacement parts. This is a key reason the 820A is considered a commercial-grade press rather than a disposable unit. When something needs attention, you fix it - you don't replace the whole press.

What does the 20-ton overload protection do?

The overload protection on the hydraulic bottle jack prevents the jack from exceeding its rated capacity. If pressure builds beyond the rated 20-ton limit, the protection system activates to safeguard both the jack and your workpiece. This is a standard safety feature on quality hydraulic shop presses and helps prevent equipment damage from overloading.

Does this press ship free and how is it delivered?

Yes, the AFF 820A ships free to the lower 48 states. At 280 lbs., it ships via freight carrier rather than parcel delivery. If you need a lift gate or have specific delivery requirements, call us at (855) 498-2147 before ordering and we'll help coordinate the details.

How does the bed height adjustment work on the 820A?

The press bed locks into any of eight different height positions along the frame. You adjust it by repositioning the bed on the press columns to the desired height, where it locks in place securely. The 4-1/2" space interval between positions gives you consistent, repeatable settings for different workpieces without needing to guess or shim.

Q: What tasks is the AFF 820A best suited for? A: Bearing and bushing removal and installation, gear pulling, shaft straightening, and general pressing work in automotive shops and light industrial settings. Eight-level bed adjustment and 8-1/2" stroke cover most automotive pressing tasks. Q: Is the hydraulic cylinder rebuildable? A: Yes. The cylinder is fully rebuildable and AFF maintains a complete parts supply nationwide. This makes it a long-term investment rather than a disposable unit. Q: What does the overload protection do? A: It prevents the jack from exceeding its 20-ton rated capacity, protecting both the jack and the workpiece from damage due to overloading. Q: Does this ship free and how is it delivered? A: Yes, free shipping to the lower 48. Ships freight at 280 lbs. Call (855) 498-2147 for lift gate or special delivery needs. Q: How does the bed height adjustment work? A: The bed locks into 8 positions along the press columns in 4-1/2" intervals, giving you repeatable, secure height settings for different workpieces.

About the Brand

American Forge & Foundry

View All American Forge & Foundry Products

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