Baileigh AP-3R 3-Ton Manual Arbor Press
Excl. VAT:
Incl. VAT:
Why Shop With Us?
✅ Free UK Delivery
✅ 30-Day Easy Returns
✅ Price Match Guarantee
✅ Manufacturer’s Warranty
Baileigh AP-3R 3-Ton Manual Ratcheting Arbor Press
The Baileigh AP-3R is a heavy duty 3-ton manual arbor press designed to deliver precise, controlled pressing power for your fabrication and metalworking projects. Built with professional grade construction and intelligent design features, this ratcheting press gives you the muscle you need with the finesse you demand.
When you need surgical precision combined with serious pressing power, the AP-3R delivers exactly what you're looking for. This isn't just another bench-mounted press—it's a workhorse engineered to handle decades of demanding shop work without breaking a sweat.
At its core, the AP-3R harnesses 2.7 metric tons (3 US tons) of force through an intelligent ratcheting leverage system that multiplies your effort while giving you complete control. The heavy duty cast iron frame eliminates flex and maintains accuracy even under maximum load, ensuring every press is as precise as the last. What really sets this press apart is how it makes your work easier the ratchet mechanism keeps the handle in the optimal position throughout the entire pressing operation, so you're not fighting awkward angles or losing leverage mid press.
Product Video
Applications
- Installing and Removing Bearings & Bushings: Press bearings into hubs, install bushings into housings, or remove worn components with controlled force and perfect alignment
- Broaching Keyways: Cut precise keyway slots in gears, pulleys, and shafts using the included 4-position die plate designed specifically for broaching operations
- Sheet Metal Forming: Shape, bend, and form small sheet metal components with accuracy—ideal for brackets, chassis parts, and custom fabrications
- Press-Fit Assembly Work: Join components that require interference fits, including dowel pins, roll pins, shafts, and mechanical assemblies
- Riveting and Staking Operations: Set rivets, stake components, and perform assembly operations that need consistent, controlled pressure
- General Repair and Maintenance: Handle everyday shop tasks from straightening bent parts to compressing springs and assembling small mechanisms
Key Features & Benefits
- Ratchet Leverage System: You get maximum leverage with every pull of the handle, and the ratchet keeps you in the sweet spot throughout the entire operation. This means less fatigue and more consistent results, especially on longer pressing tasks.
- Rapid-Transfer Flywheel: Position your workpiece in seconds, then switch to precise control when you need it. The flywheel lets you quickly raise and lower the ram for setup, then allows tiny, delicate adjustments for perfect alignment before you apply pressure.
- Case-Hardened 38mm Square Ram: This isn't a ram that'll wear out or deform under pressure. The solid, case-hardened construction delivers precise, straight-line force every single time, maintaining accuracy even after thousands of pressing operations.
- Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Frame: Flex is the enemy of accuracy. The AP-3R's rigid cast iron construction absorbs the force you're applying, keeping everything stable and ensuring your press fits are perpendicular and true.
- 4-Position Machined Die Plate: Perfectly perpendicular to the ram and machined to precision tolerances, this plate includes proper openings for most standard broaches to push through. Four positioning options let you secure different sized workpieces with confidence.
- Adjustable Tension and Gap: The slideaway feature gives you control over tension and gap settings, so you can fine-tune the press for different materials and applications. This flexibility means one press handles a wider range of tasks.
- Versatile Mounting Options: Bolt it to your workbench for a permanent station or mount it on a pedestal for a mobile setup. You choose what works best for your workshop layout and workflow.
- Professional Build Quality: This press is engineered for decades of profitable use, not just a few years. The combination of quality materials, precision machining, and robust construction means you're investing in a tool that'll be working long after lighter-duty alternatives have worn out.
What's in the Box
- Baileigh AP-3R Arbor Press (fully assembled)
- 4-Position Machined Die Plate (installed)
- Mounting hardware for bench or pedestal installation
- Owner's manual and warranty documentation
- Access to Baileigh's technical support team
Baileigh AP-3R Specifications
| Model Number | AP-3R |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2.7 metric tons (3 US tons) |
| Ram Size | 38mm (1.5") square, case-hardened |
| Throat Depth | 127mm (5") |
| Maximum Material Height | 279mm (11") |
Baileigh AP-3R Manuals & Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mount this press on a standard workbench, or do I need a pedestal?
You have complete flexibility here. The AP-3R comes with mounting holes pre-drilled in the base, so you can bolt it directly to a sturdy workbench for a permanent installation. If you prefer mobility or don't have permanent bench space, you can mount it on a pedestal stand. The choice depends on your workshop setup and how you plan to use it. Just make sure whatever you mount it to is solid and level.
What's the difference between this ratcheting model and a standard singlelever arbor press?
The ratcheting mechanism is a game-changer for efficiency and control. While a single-lever press requires you to reposition the handle multiple times during a pressing operation, the AP-3R's ratchet keeps the handle in the optimal leverage position throughout the entire stroke. This means faster operation, less fatigue, and more consistent pressure application. The rapid-transfer flywheel is another advantage you won't find on basic presses—it lets you quickly position the ram, then switch to precise control when you're ready to press.
How much force can I actually generate with manual operation?
The AP-3R is rated for 2.7 metric tons (3 US tons) of pressing force when you're using the full leverage of the handle. The ratchet mechanism multiplies your input force significantly, so you don't need superhuman strength to reach full capacity. Most operators can comfortably achieve maximum tonnage on appropriate applications. The key is that you have fine control throughout the entire range—you can apply just a few pounds of pressure for delicate work or bring the full 3 tons to bear when needed.
What maintenance does this press require?
Minimal maintenance is one of the AP-3R's advantages. Keep the moving parts clean and occasionally lubricate the rack and pinion mechanism with a light machine oil. Check the mounting bolts periodically to ensure they remain tight. The cast iron frame and case-hardened ram are built to last with minimal upkeep. Unlike hydraulic presses, there are no seals to replace or fluids to leak. Simple, mechanical reliability is what you get.
Will this handle my specific pressing application?
If you're working with parts that fit within the 127mm throat depth and 279mm height capacity, and your pressing force requirements are at or below 2.7 metric tons, the AP-3R will handle it beautifully. It excels at bearing installation, bushing work, broaching keyways, light sheet metal forming, and general press-fit assembly tasks. For larger parts or higher tonnage requirements, you'd want to look at Baileigh's larger models. If you're unsure, Baileigh's technical support team can help you determine if the AP-3R is the right fit for your specific needs.