Short Push Rams

About Short Push Rams

Short push rams are essential hydraulic tools designed for heavy-duty pushing, pressing, and positioning tasks in confined spaces where standard-length rams cannot reach. These compact yet powerful hydraulic cylinders deliver impressive force through a shortened body design, making them indispensable for automotive repair, machinery maintenance, and general engineering applications. Whether you're straightening bent components, pressing bearings, or aligning body panels, short push rams provide the controlled force needed to complete demanding jobs safely and efficiently.

The key advantage of short push rams lies in their space-saving design combined with substantial pushing capacity. Most models feature a single-acting hydraulic cylinder that extends under pressure and retracts via an internal spring mechanism, allowing for rapid operation in tight working environments. Available in various tonnage ratings and stroke lengths, these rams are typically supplied as individual units or as part of comprehensive push and pull ram sets that include multiple attachments, extensions, and pump assemblies for maximum versatility.

Professional-grade short push rams, such as those manufactured by Sealey, are constructed from hardened steel with precision-machined components to ensure reliable performance under extreme loads. They're commonly used in conjunction with hydraulic hand pumps or power packs, providing tradespeople with a portable pushing solution that can be deployed quickly on-site or in the workshop without the need for heavy machinery or complex equipment.

Jargon Buster

• Tonnage Rating: The maximum pushing force a ram can safely deliver, measured in tonnes. Common ratings for short push rams range from 4 to 10 tonnes, with higher ratings suited for heavier-duty applications.
• Stroke Length: The total distance the ram's piston can travel from fully retracted to fully extended position, typically measured in millimetres. Short push rams feature reduced stroke lengths compared to standard models, usually between 50mm and 150mm.
• Single-Acting Cylinder: A hydraulic cylinder design that uses hydraulic pressure to extend the ram but relies on an internal spring or external force for retraction, making it simpler and more compact than double-acting designs.
• Spring Return: The internal spring mechanism that automatically retracts the ram's piston when hydraulic pressure is released, enabling rapid reset between operations.
• Working Pressure: The hydraulic pressure required to achieve the ram's rated tonnage capacity, typically measured in bar or PSI. Most short push rams operate at pressures between 350 and 700 bar.
• Base Mounting: The fixing points or mounting holes on the ram's body that allow it to be secured to a workbench, jig, or portable frame for stable operation during pressing tasks.

Who Uses Short Push Rams?

• Motor mechanics and auto electricians for panel straightening, bearing installation, and component pressing in tight engine bays
• Vehicle body repair specialists for straightening chassis components and realigning body panels
• Plant and machinery fitters for maintaining and repairing industrial equipment in confined spaces
• Agricultural engineers for on-site repairs to farm machinery and equipment
• General engineering workshops for pressing bushings, bearings, and shaft assemblies
• MOT testing stations for various vehicle alignment and repair tasks
• Manufacturing and production facilities for assembly line operations requiring controlled pressing force
• Mobile mechanics and breakdown services for portable pressing solutions at roadside or customer locations
• Maintenance teams across industrial, commercial, and municipal sectors

How to Choose the Right Short Push Rams

Selecting the appropriate short push ram requires careful consideration of your typical applications and working environment. Start by determining the maximum tonnage you'll need for your pressing tasks - heavier components and more substantial straightening work require higher tonnage ratings. Remember that it's always better to have excess capacity than to strain an underpowered ram, which can lead to tool failure or safety hazards.

Consider the stroke length carefully based on the distances you typically need to push or press. Short push rams sacrifice stroke length for compactness, so ensure the model you choose provides sufficient extension for your applications whilst fitting into your available working space. Measure the confined areas where you'll be working and verify that both the ram's closed height and extended length will accommodate your needs.

Evaluate whether you need a standalone ram or a complete push and pull ram set. Individual rams are cost-effective if you have specific, repetitive tasks, whilst comprehensive sets with multiple attachments, extensions, and pump assemblies offer greater versatility for varied workshop applications. Sets typically include different ram sizes, extension tubes, and specialist adapters that expand your capabilities significantly.

Check compatibility with your existing hydraulic equipment. Ensure the ram's hydraulic connection type matches your pump's output, and verify that your pump can deliver the required working pressure and flow rate. If purchasing your first hydraulic pushing system, consider a kit that includes both the ram and a matched hand pump assembly.

Build quality is paramount for tools that will experience high forces and regular use. Look for rams constructed from hardened steel with precision-machined surfaces, quality seals to prevent hydraulic fluid leaks, and robust spring return mechanisms. Reputable brands like Sealey offer reliable performance backed by manufacturer warranties, providing peace of mind for professional tradespeople.

Popular Accessories

• Hydraulic hand pumps and pump assemblies for powering your short push ram
• Hydraulic hoses in various lengths for flexible positioning of pump and ram
• Extension tubes and adapters for reaching recessed areas or increasing effective stroke length
• Ram mounting frames and brackets for securing rams during operation
• Push and pull ram attachment sets including spreaders, hooks, and specialist pressing heads
• Hydraulic fluid for maintaining system performance and preventing seal degradation
• Pressure gauges for monitoring applied force during critical pressing operations
• Tool storage cases for organising and protecting rams and accessories
• Workshop presses and frames for integrated ram mounting solutions

Safety Information

Short push rams generate substantial forces that can cause serious injury if misused. Always inspect your ram before each use, checking for hydraulic fluid leaks, damaged seals, or bent components that could indicate overloading or damage. Never exceed the manufacturer's stated tonnage rating, as this can cause catastrophic failure resulting in injury or property damage.

Ensure all work pieces are properly supported and secured before applying force. Unstable components can shift unexpectedly under pressure, creating dangerous projectiles. Always position yourself and bystanders clear of the ram's line of force and any potential pinch points where body parts could be trapped between moving components.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots when operating hydraulic rams. Keep your work area clean and well-lit to prevent trips and ensure you can clearly see all components during operation. Follow HSE guidelines for working with hydraulic equipment, and ensure operators receive proper training before using push rams.

Release hydraulic pressure slowly and in a controlled manner when retracting the ram. Rapid pressure release can cause sudden component movement. Store rams in a clean, dry environment and maintain them according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure safe, reliable operation throughout their service life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a short push ram and a standard hydraulic ram?

Short push rams feature a reduced overall length and typically shorter stroke compared to standard hydraulic rams, making them ideal for working in confined spaces where a full-size ram cannot fit. Whilst they sacrifice some stroke length, they maintain comparable tonnage ratings and are specifically designed for applications where space constraints are the primary concern, such as under vehicle dashboards or within machinery housings.

Can I use any hydraulic pump with a short push ram?

You must use a hydraulic pump that matches your ram's connection type and can deliver the required working pressure. Most short push rams require between 350 and 700 bar of pressure to achieve their rated tonnage. Check that your pump's maximum pressure and flow rate are compatible with the ram's specifications. Many manufacturers offer matched pump and ram sets to ensure optimal compatibility and performance.

How do I know what tonnage rating I need?

Select a tonnage rating based on the heaviest pressing or pushing tasks you'll encounter. For general automotive work such as bearing installation and light panel straightening, a 4-6 tonne ram is usually sufficient. Heavier applications like pressing truck components or straightening substantial chassis members may require 8-10 tonnes. When in doubt, choose a higher capacity ram as operating below maximum capacity extends tool life and provides a safety margin.

Why does my short push ram retract slowly?

Slow retraction typically indicates a weak or damaged return spring, which is responsible for pulling the piston back when hydraulic pressure is released. This can occur through normal wear over time or from overloading the ram beyond its rated capacity. Check the manufacturer's maintenance guidance for spring replacement procedures, or contact a hydraulic tool specialist for servicing. In some cases, contaminated hydraulic fluid or worn seals can also impede smooth retraction.

Can short push rams be used for pulling as well as pushing?

Standard short push rams are designed specifically for pushing operations only. However, many manufacturers offer comprehensive push and pull ram sets that include specialised attachments and adapters enabling pulling applications. These sets typically feature hook attachments and extension rods that convert the pushing force into pulling capability, providing a versatile solution for tasks like bearing extraction, panel pulling, and component removal alongside standard pushing operations.