Tonnage capacity
Shop presses are rated by tonnage — the maximum force the ram can apply. 20-ton presses are a common general-purpose size for bearing, bushing, and gear work on automotive and light-industrial parts. Heavier production work (large bearings, structural fabrication) typically calls for 50-ton or higher capacity; lighter hobby/automotive work can often get by with 10–12 tons. Buy for your heaviest realistic job, not your average one — pressing force needed can spike well above what a part's size suggests.
H-frame vs. C-frame
H-frame presses (the more common configuration for shop use) have a fully enclosed rectangular frame, which generally handles higher tonnage and larger workpieces than a C-frame, but takes more floor space and the open throat on a C-frame can be more convenient for irregularly-shaped parts. For most general shop work, H-frame is the safer default choice.
Adjustable bed height
Look for a press with an adjustable bed (movable plate position), not just a fixed-height ram — this is what lets you fit different part sizes under the ram without needing a different press for every job.
Safety stands and floor mounting
A hydraulic press stores significant force under load. Confirm the unit has a stable base footprint for your floor, and never work under a suspended load without mechanical safety stands or blocking, regardless of what the press's own hydraulic seal is rated to hold — hydraulic seals can fail.
An example in this category
The VEVOR 20-Ton H-Frame Hydraulic Shop Press in our Tools & Workshop Equipment shop is one current example of this configuration — a triangular-support H-frame design, sized for garage-floor use. Use the tonnage and frame-type criteria above to evaluate it (or any other press) against your specific jobs, not just its price.