On the Famco webpage, I saw arbor presses similar in size and frame to
mine, but with ratcheting mechanism, that were rated up to 8 tons. (3
1/2-C). So I thought how to get a little more force from my press, and
decided to try a hydraulic jack. I bought the smallest rated jack (4
tons) at Harbor Freight for $12.99.

I calculated that with moderate effort, and only half length of the
handle, the press produces about 8-10 tons of effort when assisted
with the jack.

See pix here.

http://igor.chudov.com/projects/misc...raulic-Assist/

It does not seem to be damaging the ratcheting mechanism.

i