I had a MEC automate running 4 9000s prior to buying a Spolar. I also had the foot pedal. It’s a great set up, and there is no pump noise, nor any risk of any leaking fluid.
Can’t beat the electric drive!
With the electric MEC, pushing the buttons (or using the foot pedal) is an all or nothing cycle. The hydraulic is proportional to how much you press the pedal, and that gives more control over the cycle.
If you are upgrading your current 9000 to Hyd or Electric than the Hyd option will be turnkey with the conversion kit from MEC. If you choose the conversion kit for electric that to will be turnkey but if you want the foot feature you will have to outsource that and install it yourself (think modification).
I have the Automate and also the foot modification kit but haven't installed it yet.
I have both, both work extremely well.
You will not be dissatisfied with either one.
Hands down, get the Hydraulic, it's so much faster. The cycle time of the Automate is almost double that of the Hydraulic and once you start a cycle with the automate, there's no turning back.
I believe that to be inaccurate. If you take fingers off buttons, or foot off pedal, the press will stop immediately. And then you can set it back to the start/top position.
MEC website offers the complete parts for hydraulic but it is very pricy.The pump alone is $1089.00 and you still need the cylinder, linkage, oil lines, support braces. Etc.
Here's a cycle time example for the 9000E. This was the day I unboxed it and set it up. I've gotten much smoother and switched to STS/Nitro hulls for everything since. I've loaded over 12K in just over a year with no issues, mechanically, I on the other hand have screwed it up a few times but the machine itself has been flawless. I also like the fact that it won't cycle until my hands are out of the way. Many have told me to get the mokemate pedal but I'm perfectly happy using the buttons. I added a piece of peel and stick foam to the chute and it's made it MUCH more quiet. I value the peace in my shop. Actually, when I get into a groove it's music to my ears...
I actually like the fact that you need to use both hands to cycle the automate. I like the idea that you can't put your fingers in the moving machine.
Also, I can stop my automate mid downstroke by letting go of the buttons and return to the top without completing the downstroke by pushing the right button only. It's right in the instructions printed on the side of the automate
I removed the cylinder from my 9000 because the handle effort gave me bursitis in my right shoulder. That helped a lot.
Luckily, finding a Hustler helped more. Hint: Drill a hole in the bench so your primers go away.
cheaper alternative might be to modify the MEC handle which has been covered here in the past on other threads. Putting a two hand hold allows a person to stand 4 square to the machine and not torquing your upper torso, shoulders and arms to work the handle one handed. Look at the very bottom of this picture and you will see the handle Of my MEC. Perhaps others who have done the same will post theirs again.
The cycle time with the automate is longer. I box shells as they are made. With the a foot pedal, I have just enough time to drop the shell in MEC EZ PAK and grab the next shell and wad by the time it cycles back to the top. So, the cycle time is not an issue.
I haven’t used the hydro model, but I am sure it is fine, I have used the Automate a lot, and I would never go back to manual operating the press. It is a game changer.
Had a automate. Quieter,more portable. If you use the buttons make sure you use the caps on them. Will save your thumbs. That said, I sold it and got a hydraulic. Faster,easier to change loaders,have 4.
There are YouTube videos of working both the hydraulic and electric versions, and while the hydraulic is faster, does not seem all that much. I think the key to making quality reloads almost equal to factory is a steady operation of the press down and back up with a slight hesitation on the down stroke to ensure complete powder and shot drop. Some people have posted they use a short stick or metal bar to operate both buttons of the Automate with one hand, but that does circumvent the safety feature of keeping both hands clear of the machine.
ps. there is also videos operating the Lee Load All for those interested.
Hydraulic Mec and hydraulic PW pumps make some noise and heat, but good head phones solve the noise. Holes in the benchtop and Menards 3gal pail or old 452AA kegs to catch the reloads
I love my automate. It’s very quiet and very smooth. I paired it with the footpedal and that brought load time down substantially. Only complaint would be the automate adds a lot of height to the loader.
Pretty hard to get much easier than this. You don't need both hands---barely need 1 finger. I'd love to take credit for the idea but it was a buddy on here. I'd post a video of it running if someone could tell me how to do it on here
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