The FTI MB30 Medium Brute Puller Unit is a powerful, lightweight hydraulic puller designed specifically for use with Fatigue Technology’s patented Split Sleeve Cold Expansion™ (SsCx™) process. Offering an ideal balance between portability and pulling force, the Medium Brute is widely used throughout the aerospace industry for structural assembly, maintenance and fatigue life enhancement applications.
Designed to pull a mandrel through a hole using pre-lubricated stainless steel split sleeves, the MB30 Medium Brute Puller Unit delivers controlled cold expansion that improves hole integrity, reduces stress concentration and extends the service life of critical aircraft structures. The tool is also compatible with a range of FTI processes including ForceMate®, FleXmate® and GromEx®.
Key Features
- Designed for Split Sleeve Cold Expansion™ (SsCx™) applications
- Compatible with ForceMate®, FleXmate® and GromEx® processes
- Maximum pull force of 24,000 lbf (106,757 N)
- Lightweight design with excellent manoeuvrability
- Cold expansion depths up to 7″ (177.8 mm)
- Suitable for aluminium, steel and titanium applications
- Fail-safe air control system for enhanced operator safety
- Compatible with FT-200D, FT-200C and FT-20 PowerPaks
- Proven reliability with minimal maintenance requirements
- Supplied in a protective tool case with accessories (model dependent)
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Pull Force | 24,000 lbf (106,757 N) |
| Hydraulic Pressure | 10,000 psi (689.5 bar) |
| Hole Capacity (Aluminium & Mild Steel) | Up to 15/16″ (23.8 mm) |
| Hole Capacity (Titanium & High-Strength Steel) | Up to 3/4″ (19.1 mm) |
| Maximum Stack Capacity | 7″ (177.8 mm) |
| Operation | Pneumatic / Hydraulic |
| Compatible Power Units | FT-200D, FT-200C, FT-20 |
| Hydraulic Fluid Requirement | MIL-Spec #5606 |
| Replacement Seal Kit | mB-SK |
| Sound Pressure Level | 83.1 dB(A) |
| Vibration Level | <2.5 m/s² |
Built for Demanding Aerospace Applications
The Medium Brute is designed for medium to heavy-duty cold expansion applications where increased pulling force and greater reach are required. Delivering up to 24,000 pounds of pull force at 10,000 psi, it provides the performance needed for larger structural assemblies while remaining easy to handle and operate.
- The Medium Brute is capable of cold expanding holes up to:
- 15/16″ (23.8 mm) diameter in aluminium and mild steel
- 3/4″ (19.1 mm) diameter in titanium and high-strength steel
- Material stack depths up to 7″ (177.8 mm)
Available in multiple configurations, the Medium Brute can be matched to different stack thicknesses and application requirements, making it a versatile choice for aerospace manufacturing and MRO operations.
Safety and Reliability
The Medium Brute incorporates FTI’s proven fail-safe air control system. Should the operator release the trigger, or in the event of an air supply failure, the pull cycle is automatically interrupted and the tool returns safely to its original position. Built to withstand demanding aerospace environments, the Medium Brute has established a reputation for dependable performance, durability and low maintenance requirements.
FTI Puller Comparison Guide
Choosing the correct FTI puller depends on hole size, material type, stack thickness and application requirements. Below is a general comparison of the most widely used FTI puller systems to help identify the right tooling for your cold expansion process.
| Model | Typical Applications | Maximum Pull Force | Hole Capacity | “Stack Capacity” | “Best For” |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Brute (LB) | Light-duty cold expansion | 8,000 lbf | Up to 1/2″ aluminium / mild steel | Up to 3.5″ | Smaller diameter holes and portable applications |
| Medium Brute (MB) | General aerospace cold expansion | 24,000 lbf | Up to 15/16″ aluminium / mild steel | Up to 7″ | Medium-duty structural work |
| Big Brute (BB) | Light-duty cold expansion | 38,000 lbf | Up to 2-1/2″ aluminium / mild steel | Up to 10″ | Large diameter holes and thick stack-ups |



