We just finished with our last pressing and made over 400 gallons this year- We get 99% of our apples from friends that have old trees in their yard and just want the apples gone before the bears start breaking the trees.

My friend and I have been making cider for 30 years so far with usually 500 gallons per year our best year we did 1600.
I built the press from plans in Mother Earth News mag. only we used stainless steel for most of the parts.

We like to press the juice and leave it in food quality plastic buckets with a tight fitting lid for many weeks on the cool back porch. The sweetness works out and a smooth refreshing drink is made. Not sure if it is what you would call hard cider but it sure is tasty.
cheers