At WPT Power, building tough products for tough applications is what we do. So, when a world leader in portable asphalt milling machines needed a new PTO, there was only one place to turn.
Design Time
The WPT Engineering team had their work cut out for them from the start. The design specifications called for peak power transfer and severe sideloading. Since this Power Take-off (PTO) was intended for mobile equipment, size mattered. These requirements did not fit any of the standard offerings of the time. The solution was a custom, high-capacity, mechanical PTO.
The first iteration was an 11.5-inch clutch pack that used special thin center plates. This allowed us to fit a 3-plate clutch in the same space as a 2-plate. Next, the pilot bearing was removed and replaced with a cylindrical roller bearing in the nose. The standard outboard bearing was replaced with a massive 140 mm tapered roller bearing.
The straight output shaft and square key were exchanged for the more exotic flange design. This allows the centerline of the belts to be directly over the large outboard bearing set. This bearing and pulley arrangement allowed up to 3X more sideload capacity than a standard model.
A custom operating shaft permits a unique PTO orientation. The ball bearing sliding sleeve assembly ensures smooth engagements every time. With all these features packed into a one-piece ductile iron housing, the Pilotless® Mechanical High Sideload Capacity (HSC) PTO was born.
Continuous Improvement
We didn’t just stop there. In the over ten years we have been manufacturing this PTO, we continued to improve on the original design.
Advancements in our friction technology allowed us to reduce the clutch pack to a 2-plate design. The now standard Heavy Duty (HD) Molded friction discs reduced the assembly weight as well as the cost. We also upgraded the sliding sleeve assembly to a sealed-for-life version. This helped to reduce maintenance and create a more rugged product.
Remote Engagement
Mechanical actuation is, well, okay. However, pushbutton, self-adjusting, hydraulic actuation? Now, that is something to call home about.
The Pilotless® HSC has a slightly younger sibling in the form of a Type 2 Hydraulic Power Take-off. The Type 2 version of this PTO uses the same housing, bearings, and flanged output shaft. However, the mechanical over-center clutch assembly is replaced with a robust hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly.
The Type 2 variant of the HSC features an external rotating union and a self-adjusting clutch pack. So, these two features mean maintenance is quick and easy.
Paving the Way
The Pilotless® Mechanical High Sideload Capacity PTO and its hydraulic counterpart continue to provide tough, reliable performance for customers all over the world. From parking lots to busy roadways, these WPT Power Take-offs are helping pave the way to a better tomorrow.
Looking for More
Please visit our Products page for more information on the PTOs mentioned above or any of our other products. If you have any questions or opportunities you would like to discuss, please feel free to contact us.
Written By: JD Bodine, Senior Sales Engineer