An engine-driven power take-off (PTO) transfers mechanical power from an engine to secondary equipment, allowing a single engine to operate components such as pumps, chippers, crushers, road-building equipment and agricultural machinery. Depending on the application, the PTO may transfer power through an inline shaft or belt-driven system and may use mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuation.
Engine-driven PTOs are not all designed the same way. Common configurations include Mechanical PTOs, Automotive Style PTOs, Type 1 PTOs and Type 2 PTOs, each offering different advantages based on operating load, side-load requirements, available space and engagement method.
For example, traditional mechanical PTOs use a lever-actuated clutch and can support both inline and side-load applications, while Type 1 PTOs use a straddle-bearing arrangement designed for high-capacity loads. Type 2 PTOs provide high-capacity performance in a more compact design and can be actuated hydraulically or pneumatically.
In this guide, we’ll review the major types of engine-driven power take-offs, common industrial applications and the most important factors to consider when selecting the right PTO for your equipment.
Power Take-Off Types
Mechanical PTO
A mechanical PTO is a traditional power take-off compared to a hydraulic and pneumatic power take-off. It is equipped with a lever-actuated clutch that can be engaged manually and consists of bearings mounted in a cast housing. Because of its design, this power take-off clutch combo minimizes downtime and reduces the need for maintenance. It is mounted to the engine’s flywheel and is suitable for both in-line and side-load applications.
Automotive PTO
Not specifically designed for automotive applications, this type of PTO is named for its use on engines similar to what you might find in a pickup truck. This style utilizes a spring-loaded clutch assembly and is typically easier to engage and disengage than the over center clutch models. Mounted to the flywheel, commonly referred to as a “flat-faced flywheel,” the automotive PTO eliminates the pilot bearing and has easy external adjustments to reduce maintenance time and cost. Again, this type of PTO is suited for in-line or side-load applications.
Type 1 and Type 2 PTO
- The Type 1 PTO utilizes a straddle bearing design with large spherical roller bearings, and the sheave mounts in between them. The Type 1 is one of the highest-capacity products available, and it can be actuated mechanically, hydraulically, or pneumatically.
- The Type 2 is a hydraulic power take-off with either hydraulic or pneumatic actuation. The Type 2 design eliminates clutch adjustment throughout its wear life.
Choosing the Right PTO
The selection process for the correct PTO will involve considering several service factors, including horsepower, the torque required, and side load limit, among others. The application also influences that decision, as it has a wide range of uses, including wood chippers, hay balers, irrigation pumps, road planers, and more.
The Power Take-offs mentioned are some of the more standard methods of transmitting power, and many more styles are available. If the application has some unique operation functions, a new concept may be in order. The bottom line is that you need a reliable and rugged performer, and it starts with an understanding of the application requirements.
WPT Power will assist you in choosing the right PTO for your project, contact us today.
FAQ’s About Engine-Driven PTO’s
What is an engine-driven power take-off?
An engine-driven power take-off, or PTO, is a mechanical system that transfers power from an engine to another component or piece of equipment. In many industrial applications, the PTO mounts to the engine flywheel or flywheel housing and transfers power to equipment such as pumps, chippers, crushers, road-building machinery and agricultural systems.
Engine-driven PTOs are available in several configurations, including mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatically actuated designs. The appropriate PTO depends on factors such as engine horsepower and torque, operating speed, side-load requirements, available installation space and whether the driven equipment uses an inline or belt-driven configuration.