When you hear the word “power take-off” your mind immediately thinks about aviation, right? However, power take-offs have nothing to do with flying. By definition, a power take-off is a device that transfers an engine’s mechanical power into another attached equipment. This allows power to be transmitted to the other device even if it lacks its own source of power such as a motor or engine. However, the device must be coupled to the engine.
How exactly does the PTO function?
First, the PTO transforms rotary power into hydraulic power. After the power has been converted to hydraulic form, it begins to operate hydraulic hookups in a manner similar to oscillating power mowers, backhoes, cotton pickers, dump trucks and fire engine pumps. The access most often occurs via an electrical, mechanical or hydraulic pump. The motor converts the resultant force back to a mechanical or rotary force, as per the requirement.
The actual process of the power takes off occurs when the internal components of the system utilize the engine to power various parts of the machine. This results in a more convenient, efficient and less costly option compared to the installation of a separate motor. Those who frequently utilize industrial equipment fully understands the usefulness of this technology. In case you are in need of a quality power take off, you can purchase one at WPT power. WPT equipment are known for their durability and high efficiency.
Types of PTO’s
In previous years, the majority of power take-offs operated from belt drives, drive shaft attachments and pneumatics such as bleed air. Nowadays, PTO’s primarily work with geared transmissions. Nevertheless, there are still three common PTO working mechanisms especially for mobile machines. These are:
- Tractor style
- Engine crankshaft-driven style
- Truck transmission style
The tractor PTO
These were commonly used when most PTO’s were transmission driven. It is located near the rear end of the tractor. A tractor PTO can only engage upon powering up the transmission clutch. As a matter of fact, the device couples with the transmission so that whenever the clutch is depressed, the PTO stops running.
Crankshaft-Driven PTO
The crankshaft-driven PTO style is typically used in hydraulic pumps affixed at the front of trucks. For instance, it can be used in a cement mixer. The small shaft needs to have a U-joint design and must attach to the yoke coupler in order to turn the pump. though it is not deemed an actual PTO, it technically qualifies as one.
Truck transmission style
Miniature trucks utilize the PTO to run the hydraulic pump for a winch or hoist. In the meantime, bigger trucks might utilize a PTO for a number of purposes, with hydraulic pumps being the most common. They are used for the loading and unloading of various kinds of cargo. If you have a bigger transmission, you might need about two to three of these to assist in each transmission. The clutch has to be released in order to allow the shaft to rotate. WPT equipment comprises all these kinds of PTOs for your needs.
Uses of the PTO
If an equipment lacks an engine or a power source, the PTO is pretty much the only option available. You will often come across this device in farming equipment and commercial vehicles. In fact, the PTO was invented through the creativity of the farmers. The tractor’s engine functions as a PTO to operate other equipment such as jack hammers and even some kinds of ploughs. other applications that might require the use of a PTO are as follows:
- Hay balers
- Wood chippers
- Harvesters Mechanical arms
- Carpet-cleaning vacuums
The above details sum up the meaning of power take-offs and some of their applications.