ForConstructionPros.com

Power take-off (PTO) capability is important to many contractors. But there are a variety of systems that fit into this broad category.

Mike Eaves, product manager, General Motors, says engine pulley driven or electric PTOs are sometimes used for light-duty applications to reduce the cost of the overall upfit. "In a lighter-duty application, they may not tie into the transmission," he says.

On some of the larger diesel engines, equipment may also be driven off the front crankshaft of the truck. But for the majority of vocational applications, you are going to want to connect to the PTO port on the transmission.

If you plan on using a PTO, don't treat it as an afterthought in the spec'ing process. "When spec'ing other chassis equipment options, it's important to ensure PTO access points remain clear for PTO installation," says Matt Gervais, product manager, Sterling Truck Corp. "Also, a clear understanding of the intended application of the truck helps ensure that truck specs (wheelbase, weight ratings, horsepower and torque requirements, transmission selection, etc.) will be suitable for optimal performance."

The driving factor
The driven device will dictate the correct PTO. "A lot of the decision is going to be based around the amount of work being done by the driven object," says Jeff King, marketing manager, Chelsea Products Division, Parker. "Make sure your PTO is able to deliver the proper horsepower and rpm that the driven object needs. Some transmissions have slower speeds; it is hard to achieve the rpm you want out of the PTO shaft."