A power take-off or power takeoff (PTO) transfers the mechanical power from a power source, such as a running engine, and transfers it to another piece of equipment or attached implement.

This allows for the power to move throughout the equipment to transmit energy even if it doesn’t have a motor or engine itself.  Most often, a PTO it is a splined draft shaft installed on a tractor or truck allowing attached implements to be powered directly by the engine. Semi-permanently mounted power take-offs can also be found on industrial and marine engines. These applications typically use a drive shaft and bolted joint to transmit power to a secondary implement or accessory.