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    10 FAQs you should know about power take-offs (PTOs)

    Power Take Offs PTOs

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    A Power Take-Off, or PTO, gives a truck versatility beyond its usual function of providing transportation for materials. It directs power to the auxiliary equipment to perform work at the site and/or enroute.

    A PTO can eliminate the need for a second, or auxiliary, engine to power the equipment. Efficiency is gained through a PTO being applied to any form of vehicle transportation application including dump trucks, garbage trucks, snow trucks and many more.

    Here are ten frequently asked questions to have a jumpstart in understanding how a PTO works and to aid your PTO learning process:

    Why is it called a power take-off?

    A power take-off is a gearbox that directs power from the engine and transfers that power to auxiliary equipment through the rotation of the PTO gears and the vehicle transmission gears meshing. The power is generated from the truck’s engine power and is used to power the piece of equipment on the vehicle application

    What are the main types of PTOs?

    PTOs are generally categorized by their mounting type. The three most common PTOs are side mount, rear mount, and top mount. Refer to previous blog post Understanding Why There are So Many Options for Mounting a PTO to read about the main mounting types available for a PTO.

    What determines how fast a PTO spins?

    The speed of the PTO output is dependent on internal gearing of the PTO as well as the internal ratio of the transmission in relation to the PTO driver gear. For an automatic transmission, the minimum input speed higher than torque converter lock-up must be maintained for PTO operation (unless the transmission offers “live drive”, meaning the PTO is powered through the impeller). Depending on the internal gearing, PTO output speeds can be less than, greater, or equal to that of the transmission.

    What is the involvement of PTO horsepower (hp) and torque for specifying a PTO?

    When specifying a PTO, we need to find the input horsepower required of the driven equipment. Horsepower is the measure of capacity for doing work per unit of time. Torque is the effort required to perform a twisting or turning motion. The horsepower is figured into the equation to find the torque requirements for the proper PTO to be used. Parker Chelsea categorizes product series using torque values.

    The equation is: Torque (T) = HP x 5,252 / RPM

    Parker Chelsea classifies PTO series as either intermittent or continuous. It is important to note that for an application that is “continuous” duty, (i.e. the PTO is in operation more than five minutes in any given 15-minute period), intermittent torque values must be de-rated by 30% unless the PTO is already classified as continuous duty.

    Refer to Parker Chelsea’s application catalogue to help find the appropriate torque requirements of your application. All series are annotated as continuous or intermittent.

    Do all trucks have a power take off provision (options)?

    Power take-off provisions include special wiring and programming along with apertures on the vehicle’s transmission that allow for the mounting of the PTO. The “PTO ready” option needs to be ordered and configured at the chassis manufacturer when building out a work truck.

    What is the difference between a hydraulic and mechanical shift type PTO?

    There are two major types of independent PTOs; mechanical (i.e. 489 series) and hydraulic (i.e. new 210 series). A hydraulic shift PTO uses a clutch mechanism for engagement. Hydraulic shift PTOs apply to traditional (torque converter) automatic transmissions. A mechanical shift PTO physically engages by shifting one gear into another. This is done typically through a lever, cable or air pressure. Mechanical shift PTOs apply to manual and automated manual transmissions.

    What are common terms used in PTO operations?

    Spur gear: A gear whose teeth are cut straight across the face of the gear.

    Helical gear: A gear whose teeth are cut on an angle diagonally across the gear either with a right or left-hand slant. For helical gears to mate, one must slant to the right and the other to the left.

    Pitch line: The point on the gear tooth midway between the base of the tooth and the tip of the tooth.

    Pitch line velocity: The speed of rotation in feet per minute of a gear measured at the pitch line.

    Pitch (Gear): The measure of the size of the gear teeth determined by the number of teeth in a given area measured at the pitch line.  PTO gear pitch is normally classified as 5, 6, or 7-pitch.

    Gear ratio: It is determined by dividing the number of teeth in the driven gear by the number of teeth in the driving gear.

    To specify a PTO, you will need to determine the tech specs needed for the application.  Are there easy formulas to assist in the process?

    • Pump output horsepower: HP = GPM x PSI ÷ 1714
    • Pump input horsepower: HP = GPM x PSI ÷ 1714 ÷ E
    • Pump input torque (Lbs. Ft): T = CID x PSI ÷ 75.36
    • Gallons per minute: GPM = CID x R.P.M. ÷ 231
    • Cubic inches displacement: CID = GPM x 231 ÷ R.P.M.
    • Horse power: HP = T x R.P.M. ÷ 5252
    • Flow in G.P.M. using P.T.O.: GPM = Engine R.P.M. x P.T.O. % x CID ÷ 231 x E
    • CCM conversion: CCM = CID x 16.39
    • CID conversion: CID = CCM x .06102

    What should be done for PTO maintenance on a daily and monthly timeframe?

    It is very important to have periodic PTO maintenance for proper, safe, and trouble-free operation of the PTO. It is recommended to follow below the maintenance schedule.

    Daily: Check all air, hydraulic and working mechanisms before operating the PTO. Perform maintenance as required.

    Monthly: Inspect for possible leaks and tighten all air, hydraulic and mounting hardware, if necessary. Torque all bolts, nuts, etc. to Chelsea specifications. Ensure that splines are properly lubricated, if applicable. Perform maintenance as required.

    What is recommended for increasing hydraulic pump life when installed on a PTO?

    A potential issue with a PTO can be premature spline fretting or wear caused by torsional vibrations. Traditionally, regular grease application between the PTO output and the PTO shafts is incorporated into the preventive maintenance schedule of the truck. This entails every two to three months having the pump removed from the PTO and having the mating shafts cleaned and regreased. Parker Chelsea provides spline lubrication grease with every PTO that has a pump mount option. They have also developed Wet Spline technology that helps provide a constant flow of fresh oil to the PTO and pump shafts to mitigate the issue of spline fretting and the wear which leads to not needing the maintenance inspections. Check out what Parker Chelsea offers for Wet Spline Technology and the additional benefits it provides.

    To learn more about the PTOs and the product options offered, visit www.parker.com/chelsea.

    This article was contributed by Michael Mabrouk, marketing leadership associate, Chelsea Products Division, Parker Hannifin Corporation. Licensing for the images came with permission from the Parker Hannifin Media Manager collection.

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