PTO ABCs

Power Take-Off units, or PTOs, are used to deliver power to auxiliary equipment. Most vocational trucks will utilize one or more of these units. Many over the road tractors will use a PTO in their second life.

Transmission mounted PTOs are a consideration while specifying the vehicle, even if the unit will not be installed at the factory. Clearances for installation, locating air tanks away from transmission, and exhaust routing that will not prohibit equipment installation all should be considered. The chart above details some of the things to look for. You do not have to be a PTO specialist to help the body builder, just ask which style is intended. The chart uses green highlights to detail probable candidate styles.

Engine power includes the Rear Engine PTO (REPTO) and Front Engine PTO (FEPTO). Both of these products are attached to the engine in the positions noted. The REPTO MUST be ordered from the factory and specified as part of the configuration. The FEPTO does not come with the vehicle, but a provision for the product must be recorded on the order. Only certain radiator/model combination will allow for the FEPTO.

Drivetrain PTOs carry very specific accommodations. Many times, the product will be installed at the factory. If an aftermarket installation is used, a temporary spacer can sometimes be added by the Manufacturer to ease the future installation. In this case you will need to communicate to Engineering the type and location, similar to a factory installation.

This certainly is a complexity associated with vocational trucks. However, over the road trucks should be specified so as to not prohibit future PTO installations. What this means is, that if you can save money by ordering a transmission without a PTO provision, discuss the resale potential with the customer. A tractor without any way to power auxiliary equipment, even a blower, will have limited resale.

And now…

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