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What Is a PTO? Truck Power Take-Off Types and Selection
Hypo Hydraulic
A PTO (power take-off) takes engine power from the truck's gearbox and transfers it to auxiliary equipment such as a hydraulic pump. On a tipper, engaging the PTO drives the pump, which feeds the telescopic cylinder that raises the body.
How Does a PTO Work?
A PTO is a small gearbox bolted to the transmission. When the driver engages it from the cab, the PTO gear meshes with a gearbox gear and the output shaft turns. The shaft drives the hydraulic pump either directly (pump flange-mounted on the PTO) or through a drive shaft. Most truck PTOs are engaged pneumatically; electric and mechanical versions also exist.
PTO Types
Type | Location | Feature | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
Gearbox PTO | Side or rear of the transmission | Most common; used when stationary | Tippers, cranes, tipping trailers |
Engine PTO | Engine (flywheel or front) | Independent of gearbox, can run while driving | Concrete mixers, continuous duty |
Split shaft PTO | In the driveline | High power transfer | Vacuum trucks, high-power pumps |
Transfer case PTO | Transfer case | Off-road and 4x4 vehicles | Special vehicles |
PTO Ratio and Torque
- Pump speed = engine speed × PTO ratio. At 1,000 rpm with a 1.3 ratio the pump turns at 1,300 rpm; a 40 cc/rev pump then delivers about 52 l/min.
- Pump torque (Nm) ≈ displacement (cc) × pressure (bar) ÷ 62.8. A 40 cc pump at 300 bar needs about 191 Nm, roughly 210 Nm including losses.
The PTO's continuous torque rating must exceed the pump's torque demand.
How to Choose a PTO
- Gearbox make and model: PTOs are gearbox-specific.
- Ratio: matched to the pump's ideal speed and required flow
- Torque rating: above the pump's demand
- Rotation: PTO output matched to pump rotation (RH / LH)
- Output: ISO / DIN flange for direct pump mounting or companion flange for a drive shaft
- Engagement: pneumatic, electric or mechanical
- Duty cycle: intermittent (tipper) or continuous (mixer, vacuum truck)
Safe Operation
- Engage with the vehicle stationary and the clutch pressed (manual gearboxes).
- Do not drive with a gearbox PTO engaged; disengage after lowering the body.
- Keep engine speed within the recommended range.
Signs of PTO Problems
- Grinding on engagement: low air pressure or clutch not fully disengaged
- Whining or vibration: gear or bearing wear, drive shaft imbalance
- Oil leaks: damaged seals
- PTO drops out: faulty air cylinder or valve
- Low pump flow: wrong ratio or worn pump
Hypo Hydraulic PTO Solutions
Özceylanlar (Hypo Hydraulic) has manufactured in Konya, Turkey, since 1974. We supply PTOs not as a separate part but as a matched system with pumps, drive shafts, valves, oil tanks and cylinders.
- PTO options for different gearbox types
- Tested connections with our pumps and drive shafts
- Around 25,000 pumps and 20,000 cylinders a year, 90% exported
- ISO 9001, CE, TS 11552 and RINA ISO 3834-2
- Complete tipping kits with technical support, OEM options available