What are the types of Mechanical Power Take-Offs?

In addition to the endless sizes, there is a variety of power take-off (PTO) types on the market and we are here to help. Whether you upgrading a PTO, or need a replacement unit or part, our experts will assist you in finding the perfect solution. While we are happy to help in finding the correct power take-off, it can be helpful to know and recognize the different types of power take-offs to ensure you are getting the correct type for your application.

Here are four standard types of Twin Disc PTOs:

Standard Friction Power Take-Offs

This is the easy-to-mount unit consisting of a clutch assembly with shaft and bearings in a rigid cast iron housing. Designed for manual operation on all internal combustion engines with standard SAE flywheel housings from No. 6 to No. 00. Triple-plate 11.5" to 21"; double-plate 11.5' to 18'; single-plate 6.5" to 14". Capacities to 1670 horsepower and 8400 lbs.-ft. torque. All Twin Disc Power Take-Offs come standard with composite clutch plates that have to wear resistant teeth for longer life and sealed-for-life pilot bearings for reduced maintenance. For high-speed applications nodular iron drive rings are available.

Rubber Block Drive Power Take-Offs

This special-purpose PTO is intended for heavy-duty applications not requiring a cut-off clutch. The need for a flywheel pilot bearing has been eliminated in some models. Twin Disc's proven rubber block drive absorbs the minor misalignment usually found between the engine fly-wheel and the PTO connecting member. Depending on the load to be transmitted, a single or double row of rubber blocks can be used.

Straddle Bearing Power Take-Offs

The Straddle Bearing PTO was explicitly designed for high horsepower, high side load, heavy-duty applications. Rugged benefit features include cast iron housings, cylindrical roller bearings, nodular iron drive ring, and ball bearing throw out collar. Unique style sheave housing easily accepts a 14" diameter 10 groove sheave, This sheave housing allows for belts to pass inside and/or outside of the housing. Housing versatility also allows for repositioning. Additionally, the need for an engine mounted pilot bearing has been eliminated.

Remote Over Center Power Take-Offs

The Standard RO PTO is a hydraulic or pneumatically-actuated mechanical clutch. The RO PTO allows users to engage remotely and has been developed with a number of unique features that offer reliability, productivity, and power, including greaseable shaft bearings, a permanently sealed pilot bearing, and field retrofit kit option. The RO PTO is suitable for a wide range of heavy-duty applications including crushers, grinders, and mulchers.

Originally published 6/15/2020