What One Needs to Know About Power Take-Off Clutch

Sahar Enady April 22, 2022

2 minutes read

Heavy machinery equipment like road planers, dredges, etc., take power from a specific type of engine so that they can perform their designed function. They take the help of a power take off clutch that provides them a mechanical disconnect generated by gas and diesel engines, electric motors, or other equipment. Then, that energy is transmitted to auxiliary equipment that does not generate its own power.

This blog is a detailed version of this type of clutch. So, without further ado, delve deeper into it.

Types Of Power Take-Off Clutches

Every power take-off clutch performs the same general function. However, they are differentiated for transferring power from a primary drive shaft to a secondary drive shaft for a driven component. These types of clutches are given below:

Pilotless Mechanical PTO Clutch

This type of PTO clutch is designed to remove a pilot bearing. This increases the side load capacity, uptime, and engine life mitigates inventory, and makes the installation process quicker and easier. Industries tend to use it as chippers, asphalt grinders, irrigation pumps, water blasters, etc.

Mechanical PTO

Mechanical PTO clutches are applied for inline or sideload uses. It includes a sealed-for-life pilot bearing that utilizes a lever-actuated power clutch. They provide straightforward installation and minimize downtime, and maintenance requirements. It is usually applied to engine packages, pump jacks, irrigation jacks, and wood chippers.

Type 1 PTO Clutch

This type of clutch is a rugged and high-capacity power take-off clutch. It is broadly used for industrial functions. They are designed to utilize their full load potential. It reduces damages that are caused by crankshaft loading. They are applied in mud pumps, rock crushers, and dredges.

Type 2 PTO Clutch

The design of this clutch features a heavy-duty side loading capacity that uses large spherical roller bearings. It is self-adjusted and also eliminates the need for a pilot bearing inside the engine flywheel. It reduces maintenance and the chances of premature failures. Moreover, since there is no direct loading to the crankshaft, the engine and bearing life tends to reduce significantly.

Pilotless Over-The-Shaft PTO Clutch

This clutch eliminates pilot bearing requirements as they provide increased side loading or inline potential. The installation process of this engine is relatively straightforward. It also reduces downtime and improves the service life of the engine.

GM Style PTO Clutch

This type of PTO clutch reduces maintenance time and costs by utilizing primary sealed bearings, thereby removing the need for pilot bearing. Here, the clutch can be adjusted effortlessly with the help of external ball stud and jam nuts adjustments points.

Automotive-Style PTO Clutch

This type of clutch is also known as the Flat-faced style PTO clutch. They are completely similar to GM Style PTO Clutch. Therefore, it makes the process of engaging and disengaging effortless. It is typically used in irrigation units, brush chippers, and any other gas or diesel applications.