If you know anything about cars, you are probably familiar with clutches. This important component helps to transfer the energy from the internal combustion area to the wheels. Just as there are tons of different cars on the market, there are a lot of different clutch types. One such clutch is the power take-off the clutch. This style of the clutch is responsible for routing the mechanical power created by the engine to a part that doesn’t generate any power. To understand this, it helps to look at the different types of power take-off clutches and what they do.

The Crankshaft Style

Engine crankshaft types of power take-off clutches are most commonly used in hydraulic applications. These clutches can usually be found in conjunction with a hydraulic pump, such as those used for cement or water. In this set-up, the clutches help to change the direction of the pump. This allows the user to apply cement or other materials more easily. Crankshaft-driven clutches are popularly used in all types of construction.

PTO Transmissions for Trucks

It’s not uncommon to see a winch or hoist on a small sized pick-up truck. Every time you see one of these, you are indirectly looking at a power take-off the clutch. Again, a PTO clutch is most likely to be used to accompany a hydraulic pump. For small trucks, these clutches assist in the motion required to load or unload items. Therefore, they serve a very useful purpose for this type of vehicle.

PTOs in Tractors

This style of PTO is synonymous with the title “transmission PTO.” This is because it connects directly to the transmission of a tractor. When operating a tractor, the PTO only activates when the driver releases the main clutch. You may also find this type of clutch in smaller machines, such as lawn mowers. The tractor PTO is one of the oldest surviving versions of the device.

Choosing the Right One

If you are shopping for a power take-off the clutch, you must be cognizant of your intended use. Doing so will help you narrow down the choices to the right one. Luckily, there are many options out there to suit any purpose.

For more information, contact Raybestos Powertrain.