Live PTO (power take-off) is a type of PTO device that allows mechanical power to be transferred from the engine of a tractor to an implement or attachment. Heavy equipment such as tractors utilize PTO shafts to allow them to complete a variety of tasks that they would not otherwise be capable of.
The live PTO operates in two stages with a clutch. By pressing the clutch halfway, the operator can disengage the transmission. Pressing it all the way will disengage both the transmission and the PTO. This feature allows the operator to change gears while continuing to operate the PTO.
Though beneficial, PTOs can be very expensive to maintain and repair, and have been responsible numerous of on-the-job accidents due to improper operation.
The power take-off can accomplish 540 revolutions per minute and consists of joints that connect the tractor to the attachment. Other types of power take-off include the transmission and the independent PTO.[1]
