march2023 - 26

SPOTLIGHT ON POWERTRAIN
» PTOs can power
any number of
truck mechanical
systems.
Altec
vocational
will
Electrification of some
applications
certainly
present
some opportunities for
new configurations, Bauer
explained. One example is
split shaft boxes designed
to charge batteries.
a result, " he added, " we
continue to evaluate trends
in the market and will have
products available when
the markets transition. "
Daimler Truck North
America has been doing this
for a few years, notably with
the Western Star 49X. The
vocational truck launched in
2021 and featured customizable
PTO presettings.
" We've given operators
the ability, through the new
Driver Command Center in
the instrument cluster, to
control engine speed when
in PTO mode simply using
steering wheel buttons, "
explained Dan Silbernagel,
vocational segment strategy
manager at DTNA.
Fresh look at
old-school power
on demand
PTOs have been faithfully
serving truck fleets for
over a century now.
Are they about to enter
into the modern age?
By James Alfred
T
he International Harvester company generally
gets credit for introducing the first viable power
takeoff drive (PTO) in 1918. And ever since, these
virtually bulletproof drive systems have been
letting vocational truck owners do far more than
simply transport goods. PTOs can power any
number of mechanical systems on a truck-from
booms and buckets to powered accessories like
augers or cable reels.
But in an age of connected, self-diagnosing
components, systems, and vehicles, even triedand-true
PTOs are undergoing changes that will
allow them to perform even better for fleets.
26 Fleet Maintenance | March 2023
Tim Bauer, VP of aftermarket at Eaton Vehicle
Group, said most of the improvements for PTOs in
the current market are around material enhancements
to improve durability and reliability. He
noted there are also more options offered in
terms of gear ratios, mounting types, and other
tweaks to accommodate higher pressures and
lower-speed pumps.
" Rear mounted PTOs are now gaining popularity
in the U.S. market, " Bauer explained. " They
are great for tight spaces and typically are easier
to install and set up. The rear location provides
improved ground clearance and more room to
directly mount the pump to the PTO and facilitates
easier hose routing. "
Another important trend that is being closely
watched by OEMs and suppliers is the shift toward
more battery-electric trucks-particularly hybrid
drive powertrains.
" Typical applications remain the same, " Bauer
noted. " However, electrification on some applications
will change how the mobile power systems
are powered, which will require some changes to
the design of the systems and the PTOs. "
" There have been many enhancements with
new technology in electrical systems and powertrains;
truck equipment manufacturers (TEMs)
and fleets can interface with PTOs in new ways, "
Silbernagel added.
According to Silbernagel, fleets now can specify
more truck and powertrain functionality as
it relates to PTO engagement and functionality
than before. TEMs and fleets can spec or program
safety interlocks to protect their equipment or
the operator, for example, as well as program
PTO parameters and body functionality through
web-based applications.
He also noted DTNA's Custom Hardware and
Electronics Configurator (CHEC) tool makes it
easier to limit vehicle speed when the PTO is
engaged, along with several other functions.
Other enhancements include the QuickFit powertrain
connector and the ability to spec remote
PTO engagement.
Still, fleets currently see PTOs as simple mechanical
power boosters and are trying to understand
how and where they need to modernize.
" For the lion's share of what we do, the PTO is
still pretty much a straightforward piece of equipment, "
said Ken Calhoun, optimization manager,
Altec. " That said, the moves toward electrification
and connectivity are driving changes to how PTOs
work and the benefits they'll offer drivers, workers,
and maintenance technicians.
" So, as an industry, we know these changes to
PTOs are coming, " Calhoun added. " But it's very
uncertain right now because we're all trying to
figure out what changes to PTOs make sense and
offer the most benefits for fleets. "
Kris Ptasznik, powertrain TCO and consultancy
leader at Cummins, said along with many other
systems now, there is a new emphasis on maximizing
fuel economy and emissions while using PTOs.
" As
march2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of march2023
