The Development of Agricultural Equipment Power Take-Off Mechanism

A power take-off mechanism was developed for farm equipment. Its purpose was to transmit power from the tractor engine to the propelled implement. The propelled implement could then perform its functions by utilizing the tractor engine power.

The power take-off (PTO) development has involved a large variety of tractors and implements and has included recommendations and standards for safety, interchangeability, and reliability. This paper outlines some of the important steps in the power take-off evolution from the first known application to present day standards.

The power take-off has provided great versatility in the mechanization of the farm, and this has helped to lower the overall cost of food production.