SPLIT SHAFT PTO

FIRE FIGHTING TRUCKS

DETAIL

COMBINE CLEANING TRUCKS

SMALL OR MEDIUM SIZE VEHICLES

DETAIL

Split Shaft PTO is designed to take power from main drive train (prop shafts) of the truck and transfer it to auxiliary side outlets. Truck body builders then use these side outlets to run a variety of equipment i.e. high pressure pumps, vacuum pumps and/or hydraulic pumps.

Mounting/Installation
Split Shaft Gearboxes are installed inline on the trucks main drive train (prop shafts) that transfer power from the transmission (gearbox) to the trucks rear differentials.
This main drive train (prop shafts) is made up of 2 pcs.
•    The first part is connected from the trucks transmission (gearbox) to Split Shaft PTO’s inlet (front flange).
•    The second part is connected from Split Shaft PTO’s outlet (back flange) to the trucks rear differential.

Operation
Driving Mode
When the truck is moving (driving), the Split Shaft PTO engages both prop shafts.
•    These prop shafts are locked in position via gears inside the Split Shaft PTO.
•    This allows power from trucks transmission (gearbox) to pass through Split Shaft PTO and reach the trucks rear differential, which in turn allows the rear wheels to propel and thus allows the truck move.

Working Mode
The truck arrives at the designated work area and comes to a stationary position:
•    The driver flips a switch which is installed in the truck’s cab and pneumatically disengages the prop shaft connected from Split Shaft PTO’s outlet (back flange) to the trucks rear differential.
•    In this position the trucks engine runs and transfers power from trucks transmission (gearbox) to the Split Shaft PTO’s inlet (front flange).
•    In this mode there is no transfer of power to the rear wheels.
•    The operator now has an option of selecting a second and/or third switch, this will pneumatically engage the auxiliary side outlets on Split Shaft PTO, allowing the operator to use the desired pump connected to these outlets.
•    When the task is completed, the operator flips these switches to an off position and all outlets are disengaged.
•    The driver flips a switch which is installed in the truck’s cab and pneumatically engages the prop shaft connected from the Split Shaft PTO’s outlet (back flange) to the trucks rear differential, thus allowing power back to the trucks rear differential allowing the rear wheels to propel and the truck can move again.

In summary;

The split shaft power take-off category covers driveline-mounted PTO solutions developed for heavy-duty vehicles that need to power auxiliary equipment through the propeller shaft line rather than only through a transmission side interface. For users who start with what is a PTO, a PTO is the mechanism that transfers engine and gearbox output to external work functions, and in this driveline configuration the PTO is installed inline so that high torque can be delivered in a stable, mechanically efficient way under demanding operating conditions.

In many applications, a split shaft PTO is selected to provide dependable power distribution when continuous auxiliary performance is required, such as on municipal vehicles, recovery trucks, and specialized industrial builds. Because it sits within the driveline, this architecture is often specified as a transfer case solution where torque can be routed to additional driven outputs while maintaining controlled operation, and industry terminology frequently references splitter gearboxes to describe the same family of power-splitting driveline units that enable robust auxiliary drive in heavy-duty environments.

A common use case for driveline PTO output is driving a hydraulic pump to supply pressurized flow for lifting, pulling, tipping, and material handling. Depending on performance targets and duty cycle, system designers may specify a durable gear pump for consistent output or a higher-efficiency piston pump when higher pressure capability and controllability are required. For emergency and utility vehicles, the same driveline power can be configured to drive water transfer solutions such as a fire fighting water pump, or a continuous-duty centrifugal water pump where steady flow and operational stability are priorities.

To ensure the driven equipment operates at the correct speed range and torque level, many installations include a reducer, and safe, accurate fluid management is supported by properly selected valves. Mechanical integrity across the driveline and auxiliary outputs is reinforced through heavy-duty couplings and correctly engineered cardan shafts, helping minimize vibration, maintain alignment tolerance, and deliver long-term reliability in high-load vehicle applications.

The split shaft PTO category focuses on driveline-integrated power take-off solutions designed for applications where transmission-mounted systems are not sufficient or where power must be extracted directly from the propeller shaft line. For those reviewing what is a PTO, a PTO enables a vehicle to operate auxiliary equipment using engine power, and a split shaft configuration achieves this by installing inline with the driveline so high-capacity auxiliary loads can be driven with robust mechanical efficiency and stable torque transmission.

In practical vehicle builds, a split shaft power take-off can function as a driveline power distribution unit and is frequently specified in configurations commonly described as a transfer case, particularly when torque must be routed to one or more driven systems while maintaining reliable on-road drivability. In many engineering discussions, related terminology such as splitter gearboxes is used to describe the same family of solutions that split and manage driveline power for demanding auxiliary equipment, and this approach is especially relevant in heavy-duty operations where continuous performance and durability are essential.

Split shaft systems are commonly selected for high-output requirements, including driving a hydraulic pump for cranes, recovery bodies, and specialized lifting systems, with options such as a durable gear pump for consistent flow or a high-performance piston pump for higher pressure demands. For water transfer and emergency response vehicles, the driveline output can also be matched to a fire fighting water pump or a continuous-duty centrifugal water pump, depending on required flow rates and operating conditions.

To align output speed and torque with the driven unit’s operating window, many systems incorporate a reducer, while precise system control and safety are supported through appropriate valves. Power transmission integrity is further enhanced by selecting robust couplings and correctly engineered cardan shafts, ensuring efficient torque transfer, reduced vibration, and dependable operation in heavy-duty, high-load vehicle applications.

The splitter gearboxes category represents driveline power management solutions used to route, split, and deliver mechanical output to auxiliary equipment on heavy-duty vehicles. For operators beginning with what is a PTO, a PTO is the system that enables a vehicle to use engine and transmission power for external work functions, and in driveline-focused architectures the same concept expands into inline units that distribute torque for demanding applications where stable output, durability, and controlled engagement are required.

In many real-world builds, these solutions are engineered in the same family as the split shaft PTO, where a split shaft power take-off is installed inline on the propeller shaft to provide a robust auxiliary drive interface. Because they route driveline torque to one or more outputs, they are frequently described within the context of a transfer case configuration, especially when the vehicle needs to maintain predictable drivability while simultaneously powering equipment, and this is particularly relevant for heavy-duty recovery bodies, municipal vehicles, and specialized industrial trucks that operate under continuous load.

Splitter and driveline distribution solutions are commonly used to drive a hydraulic pump for crane operations, lifting systems, towing and recovery mechanisms, and other high-force applications. System designers may select a robust gear pump for dependable, consistent flow, or a higher-performance piston pump when higher pressure capability and efficiency are required. In emergency response and utility vehicles, this same mechanical output can be matched to water transfer solutions such as a fire fighting water pump, while industrial and municipal builds may specify a centrifugal water pump for continuous-duty circulation and stable flow performance.

To optimize the speed and torque delivered to the driven unit, installations may incorporate a reducer, ensuring the auxiliary equipment runs within its ideal operating range. Reliable system control is reinforced by appropriate valves, and mechanical power transmission integrity is strengthened with heavy-duty couplings and correctly engineered cardan shafts, supporting smooth torque transfer, alignment tolerance, reduced vibration, and long-term performance in demanding work-vehicle applications.