How To Install A PTO On A Truck? [5 Easy Steps]
A PTO (Power Take-Off) is an essential addition to a truck. It enhances the ability of the engine and distributes the power across the vehicle. This power is then used to run many tools of the truck.
The PTO can be used for lowering and raising the trailer of the truck. It is also used to speed control, navigation, run winches, and many more light tools. Fire Trucks use the PTO technology for pumping off the waters. For these reasons, all the truck owners install PTO in their trucks.
Installing a PTO is not an easy task. It is a very heavy piece of equipment. If you are a newbie to truck maintenance, you will find it very difficult to install a PTO. So, we are here to guide you How to Install PTO on a Truck.
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How to Install PTO on a Truck – Step by Step Guide
Installing a PTO is a difficult task. We are here to make it easy for you. Here is the simplified step by step guide for Installing a PTO on your truck.
There are many types of PTO available in the market. Manual Cranking PTOs and Electric PTOs are the most common types. On top of that, different PTOs serve different purposes. So, before moving on to the installation steps, you need to determine which one you want. More importantly, you need to know your truck’s model and find a suitable PTO for your Truck.
Let’s check out the step by step guide of How to Install PTO on a Truck right below.
Step 1- Where to Install the PTO
The first step is to determine where in your Truck you want to install the PTO. You already know that different PTOs serve different purposes. Likewise, you need to choose the location based on the service you want to get from the PTO.
Some possible locations of installing a PTO can be at the engine compartment, hood, underneath the truck, near the tires, and so on. If you are lucky, you may find a slot already there in your Truck. It is because the truck manufacturers know the significance of a PTO and they put a slot for it while manufacturing the truck.
If you are the owner of an older truck, you may need to remove the gas tank to access the slot for installing the PTO. Newer Trucks may have a panel that can be removed to access the slot of installing PTO.
Now that you have determined a suitable location for installing the PTO, now move on to purchasing a compatible PTO for your truck.
Step 2 – PTO Compatibility
You must purchase a PTO which is compatible for your truck. As a PTO can perform several actions, you must choose the services you want to get from it. So, it is necessary to purchase the PTO based on the truck’s compatibility, make or model, and your purposes.
There are Manual Crank PTOs and Electric PTOs available in the market. Before purchasing one, do an extensive research about which one is suitable for your truck.
On top of that, it would be better if you check out the return policy of the PTO. If you buy the wrong one, return it and get a suitable one compatible for your truck.
Step 3 – PTO Mounting Bracket
Now you have decided where to install the PTO and bought the suitable one. It is time to mount the PTO on your truck. If you are lucky, you may find a mounting bracket already there attached to your truck. It is because many truck-manufacturers attach a mounting bracket while manufacturing the vehicles.
If you do not find any mounting bracket on your truck, you need to set it first. After that, you can attach the PTO with the mounting bracket.
Mark the location and set the mounting bracket depending on the type of PTO. If the PTO is for lowering and raising the trailer, then set it according to its accessibility. Attach the mounting bracket using suitable bolts and nuts. After that, connect the wires carefully. Give it a check if everything is at the right place or not. Follow the installation manual to do it precisely.
Step 4 – Install the PTO
It is time to install the PTO attaching it with the mounting bracket. You will find bolts that come with the package. Bolt the PTO down with the mounting bracket.
After attaching the PTO, give it a test run. If something feels loose or shaky, fasten the bolts and give it another try. Follow the installation manual to install the PTO more precisely.
Step 5 – Wrap Up
Now, everything is set and ready to go. For wrapping up the installation, turn on the ignition of your truck. It is to check if the PTO is working properly or not. If it is fine, turn off the ignition.
If the PTO is a Manual Crank one, you need to mark the location from where you can operate it manually. At the end, take care of the sharp edges and operating angles to avoid injury.
PTO Installation Safety Guides
We have already told you that installing a PTO is a very difficult task. We recommend you do not try to install it at home. Moreover, if you need to install it beneath the truck, you have to lift it. As it is a heavy component, it possesses the threat of crushing you.
So, it is always a wise decision to take help from the professionals. In the final section of this article, we enlist some safety guides briefly.
- Do not try to install it if you are not experienced. Take your Truck to a certified servicing center and let the professionals handle the installation.
- Read the PTO installation manual and warnings carefully.
- Do not work alone under the vehicle, particularly while installing heavy equipment like the PTO.
- Maintain personal safety measures. Use glasses, hand gloves and shoes while installing the PTO.
- Careful with the transmission fluid. It is extremely hot.
- Use only the wiring, nuts, or bolts which come with the PTO package. Do not use old or damaged components.
- PTOs are very heavy components. So, use lifting and resting machines while working with it.
Conclusion
Installing a PTO device on a truck is a difficult task. It is also risky as the device is very heavy. So, it will be a wise decision if you leave the installation work in the hands of the professionals.
Before buying a PTO, you must decide where you want to install it. Moreover, check if your truck is compatible with the PTO you want to install. Finally, maintain the safety measures and work carefully.
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