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power takeoff

power takeoff

6.0
A part that sends power from an engine to other machines like a tractor attachment
  • noun
  • /ˈpaʊər ˈteɪkˌɔf/
  • Specialized
translation icon : toma de fuerza
  • The tractor's power takeoff allowed it to connect to a variety of implements like mowers and tillers.
  • power takeoff unit

Examples

  • The housing also serves as a flange built to meet SAE standards that connects the power takeoff to the engine flywheel.

    Academic text (2002)
  • He shut off the tractor's power takeoff and scrambled down from the high seat.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • The power takeoff unit provides power to run auxiliary equipment, said Brian Russell, a Rockwell project engineer.

    Academic text (1995)
  • It is an articulated-body system with an internal closed hydraulic system that is part of the power takeoff subsystem.

    Academic text (2009)
  • For example, engineers at Rockwell International in Troy, Mich., have used the process on a new design for a power takeoff system for large trucks developed for Detroit Diesel Corp. of Detroit.

    Academic text (1995)
  • After the bugs in the process were worked out, a similar project produced sand-cast aluminum power takeoff housings in 10 weeks, 5 months faster than the typical time using conventional techniques, said Russell.

    Academic text (1995)
  • To operate the hydraulic lift, you need to engage the power takeoff from the farm tractor's engine.

  • With the power takeoff, the farmer can efficiently use the tractor's engine to run other equipment.

Synonyms

PTO
vspower takeoff
  • Specialized
2 8.0

A device on a tractor that sends the engine's power to another machine

is the full written form rather than the abbreviated form

How Powerful

firewall
  • Jargon
1 6.8
power takeoff
  • Specialized
6.0
power loading
  • Specialized
7.2
to idle
  • Specialized
2 5.3

Surface Forms

power takeoff singular

Morphology

power + takeoff

The components 'power' (energy) and the verb phrase 'take off'/'takeoff' (to remove or transfer) together suggest a device that removes or transfers power, so the basic idea is derivable from the parts. However, the term is a specialized technical noun (often written 'power take-off' or 'PTO') and the institutionalized engineering sense may not be fully predictable to a B1 learner who has not seen the technical usage, making it partially but not fully transparent.

Etymology

The noun power takeoff comes from the literal idea of a part that takes engine power off the motor and sends it to another machine attached to the vehicle. The words power and takeoff show why it means 'a device that transfers power from an engine to other equipment'.