Power Takeoff Shaft

a mechanism of a power transmission by means of which part of the power from the engine of a tractor, self-propelled chassis, special-purpose automobile, or other vehicle is used to drive the working members of trailer, mounted, or stationary machines. Torque is transmitted to the power takeoff shaft by one of the power transmission shafts—for example, the primary or connecting shaft of the transmission—or directly by the engine shaft.