Power take-off

A power take-off (PTO) is a spinning shaft, usually on a tractor or truck that can be used to provide power to an attachment or separate machine. It is designed to be easily connected and disconnected.

The PTO and its associated shafts and U-joints are a common cause of trauma in farming and industry. When a piece of clothing, which can be as small as a single thread, touches a spinning part it can be pulled around the part. The clothing and the person wearing it are instantaneously pulled into the shaft resulting in loss of a limb or death.