What This Does
- Calculates PTO and hydraulic system performance — Flow rates, torque, horsepower, and RPM based on your configuration.
- Validates component compatibility — Checks rotation, pressure limits, RPM limits, and flow requirements automatically.
- Provides AI-powered analysis — Automatically evaluates every configuration and suggests improvements when needed.
- Offers two modes of operation — Select from component catalogs for full recommendations, or enter raw specs for quick feasibility checks.
- Learns from your usage — Caches AI responses so repeat calculations are instant and free.
Two Ways to Use This Tool
Mode 1: Component Selection (Recommended)
- Step 1: Pick Equipment — Flow and pressure requirements autofill.
- Step 2: Pick Transmission — Available PTOs appear; check Application Notes for installation warnings.
- Step 3: Pick PTO Model — Ratio, torque, HP, and rotation autofill from catalog.
- Step 4: Pick Pump Model — All specs (displacement, max PSI, max RPM, rotation) autofill.
- Step 5: Enter Engine RPM — The only required manual input.
- Step 6: Click Calculate — Get full analysis with AI recommendations and alternative component suggestions.
In this mode, you get: Component-specific recommendations, alternatives if overloaded, rotation compatibility checks, and part numbers for purchasing.
Mode 2: Manual Entry (Quick Feasibility)
- Enter only the specs you know: Flow requirement, pressure, PTO ratio/torque/HP, pump displacement, engine RPM.
- Skip the dropdowns entirely — no need to select specific models.
- Click Calculate — Get theoretical analysis of whether your specs are adequate.
In this mode, you get: Basic calculations, feasibility assessment, but NO component recommendations or alternatives. Good for "what-if" scenarios.
What Gets Validated
- Rotation Compatibility — PTO and pump rotation must match (unless pump is bidirectional). Manual entries skip this check.
- Pressure Safety — Operating pressure checked against pump max PSI rating. Warns if within 10% of limit, errors if exceeded.
- RPM Limits — Calculated pump speed (Engine RPM × PTO Ratio) must not exceed pump's max RPM rating.
- Flow Requirements — Actual flow (after efficiency losses) compared to equipment's required range.
- Torque & Horsepower — Required torque and HP checked against PTO capacity at operating speed.
AI Assistant
- Automatic Analysis — After every calculation, AI evaluates your configuration and provides recommendations.
- Component Mode AI — Suggests specific alternatives, explains why current config works/doesn't work, recommends upgrades.
- Manual Entry AI — Analyzes theoretical adequacy only. Tells you if specs appear viable but won't recommend specific parts.
- Cached Responses — Identical configurations return instant results (no API cost) for 10 minutes.
- Ask AI Chat (NEW) — Ask follow-up questions about hydraulics, PTOs, or specific components anytime. If you've run a calculation, the AI automatically knows your configuration and can answer questions like "Why is my torque too high?" or "What happens if I increase engine RPM?"
- General Questions Welcome — The AI assistant can also answer general hydraulic/PTO questions even without a calculation.
Core Calculations
- PTO Output Speed: Engine RPM × PTO Ratio
- Theoretical Flow: (Displacement × PTO Speed) / 231 (GPM) or converted to L/min
- Actual Flow: Theoretical × 95% (volumetric efficiency)
- Hydraulic Power: (Pressure PSI × Flow GPM) / 1714
- Shaft Torque: (Pressure × Displacement) / (2π × 12) / 95% (mechanical efficiency)
Tips & Tricks
- Use Component Mode First — Always try selecting actual components to get full recommendations before resorting to manual entry.
- Check Application Notes — Transmission-specific warnings appear after selecting a transmission. Read these carefully.
- Manual Override Available — All autofilled fields can be edited to test variations or non-catalog components.
- Reset Clears Everything — The Reset button wipes all inputs and results instantly.
- Watch Info Icons — Yellow/red warning icons appear next to fields that need attention.
What This Tool Does NOT Do
- Does NOT provide installation instructions — Always consult OEM documentation and qualified technicians.
- Does NOT certify safety — All calculations must be verified against manufacturer specs before implementation.
- Does NOT replace engineering judgment — This is an aid, not a substitute for professional expertise.
- Does NOT guarantee availability — Component catalogs may not reflect current inventory or regional variations.
Use at your own risk. Verify all configurations with manufacturer documentation before ordering or installing components.