Include

[vonTrapp]

Well, a few comments here. A used PTO must be matched to that particular transmission...the PTO housings and bolt pattern are usually standard, but it's the gear pitch/tooth count that matters. New PTO's are not cheap...about $800.00 CDN for a basic model. The PTO is simply a means of using engine rotation (through the tranny) to power an accessory. Most common accessory is a hydraulic or water pump. Keep in mind that the PTO is only one component...if you are trying to set up a dump box for example, you'll also need a pump, hydraulic hoses, a tank, a valve controller (for up/down), cylinder(s), controls for the PTO engagement itself and for the valves, and maybe even a scissor lift [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

It can be intimidating at first, but the systems are in fact pretty simple...you just need to do your homework, determine what your real NEEDS are, and price stuff out FIRST. Gallons per minute capacity (GPM), flow pressures, reserve tank size etc are important.

Guess what I'm saying is that you can certainly make something up. New is going to cost $$$, used not so much, but harder to find right components. It's too bad you don't have Princess Auto close by. They are outstanding for hydraulic components at great prices.

Some alternatives: underhood pump or compressor. I have seen several trucks that utilize an underhood compressor (or hydraulic pump). Typically it is mounted where the AC compressor would be, and are electrically controlled centrifical clutch units driven off of an accessory belt.

Electric powered pumps can work for occassional use application, but they aren't much good for anything other than running a snow plow or dump lift cylinder. Very low GPM rating typically.

And a few trucks I've seen mounted a small lawnmower engine underneath the truck powering a compressor. And some people just use gas station compressors [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img].

Anyhoo...hope I have shed some light. Anything is doable...just wanted to make sure you do your homework before jumping into this.