Tractor with a PTO driven hay rake.

Tractor with a PTO driven hay rake.

Custom PTO Shaft Strain Gauge Transducer by ITM

As a farmer or heavy equipment operator, you know that measuring the loads on the power take-off (PTO) shaft of a tractor is crucial for the safety and longevity of your equipment. The PTO shaft is responsible for transferring power from the tractor to other pieces of equipment, such as a plow or a baler, and is subjected to a wide range of loads and stresses. That’s where Integrated Test & Measurement (ITM) comes in, as a leading provider of custom measurement solutions to various industries. 

Contact an ITM strain gauge expert.

Test Case: Measuring Load of PTO Shaft

To help a prominent manufacturer of tractors measure the loads on the PTO shaft, our team of engineers developed a custom strain gauge-based transducer. The transducer was designed to measure both tension and compression loads on the PTO shaft. and it uses a strain gauge rosette, which is a configuration of multiple gauges that allows for the measurement of both types of loads. Our team carefully selected the type of strain gauge to ensure it could withstand the high temperatures and vibrations of the shaft. 

After designing the transducer, our team installed it on the PTO shaft of the tractor, making sure it was properly aligned and calibrated. We also wrote software and set up data acquisition systems to collect and process the data from the transducer in real-time, allowing the operator to see the current loads on the shaft and make necessary adjustments. 

The transducer underwent extensive testing on multiple tractors, and the results were highly accurate, providing valuable insights into the loads on the PTO shaft. By measuring the loads on the PTO shaft, farmers and other heavy equipment operators can make better-informed decisions about when to perform maintenance, and the manufacturer was able to improve its design and manufacturing processes to further enhance the durability of the equipment. 

At ITM, we specialize in providing custom measurement solutions to help businesses improve their equipment and processes by providing accurate data. This is just one example of the type of custom solutions we can provide to our clients to meet their specific needs. If you’re facing a measurement challenge in your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts for assistance. 

By working with ITM, you can expect to receive tailored solutions designed to meet your unique requirements. We have years of experience in providing custom measurement solutions for a wide range of industries, including agriculture, aerospace, automotive and more. Our team of skilled engineers will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and design a solution that meets your requirements. 

In addition to custom measurement solutions, we also offer a range of off-the-shelf products, including load cells, torque sensors, pressure sensors, and more. All of our products are designed and manufactured to the highest standards to ensure accuracy, reliability and durability. 

At ITM, we understand the importance of accurate data for businesses to make informed decisions. That’s why we are committed to providing our clients with the most reliable and accurate measurement solutions available. Our team is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques to ensure that we can provide the best possible solutions to our clients. 

This is just one example of the type of custom solutions that ITM can provide to its customers to improve their equipment and processes, by providing accurate data. If you’re facing a measurement challenge in your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts, we’ll be happy to help.  

Our team of experts specialize in farm equipment, power take-off shaft, tension loads, John Deere tractors, equipment maintenance, design process, application software, maintenance schedules, predictive maintenance, preventative maintenance, electrical resistance, software programs, metallic foil, drive shaft, wheatstone bridge, measure strain and much more. 

Why turn to ITM for Strain Gauge expertise? 

Integrated Test & Measurement (ITM) is a leader in the field of designing and manufacturing strain gauge-based transducer technology for various industries. Over the years, the company has gained extensive experience in using this technology to perform measurements on a wide range of equipment, from wind turbines to aircraft engines. 

Strain gauges are a type of sensor that measure the amount of strain, or deformation, that occurs in a structure when it is subjected to a load. The deformation is then converted into an electrical signal that can be analyzed to provide valuable information about the behavior of the structure. 

ITM has successfully used strain gauge technology to perform a variety of tests, including strain testing, force measurement, torque measurement, and pressure measurement. These tests can help to identify issues such as stress concentrations, overloading, and fatigue in a wide range of components and systems. 

One of the key advantages of strain gauge technology is its ability to provide accurate and reliable data in real-time. This allows engineers and technicians to quickly identify potential problems and take corrective action before they result in costly downtime or equipment failure. 

ITM has also developed advanced software and data acquisition systems that allow for efficient and comprehensive data collection and analysis. This technology enables the company to provide clients with detailed reports and recommendations based on the results of their testing. 

Overall, ITM’s experience with strain gauge based transducer technology has allowed the company to provide valuable insights and solutions for a wide range of industries, helping to improve the performance, safety, and reliability of various types of equipment. 

Contact us to learn more about this project or to connect with our team on your own strain gauge, data acquisition or engineering challenges?