PRM marine transmissions now offer you compact, low cost and efficient alternatives: a choice of clutched (on PRM1000) or direct drive (on PRM500 or PRM750) power take-off units which bolt directly to the rear face of the gearbox, either as factory fitted options or as assemblies for retro-fitting to existing gearbox installations. Both versions are specifically designed to drive hydraulic pumps, whether of the gear, vane or piston type; they are not intended to be adapted for driving an outrigger pulley since the mounting.

The PRM clutched power take-off is available on the PRM1000 marine gearbox; its clutch is of the multi-disc type, similar in design to those used in the main gearbox, and is suitable for remote control from the bridge or wheel house using a proprietary cable-operated remote control.

Operation
When the operating lever is moved to the engaged position, oil pressure is taken from the gearbox control valve via the 1/8" BSP tapping provided for the oil pressure gauge; this causes the power take-off clutch to be engaged, thus providing drive to the pump. When the lever is in the disengaged position there is no hydraulic pressure on the clutch, which therefore remains disengaged; consequently there is no drive to the pump. Lubrication of the power take-off system is provided by oil directed at low pressure from the return line from the oil cooler.

All power take-offs are specifically designed for driving hydraulic pumps to SAE J744C series 'B' specification with splined input shaft and either two-bolt or four-bolt fixing. The maximum power which can be transmitted is 22 KW (29.5 bhp) per 1000 rev/min engine speed; this equates to a torque of 209 Nm (155 Ibf.ft. - 21.33 kgm.).For PRM1000 the clutched power take-off gives pump rotation the same as the engine, where as the direct drive power take-off for the PRM500 and PRM750 will give opposite rotation. Power to the pump is not affected by the normal use of the gearbox for propulsion duties. All ancillary power circuits driven by PRM power take-offs should be designed in accordance with the recommendations of the hydraulic equipment manufacturer, and should be properly safeguarded against overloading.

PRM power take-off units fit on the rear face of the main gearcase and are driven by the input shaft; consequently they can be operated at all times whilst the engine is running, The power take-off replaces the end cover which is normally fitted and performs the functions of the end cover by sealing the gearbox against loss of oil and correctly positions the input shaft rear bearing. Power take-off units also provide the link between the gearbox and the hydraulic pump.