Pto Shaft Star Tube

PTO Shaft Star Tube is a specially designed drive shaft component, mainly used in power transmission systems in agricultural machinery, engineering machinery and industrial equipment. Its core feature is the star-shaped cross-section design, which has higher torque transmission capacity, better torsional rigidity and lighter weight than traditional round or hexagonal shafts.

Structure and Features

(1) Star-shaped cross-section design

It adopts a **polygonal star-shaped (such as 6 stars, 8 stars or more)** cross-section instead of the traditional round or hexagonal shape.

This design increases the surface area ofthe shaft, allowing it to withstand greater torque at the same outer diameter while reducing weight.

(2) Materials and Manufacturing

It is usually made of high-strength alloy steel (such as 42CrMo, 40Cr, etc.) and heat treated (such as tempering, quenching) to improve hardness and wear resistance.

Some lightweight designs may use aluminum alloys or composite materials, but steel star tubes are still the mainstream.

(3) Connection method

Usually used with a universal joint (U-Joint) or quick release coupler for easy installation and removal.

Some designs use a spline or keyway connection to ensure the reliability of power transmission.

Advantages

Features Traditional round/hexagonal shaft Star tube

Torque carrying capacity Lower Higher (star structure increases contact surface)

Torsional rigidity Average Stronger (polygonal structure reduces deformation)

Weight Heavier Lighter (optimized cross-section reduces material)

Fatigue resistance Average Better (more uniform stress distribution)

Suitable for high-speed transmission May have large vibration More stable (better balance)

Main applications

(1) Agricultural machinery

Tractor PTO (power output shaft): used to drive agricultural machinery such as rotary tillers, harvesters, sprayers, etc.

Combine harvesters: transmit power to threshing, conveying and other systems.

(2) Construction machinery

Excavator accessory drive: such as hydraulic breaker, auger, etc.

Concrete machinery: mixer, pump truck, etc. power transmission.

(3) Industrial equipment

Transmission system: such as fans, pumps, compressors, etc. where high torque transmission is required.

Automation equipment: precision transmission of robotic arms, conveyor belts, etc.