A power tower is a type of mechanical power take-off (or pto) which resides on an auxiliary transmission. It is mounted to the top of an auxiliary transmission (also known as a brownie or joey box) and its vertical housing has earned it the name power tower. Unlike traditional transmission or engine mounted power take-offs the power tower can provide the engine's full rated power output. It is commonly used to drive large winches or hydraulic pumps. Unlike the power take-off of an agricultural tractor, the attachment of any device to the power tower is usually permanent.
The power tower can also refer to a stand alone gear box which provides the same function as a power tower, but does not provide any gearing for the output shaft to the drive wheels.
Operation
The driver applies the parking brake and puts the auxiliary transmission into neutral to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Next the main transmission is put into its direct gear (usually the second highest or highest gear).
The engine hand throttle can is turned up to provide the proper rotational speed.
The Power Tower attachment can now be activated.