Features
Hydraulic (PowerShift) hot-shift operation, designed for 10-bolt aperture automatic transmissions including Allison
Ductile iron bearing cap rated 117% stronger than gray iron for extended service life
O-ring sealing between housing and bearing cap improves clamp load and reduces vibration-related wear
Enhanced clutch pack with steel discs 80% thicker than the prior 280 Series generation
Nine speed ratios including low and high speeds; continuous torque rating up to 390 lb-ft
Wet Spline Lubrication option provides 7 to 10 times greater shaft life; SmartStart and Electronic Overspeed Control (EOC) included
Tech Specs
- Mounting Type: 10-Bolt aperture (Allison automatic transmission applications)
- Shift Type: PowerShift (Hydraulic hot-shift)
- Continuous Torque: 390 lb-ft (529 Nm) - verify actual rating on application pages
- Series Speed Ratios: Nine, including low and high speeds
- Output Options: SAE B Pump Flange, SAE C Pump Flange, ISO 7652 Pump Flange, Driveline
- Output Shaft Options: SmartStart Round Shaft (1-1/4" - 5/16" Key), 3/4" - 11T Pump Spline, SAE B (7/8" - 13T), SAE C (1-1/4" - 14T), DIN 5462, 1410 Companion Flange
- Shaft Power: 37 HP at 500 RPM / 74 HP at 1000 RPM (28 kW / 55 kW)
- Lubrication: Pressure Lube or Wet Spline option
- Continuous Operation: Yes
- Typical Markets: Fire and Rescue, Truck Cranes, Pumper Cleaner, Refuse
Additional Information

The 281 Series is the current-generation evolution of the Chelsea 280 Series PTO, incorporating ductile iron bearing caps, an improved O-ring seal configuration, and an 80% thicker clutch pack to address the vibration demands of modern engine designs. Parker Chelsea documents covering this series include the 281/288 Series Parts List (HY25-2281-M1/US) and the 267/281/288/871/878 Series Owner's Manual. Not sure this is the right PTO for your transmission? Give us a call.
Parts Manual: Chelsea 281 Series PTO Parts Manual (PDF) — exploded views, item numbers and the full parts breakdown for this series.
