Features
Hydraulic PowerShift (hot-shift) operation for engagement under load on 10-bolt automatic transmissions
Ductile iron bearing cap, 117% stronger than gray iron predecessor
80% thicker steel discs in the clutch pack to resist premature tooth wear
O-ring sealing configuration between housing and bearing cap improves clamp load and reduces vibrational effects
Nine speed ratios available, spanning low and high-speed ranges
Wet Spline Lubrication option extends shaft life 7 to 10 times compared to standard lubrication
SmartStart feature reduces shock load at start-up; Electronic Overspeed Control (EOC) protects driven equipment
Tech Specs
- Mounting Type: 10-Bolt aperture
- Shift Type: Hydraulic PowerShift (hot-shift)
- Continuous Operation: Yes
- Series Continuous Torque Rating: 390 lb-ft (529 Nm) - verify actual rating on application pages
- Output Power: 56+ HP (51+ kW)
- Shaft Power: 37 HP at 500 RPM / 74 HP at 1000 RPM (28 kW at 500 RPM / 55 kW at 1000 RPM)
- Transmission Compatibility: Allison automatic transmissions (10-bolt aperture)
- Output Types: SAE B Pump Flange, SAE C Pump Flange, ISO 7652 Pump Flange, Driveline
- Output Shaft Options: 3/4"-11T Pump Spline, SAE B 7/8"-13T Pump Spline, SAE C 1-1/4"-14T Pump Spline, 1410 Companion Flange, SmartStart Round Shaft 1-1/4" with 5/16" key
- Speed Ratios: Nine ratios including low and high speeds
- Lubrication: Pressure Lube or Wet Spline options
- Related Documents: 281/288 Series Parts List HY25-2281-M1/US; 267/281/288/871/878 Series Owner's Manual; Chelsea PTO Stud Kits HY25-2002-M1_US
Additional Information

The Chelsea 281 Series is suited for demanding vocational markets including fire and rescue, truck cranes, pumper cleaner units, and refuse vehicles. The positive stop design on driveline outputs eliminates oil seal damage from coupling contact. The included hose ships with the unit, eliminating a separate order step. Electronic Overspeed Control (EOC) is available to protect driven equipment from overspeed events, and the SmartStart feature is available for applications requiring reduced shock load at engagement.
Parts Manual: Chelsea 281 Series PTO Parts Manual (PDF) — exploded views, item numbers and the full parts breakdown for this series.
