EPTO for Hydraulic Pump Motors: The Next Generation of Efficient Power

As we transition to electric solutions in industries, how we energise hydraulic systems is changing as well. Perhaps the biggest development here is EPTO, or Electric Power Take-Off. In the past, hydraulic pumps have been powered by mechanical PTOs connected to engines. With EPTO, however, we can now energise hydraulic pump motors with clean electricity, without wasting an engine on idling or burning fossil fuels.

In this post, we will discuss how EPTO interacts with hydraulic pump motors, the advantages of electric pump motors, and why PMSM motors, permanent magnet pump motors, and low-voltage solutions such as 24V and 48V pump motors are perfectly suited for such applications.

What is EPTO

EPTO, or Electric Power Take-Off, substitutes the conventional engine-driven PTO system with an electric motor-powered one. In conventional PTO configurations, power is mechanically derived from the engine to drive hydraulic pumps, generators, or alternators.
But E-PTO (electric PTO) configurations employ battery-powered electric motors to derive the same functionality, free of noise, emissions, or engine wear. This is particularly helpful in contemporary electric or hybrid commercial vehicles, utility trucks, and farm equipment.

EPTO in Hydraulic Systems

In hydraulic systems, a hydraulic pump motor converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy to drive cylinders, lifts, actuators, or fluid motion. The motor has traditionally received its mechanical energy from a petrol or diesel engine through a PTO shaft. This is typical for:

  • Construction equipment
  • Farming machinery
  • Municipal service vehicles
  • Drilling and mining rigs

But with EPTO, the mechanical engine is replaced by an electric motor. The motor powers the hydraulic pump, delivering all the pressure and flow required for hydraulic functions, without requiring a motor to be kept idling.

Why EPTO for Pump Motors?

  1. Fuel Savings and Reduced Emissions
    Electric motors obviate the necessity of idling the engine to provide hydraulics. This conserves a great deal of fuel and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. Quieter Operation
    An electric PTO is virtually noiseless in comparison to a diesel engine. This is very important in urban environments, residential areas, or night work.
  3. Improved Control
    Electric motors enable smoother and more accurate control of hydraulic output. This is particularly advantageous in applications where variable speed and torque are needed.
  4. Low Maintenance
    Less moving parts, no belts and pulleys, and less engine wear make EPTO-driven hydraulic systems much easier and less costly to maintain.

Applications of EPTO in Hydraulic Systems in Real-World Situations

Municipal Utility Trucks

Dumpsters, bucket trucks, and street cleaners sometimes use hydraulics to lift, dump, or sweep. With EPTO, these trucks can do their work without idling the engine, cutting fuel consumption and noise in cities.

Farm Equipment

Farm equipment such as sprayers, tillers, and irrigation pumps sometimes relies on hydraulics. EPTO-driven pump motors allow electric tractors or hybrid tractors to power hydraulic systems without burning fuel.

Construction Equipment

Electric PTO systems are now powering excavators, booms, and cranes—delivering efficient hydraulic control on job sites where noise and emissions need to be reduced.

Service and Maintenance Vehicles

Mobile workshops and utility vehicles feature hydraulic tools and lifts that can now be powered by EPTO-driven hydraulic pump motors for improved energy usage and reduced operation cost.

Role of Electric Motors in EPTO Systems

When integrating EPTO into a hydraulic system, the selection of the right electric motor is instrumental. Some of the most efficient motor technologies employed are:

  1. PMSM Motors (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors)
    They are efficient motors that have constant speed and torque. PMSM motors are perfectly suited for hydraulic systems because they have great power density and performance at low speeds.
  2. Permanent Magnet Pump Motors
    As the name indicates, these motors employ permanent magnets to create a magnetic field. They are efficient, space-saving, and deliver uniform torque—ideal for hydraulic systems where dependability is essential.
  3. 48V Pump Motors
    48-volt motors are extensively utilised in EPTO systems due to their safety, performance, and power balance. They are ideal for mid-power hydraulic systems like small cranes, sprayers, and lifts.
  4. 24V Pump Motors
    For lighter-duty applications, 24V pump motors are a cost-effective, safe solution. They are commonly utilised in utility vehicles or small farm equipment where the level of hydraulic power needed is only moderate.

Any of these motor designs can be effortlessly matched with an electric PTO system to drive a hydraulic pump motor cleanly and efficiently.

72V pump motors
72 pump motors

EPTO vs Traditional PTO for Hydraulic Motors

Traditional PTO

  • Power Source: Engine (mechanical)
  • Fuel Dependency: High
  • Emissions: High
  • Noise: Loud
  • Control: Limited
  • Maintenance: More moving parts
  • Compatibility: Engine-based vehicles

Electric PTO (EPTO)

  • Power Source: Battery/Electric motor
  • Fuel Dependency: Low or None
  • Emissions: Zero
  • Noise: Quiet
  • Control: Precise electronic control
  • Maintenance: Low maintenance
  • Compatibility: Electric/hybrid systems
Key differences between traditional PTO and EPTO systems.

Integrating EPTO with Innotec Pump Motors

We at Innotec Power supply a comprehensive selection of hydraulic pump motors, including:

  • 48V pump motors – designed for EPTO compatibility
  • 24V pump motors – suitable for light-duty EPTO systems
  • PMSM pump motors – for high-performance hydraulic power
  • Permanent magnet pump motors – for compact, efficient designs

Our motors are optimised for use in electric PTO systems, making it easy to design smarter, cleaner machines without compromising performance.

Final Thoughts

The transition from conventional PTO to EPTO is more than a trend—it’s a necessary evolution for industries wanting to slash emissions, lower fuel consumption, and update their machinery.

By connecting electric PTO systems with hydraulic pump motors, you achieve a new dimension of efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Whether you require a 48V pump motor for a mid-range application or a PMSM motor for high-performance output, the future is electric, and Innotec Power can power it.