Where is PTO most commonly used?

PTO, or Power Take-Off, is most commonly used in IA (Initial Attack), wildland, and mobile water supply (MWS) apparatus because these types of vehicles often require the ability to drive auxiliary systems, such as water pumps, directly from the vehicle's engine. In the context of firefighting, especially in wildland and mobile water supply scenarios, PTO systems provide a crucial means of enabling the pump to operate efficiently without the need for a separate engine or power source. This integration enhances the versatility and functionality of these apparatuses when responding to emergencies in diverse terrains.

PTO is not limited to just urban fire engines, as those typically operate with different power requirements and configurations that do not necessitate the same use of PTO as seen in wildland and mobile water supply setups. Furthermore, while heavy-duty trucks may use PTO, their functionality is often directed towards standard payload or towing applications rather than the specialized needs of firefighting equipment. Military vehicles may also utilize PTO, but this is not the primary focus of PTO applications in terms of emergency response needs like fire and wildland operations. Therefore, the correct context for the common use of PTO is indeed in IA, wildland, and mobile water supply apparatus.