A method for adapting a drive train based upon a PTO load is provided. The method includes continually during vehicle driving determining a torque magnitude indicative of said power take off unit's torque consumption by sensing a fluid pressure produced by a power take off fluid pump. The sensed power take off unit torque consumption is continually compared with an output torque produced by a prime mover. Using the difference from said output torque expected value and the measured PTO torque consumption, a control unit adjusts transmission shifting (if automatic) of a transmission and/or prime mover control because the PTO will cause the prime mover to lose some of its available torque. Based on the PTO load, the engine control will selected the appropriate prime mover torque production and the transmission control unit will select the appropriate start gear, upshift gears, and downshift gears.