Power transfer unit with breakout friction reduction and leakage reduction

A power transfer unit comprising:

• a first hydraulic circuit;
• a second hydraulic circuit operatively coupled to the first hydraulic circuit;
• a pump and motor assembly fluidly connected between the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit;
• an isolation valve arranged along the first hydraulic circuit and fluidly connected to an inlet of the pump and motor assembly, wherein the isolation valve is movable between a closed position and an open position to prevent and enable high-pressure fluid flow to the inlet, respectively;
• an unloader valve arranged along the second hydraulic circuit and fluidly connected to an outlet of the pump and motor assembly;
• an orifice arranged along the second hydraulic circuit and fluidly connected to the unloader valve to reduce back pressure in the second hydraulic circuit;
• and
• a low-pressure pilot pump arranged along the second hydraulic circuit and coupled for rotation with the pump and motor assembly, wherein the low-pressure pilot pump is communicatively coupled to the unloader valve and the isolation valve.