Abstract: A torque meter is provided for use in conjunction with a layshaft having a forward and rear end and which is rotatably mounted in a housing. The layshaft is axially movable with respect to the housing between a forward and a retracted position while a gearing arrangement in mesh with the layshaft urges the layshaft towards its forward position with a force proportional to the shaft torque. The torque meter comprises a body secured to the housing adjacent the front end of the layshaft which forms a chamber open to the front end of the layshaft while a piston is axially slidably mounted within the chamber. The chamber is pressurized with a fluid, such as oil, which urges the piston against the front end of the layshaft with a force proportional to the pressure so that the piston balances the layshaft against the axial force imposed by the engine. A fluid pressure gauge determines the pressure within the chamber which varies proportionately with the layshaft torque.