Method and apparatus for automating power take-offs for vehicles and equipment

A power distribution controller adapted for use with a power take-off connected to an engine of a motor vehicle-including a crane and an air compressor mounted on the motor vehicle, the power distribution controller comprising non-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions thereon, the instructions when acted upon by a processor:

• increasing engine rpm above idle and engaging the power take-off when at least one of the crane and the air compressor transitions from an off-state to an on-state;
• starting a first timer when a power demand of the at least one crane and the air compressor, when in the on-state, is at or below a predetermined threshold;
• decreasing engine speed, disengaging the power take-off, resetting the first timer, and starting a second timer when a first duration of time, as indicated by the first timer, equals a first predetermined duration of time;
• and
• shutting off the engine and resetting the second timer when a second duration of time, as indicated by the second timer, equals a second predetermined duration of time.