PTO & Aux Usage
Monitor Power Take-Off (PTO) Usage
Track exactly when and where PTO-driven equipment runs. Get proof-of-service, reduce unauthorized use, and simplify maintenance.
Power Take-Off (PTO) transfers engine power to attached equipment—dump beds, vacuums, pumps, cranes, and more. By wiring PTO indicators to a GPS tracker’s digital inputs, you capture precise on/off events with time, location, and ignition state.
How PTO Monitoring Works
Simple, field-proven wiring
Most installs tie the tracker’s input to a PTO lamp or switch. Older vehicles may use a relay; newer devices often connect directly to indicator circuits.
- Inputs: Track 1–2 signals (e.g., PTO on/off, beacons, siren).
- Events sent to cloud: PTO state change with timestamp, GPS, speed, heading, ignition.
- No PTO? Monitor any auxiliary function—lights, pumps, plows, spreaders, lifts.
Unsure if you need a relay or direct tie-in? Talk to our team—we’ll recommend the right device and wiring approach.
Also see: Fleet Management Software for dashboards and reports, and Vehicle Tracking for full fleet visibility.
Data, Alerts, and Reporting
Real-Time Alerts
Get instant email/app alerts when PTO turns on or off—catch after-hours use right away.
Usage Summaries
Daily/weekly reports showing when and where PTO equipment operated.
Map Overlays
Overlay PTO activity on routes—see every site, stop, and job location at a glance.
Maintenance & Audit
Use accurate runtime for service schedules and customer verification—no guesswork.
No Annual Contracts
Flexible, month-to-month plans—scale up or down without long-term commitments.
Mobile Apps
Check PTO status, alerts, and location right from your smartphone.
Driver Accountability
Attribute activations to drivers to improve accountability and reduce disputes.
Custom Reports
Export PTO data by vehicle, job site, or date—ready for Excel, audits, and billing.
API & Integration
Pipe runtime data to maintenance, dispatch, or billing systems with our API.
Benefits of Monitoring PTO Usage
- ✔ Stop unauthorized equipment use and reduce wear.
- ✔ Prove work performed with time-and-place evidence.
- ✔ Automate runtime capture for maintenance.
- ✔ Improve safety and accountability across teams.
PTO Monitoring: FAQs
What is PTO monitoring?
PTO monitoring captures on/off signals from PTO-driven equipment via a GPS tracker’s digital inputs and pairs them with time and location for alerts and reporting.
Do I need a relay to monitor PTO?
Some vehicles require a relay to condition the circuit, while many newer trackers can connect directly to a PTO indicator lamp or switch.
Can I monitor more than one function?
Yes. Most devices support two inputs (e.g., PTO plus beacon/siren).
What reports and alerts are available?
Real-time on/off alerts, maps with PTO overlays, and historical summaries.
Which trackers are compatible?
Trackers with 1–2 digital inputs are ideal. See our Trackers with Inputs category.