the good manual or force type chargers have timers on them. you can also put a timer on the 120v outlet and control that way. i have a timer I use just for that.
I used this compressor for years before I got the larger one I have now. It did everything I wanted no problem. Air tools, 1/4" die grinders,small sand blaster,painting. single phase 220v . single stage. Many people still make compressors in this configuration including Craftsman.
It just occurred to me that a much more difficult task would be releasing the hydraulics and locking mechanism at the same time to come down. you would need a hydraulic foot valve plumbed in to release pressure
You could literally tape something around the motor that keeps the button pushed in and then put a foot or hand jog switch where the motor plugs into the wall or cord. Nothing on the lift would be altered.
Seems like it would be pretty easy to put the motor on an electric foot switch and operate the lock manually.
or you could put the motor on a hand held jog switch and operate both with one arm.