Abstract: A two-stage latch is used for a tailgate on a vehicle such as an excavator or skid steer loader. The tailgate forms a cover for an engine compartment or other components of the vehicle, and the two-stage latch has a primary latch dog that will hold the cover fully closed. A secondary catch hook is used and includes a lost motion drive for actuating the latch dog. When opening the tailgate the latch hook engages a retainer bracket and will remain in a holding position so that the cover or tailgate will open slightly when the latch hook is released but cannot be fully opened until the catch hook is manually released from the retainer bracket on the vehicle frame.