Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a latching system is provided for use with machines with front or rear guards assembled to protect certain components, that otherwise may get damaged during machine reversing or turning operations in narrow workplaces, such as a mine site. The locking system comprises a hood assembly, a guard assembly, a motor structured and arranged to move the hood assembly between an open and closed position, a sensor to detect position of guard assembly, and a latch assembly. The latch assembly including a support member enables or disables the guard assembly movement. When the guard assembly is in open position it is restricted and simultaneously the sensor urges to interact with a hood operating system that would allow the hood to operate. Alternatively, when the latching system of the guard assembly is unlocked manually, the sensor disables the hood operating system.