Hitches including latch actuators and sensors, and vehicles incorporating the same

A hitch system comprising a hitch and a hitch controller, wherein:

• the hitch comprises a latch and an actuator;
• the latch is positionable between an open position and a closed position;
• the actuator is positionable between a retracted position, an intermediate position, and an extended position, and is configured to position the latch into the open position when the actuator is in the extended position, position the latch into the closed position when the actuator is in the retracted position, and permit movement of the latch between the open position and the closed position when the actuator is in the intermediate position;
• and
• the hitch controller is configured to position the actuator between the retracted position, the intermediate position, and the extended position.

A materials handling vehicle comprising a hitch system, and a drive mechanism, wherein:

• the hitch system comprises a hitch and a hitch controller;
• the hitch comprises a latch, one or more sensors, and an actuator;
• the latch is positionable between an open position and a closed position;
• the actuator is positionable between a retracted position, an intermediate position, and an extended position;
• the latch is permitted to move between the open position and the closed position when the actuator is in the intermediate position;
• and
• the hitch controller is configured to position the actuator in one of the retracted position, the intermediate position, and the extended position.