Security and safety interlocks for a loader

A loader having a boom and bucket, hydraulic controls for controlling movement of said boom and bucket, and an interlock system, said interlock system comprising:

• a programmable controller including a non-volatile memory having a storage location therein for selectively receiving and storing a locking security code or an unlock security code;
• switch means for entering an enterable security code into said programmable controller, said programmable controller including first means responsive to said switch means and to a locking security code in said storage location for replacing said locking security code in said storage location with an unlock security code when said enterable security code matches said locking security code in said storage location, and second means responsive to said switch means and to said unlock security code in said storage location for storing said enterable security code in said storage location as a locking security code when said storage location stores said unlock security code at a time when said enterable security code is entered into the programmable controller;
• and,
• control means for inhibiting said hydraulic controls to prevent movement of said boom and bucket as long as said locking security code is stored in said storage location, said control means enabling said hydraulic controls to permit movement of said boom and bucket when said unlock security code is in said storage location.