I agree with JWE,
mine was a idle when my PTO came off. I always start my engage PTO at idle, no big deal. I also had trouble when my BX220 was new getting the PTO shifter to move. I thought I was also going to bend or break something, but dealer came out and said after a few hours it would break in and sure enough works great now. I believe that I read a thread somewhere that some folks have filed down the plastic retaining bumps where the PTO lever is, but I would not suggest doing that as after just using the lever and moving it those little bumps will wear down and PTO lever will move better.
Don