My speed lowering knob was frozen when delivered.. put some Kroil (penetrating oil) on the shaft.. wait for a couple of hours, put some more.. wait.. get the vice grips out.. keep wiggeling back and forth. dont break it off. just a little at a time. soon it will "break loose".. just keep working it. I lubed it with fluid film.. works real smooth now...
On the PTO engagement. If I Recall Correctly, the manual says to use the clutch both to engage and disengage.. I always throttle down to engage then push in the clutch, move the lever, let out clutch and run up throttle. And to disengage.. throttle down, push in the clutch, move lever let out clutch and go on.
James K0UA