Tom, The switch you are referring to,is a safety start switch. You have to have the pedal pushed down in order to get the engine to start.The clutch pedal also activated the hydro traction clutch valve,which was to get you out of a (Oh n*~@!)situation.I usually disconnected the valve since I have seen some of them leak by letting the hydro slip without you knowing it.Not a pretty sight if you have to rebuild a $7500-$8000 Denison hydro.Have a good day, Hyper Harvest II.