I have to agree,leave the motor opened up and leave the PTO engaged. IF you need to throttle back when you back up but leave the PTO engaged. You will just wear the lead button on the PTO which is why it kept running. I have always found also starting in the middle and work your way to the outside has always worked for me. Keep the snow from blowing in your face because its cold...lol
Just takes seat time to get used to it. Good luck an hope you enjoy the years to come as I have enjoyed my time on the seat of my IH CC 104 with the CW-36. Was my grandpas an he gave it to me 20 years ago but I had to work it off by mowing his yard and cleaning his driveway in the winter. I gotta say it was well worth it because now I have a wonderful memory
