Thanks for the responses.
One more question...
Assuming I don't want to mow in reverse (and just want to back-up!), can I
just disengage the PTO lever without pressing the RIO button?
Pete

"Elizabeth" wrote in message
news:I4jJa.9009$ZE.8052@lakeread05...
The PTO lever engages the mower blades. The RIO allows you to put the
tractor in reverse while still keeping the blades engaged. Press and hold
the button when you put the machine in reverse gear if you want to
continue
cutting in reverse.

elizabeth


"Pete" wrote in message
...
I just bought the L100 John Deere Lawn Tractor and the manual isn't the
best
(IMHO).
Can anyone here explain what the PTO lever does exactly? The manual
talks
about engaging it and disengaging it without really explaining what it
is.

Same for the RIO button.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
thanks in advance