I've reviewed the online PDF owners manual. I checked the ignition switch for a reverse setting.

Mine is ON, LIGHTS and Start. No 3rd setting for reverse. Unless I am missing something on the switch.
There is no button anywhere I can locate like on my Scotts built by JD. Nothing on top of the deck handle. Nothing on the dash, I looked behind the gas tank looking for an electrical connection OTHER than the ignition switch. Nothing.

I reached down and pulled the kill switch wire on the shifter below the deck. The unit is almost brand new. I am guessing less than 30 hours. I jerry rigged a front adjustment bar for the deck but ordered the correct part.

Any ideas? I am telling you, the only thing I did not check was the horn button...

Model 13BN7716729 built in 2006 and sold at Costco in California.

(I got dismissed off one jury last week because I once dated the judge....go figure...we are both old farts now, that date was last century before our kids were born).

Back to the Yard Machine. I will reconnect the reverse kill wire, re fire the mower, engage the deck, then try making it go backward.

WHICH--might explain why the PO gave me the unit. He used it without the deck to haul a trailer with his garbage up his driveway to the road and back. I recall he did say he
never could get the unit to go backwards....