[rotorwrench]

The shift rail has to be pushed back into lockout position to make a lock out switch function. If a person uses an operating switch like a truck two speed axle switch mounted to the shift lever then it's easy to shut off the system. The lock out switch would be redundant but can be used if a person wants the power to be off when driving in direct drive mode. The key thing to remember is that the overdrive must be locked out into direct drive for reverse gear action. Serious damage can result if the pawl ever engages the gear plate while in reverse gear besides the fact that it won't go forward from a stop. If the pawl is left engaged by accident then the result won't be a good one. The governor and the switch will turn the operating solenoid off as long as both are functional. Some folks run without a governor and I tend to discourage that.

If an electric overdrive is wired up with all the normal electrical features then it is a lot safer and easier to operate.

The shift lever can be operated in either direction largely depending on how the control system is set up. It can go either way as long as you know which way is direct drive and which way is overdrive.