No need to feel dumb. How do you think I feel? I let the damn thing sit TWO YEARS. LMAO. I filled it up with 93 super (as I intend to use it frequently) and cut with it for about two hours. It's still a "little" weak to engage the PTO. If I engage the blades at a stand still, it will still kill the engine, but if I engage while rolling it engages and cuts great. Since I don't cut sitting still, that works for me. LOL
If your mower has a choke you can pull the choke on a little when engaging the PTO.. I have a gas Grasshopper and since new that has been the easiest way with-out stalling the engine or slipping the belts with a higher RPM...