Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Reverse gear on lawn mowers, craftsman mowers, mower deck

Question
Last fall we bought a mower, and, of course, didn't use it until this spring.  The first time I mowed, I came in and told my husband that Huskie has a lot to learn from Craftsman mowers.  I told him that in order to back up away from a tree or whatever, you have to shut off the mower deck, back up, turn the mower deck back on and continue to mow.  He didn't believe me until he looked it up in the instruction book.  So we returned the mower.  He was told that all NEW mowers are made that way now, for safety reasons.  We don't want to buy another mower with that same problem.  Have you heard that there are new regulations to that effect?  Thank you

Answer
I've never heard of that.  That seems like a nuisance instead of a safety feature.  You didn't mention whether this is a self-propelled pushmower or a tractor but in either case, I've never heard of it.  You might want to ask one of the other experts to see if they are aware of any new regulations.  I'm in Canada, so if you are from another country, that could be the case.  Hope this helps.