When the engine is running and the clutch is engaged, the belts are under tension. The variator, belts, secondary belt idler, and trans input shaft are turning. This would put some load on the idling engine. Normal operation. Excessive load could be caused by problems with any of the things mentioned.
Early 200 series tractors had the left pedal as clutch only, right pedal as brake only. This allowed the operator to add a little braking without disengaging the clutch and losing the braking effect of engine compression. This is especially important going down hill and the tractor begins to pick up speed. Safety note - never take a load that weighs more than the tractor and you down a steep hill. Brakes may not be enough to hold it back!
Later models were like yours. Lets you stop on level ground to shift gears, for instance, without using both feet at the same time. Pretty handy while mowing the road ditch, sitting on the "uphill side" of the seat, and need to stop before running into the mailbox! lol
IMHO the model you have is the best of the two styles.
Enjoy the 212.
tommyhawk
