I had a 224 and now have a 448.
My 1982 224 had hydraulic lift, maybe the first ones didnt.
You should feel a few slight notches in the travel control lever for speed control.
They are a little scarey going down hill without a holding valve (neither of mine have it)
It should have whats called "retard", meaning if you are about half throttle coming down a hill, lower the speed slightly and it helps keep it slowed down.
If you pull it to neutral...mine will lock up the tires.
It takes getting use to.
The brake was really only meant for parking.
One of these days i will change out my hydraulic control valve for one with a built in holding valve.
They also made a separate holding valve that could be plumbed in.
For tilling, there is a flow control valve that would help with the ground speed problem.
Hope this helps.
Tony