Removing the Step Plate on a ZD28F

[Atlanta Panther]

I'm considering adding some weight to the front of my mower. To take a look at what would be involved I unbolted the 7 M8 bolts that fasten the step. However, when I went to take the step plate off it gets hung up on the Parking Brake Lock pedal. Its like there is not enough clearance to take the step plate off. Is there some secret to removing the step plate after removing the 7 bolts or would I need to remove the parking brake lock pedal to do that? I think that might be more trouble than its worth.

Thanks!

 

[Bee-Positive]

Looks like it's just 2 bolts/screws (part #030).