Case Ih C50 shifting problem

[millwrightdude]

I have a C50 and would like to know if both the transmission speed lever and the transmission range lever have to be in neutral before the tractor will start. Or does just the speed lever need to be in neutral. I had to replace the left tractor step and there was a cable that comes from the lower part of the clutch pedal that was attach to the step that I needed to loosen to remove the step. When I reinstalled the cable on the new step I notice the tractor would start when the ranger lever was in gear, but would not start if the speed lever was in gear. I thought they both had to be in neutral. Did I do something wrong? Or am I wrong in the fact both levers need to be in neutral?