Possible Clues:

• It's always under one foot
• Device for foot-related operation
• Machine foot-lever
• Shift altered to work by foot
• Machine operator can't read lengthy instruction excerpt
• So as to be let be about to read, put your foot down on it
• Pedal
• Foot pedal for power
• That's made to make you put your foot down
• Inanely altered driving mechanism