A switchgear motor operator having its motor shaft coupled to the output member of the operator, that connects with the power switch, through a drive assembly which includes a first drive element continuously linked to the motor shaft, but not to the output member, and a second drive element continuously linked to the output member, but not the motor shaft. Temporary engagement of the mentioned drive elements, with motor operation of the power switch, is effected by a transducer with a movable part such as a solenoid actuated pin that couples the motor of the motor operator to the output shaft. The inherently decoupled state allows manual operation by an operating member, without any turning of the motor or engaging of the temporary force transfer parts during the manual operation. A lockout device with a solenoid deactivation mechanism disconnects the solenoid for motor testing without operation of the power switch.