Abstract: This invention relates to a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus wherein a power switch is turned on to automatically move a magnetic head in a shipping zone which is formed substantially near the central portion of the magnetic recording medium and which is not subjected to data recording or reproduction, and the power switch is turned off to lock the magnetic head while the magnetic head is held in the shipping zone. One of holes selectively engaged with a projection of a plunger and respectively formed in a lock lever for regulating the magnetic head movement and in a brake lever for regulating rotation of a rotor has a circular shape and the other has an elongated shape. When the plunger is attracted by the solenoid, the lock lever and the brake lever are moved at different timings. A load acting on the solenoid is decreased, so that the solenoid requires a low power and has a compact size.