I do it with my Thorens, the AR and the Rega but don't on the Kenwood KD-650, the Sony PS-2400 or the B&O. The Kenwood is DD and has tons of torque, the Sony is belt drive but gets to speed very well with its wide belt and very large pulley. The RX-2 platter is recessed and there is no way to push it.
My idler drive Duals are happy without help.