A throttle control mechanism for a surfacing machine, the control mechanism comprising a control member (310) arranged movable (M, D) in a support structure (320), wherein the control member (310) is arranged to be tensely attached to a throttle actuator (330) of the surfacing machine via a tensile engagement member (340), wherein the control member (310) is arranged to be held fixed in the support structure in at least a first throttle position (350), where the control member is arranged biased towards an idle throttle position (370) when released from the first throttle position (350), and wherein the first throttle position (350) and the idle throttle position (370) are configurable to provide an engine speed margin with respect to a clutch engagement engine speed range of the surfacing machine.