A throttle actuating device for an internal combustion engine of a soil compacting device, the internal combustion engine having a diaphragm carburetor and a connection between the fuel tank and the diaphragm carburetor, includes a control mechanism for switching the diaphragm carburetor into different operating positions including a full load position, an idle position, an intermediate position, and a turn-off position for the internal combustion engine. The intermediate position is located between the idle position and the turn-off position in the travel path of the control mechanism. The control mechanism, when being moved from the idle position toward the turn-off position, shuts off the connection 32 for interrupting fuel flow from the fuel tank to the diaphragm carburetor when passing through the intermediate position. The control mechanism, when being moved from the turn-off position toward the idle position, opens the connection to allow fuel flow from the fuel tank to the diaphragm carburetor when passing through the intermediate position.