käsikurkurin

Käsikurkurin is a term of Estonian origin that can be translated to "hand-throttle" or "hand accelerator." In the context of machinery, particularly older agricultural equipment and some types of vehicles, it refers to a lever or control that allows the operator to manually adjust the engine's speed, typically by controlling the amount of fuel delivered to the engine. This is distinct from a foot pedal accelerator common in modern automobiles.

Historically, käsikurkurin was a common feature on tractors, industrial engines, and even some early automobiles. It provided a direct and often precise method of managing engine RPM without requiring the operator's foot. The lever was usually positioned within easy reach of the operator's hand, allowing for quick adjustments to match the demands of the task at hand, such as varying the speed of a plow or controlling the power output of a stationary engine.

While less prevalent in contemporary machinery, the concept of manual engine speed control persists in certain specialized applications where a foot pedal might be impractical or less efficient. Understanding the function of a käsikurkurin is important for those who work with or restore vintage equipment, as it represents a fundamental aspect of mechanical control from a bygone era.