An engine speed management control system for machines such as cold planers to regulate the idle engine speed as components of the machine are operated to perform functions while the engine is idling. An auto engine speed control routine may determine a combination of active functions of the components being performed and a corresponding idle engine speed to generate sufficient power and pressurized fluid flow to perform the functions. Upon detecting a change in the combination of active functions, the algorithm may change the idle engine speed as dictated by the new combination, or may wait for a specified delay period to determine whether further changes occur to the combination of active functions.