A method of operating a material handling machine, the machine including an engine, ground engaging means, and a control means selectively operable by an operator to move the ground engaging means, the method including the steps of: a) starting with the ground engaging means in a first position and the engine running at a first engine speed, b) actuating the control means to move the ground engaging means towards a second position, actuation of the control means causing the engine speed to increase, c) unactuating the control means so as to simultaneously stop movement of the ground engaging means and allow the engine speed to reduce towards the first engine speed.