What primary function does the hitch pin serve in relation to the governor cross shaft?

The hitch pin plays a crucial role in limiting the inward movement of the governor cross shaft. This function is important because it ensures that the governor system operates correctly and maintains the desired engine speed. By controlling how far the governor cross shaft can move inward, the hitch pin helps to stabilize the engine's throttle response and overall performance.

In small power applications, maintaining proper throttle control is essential, as it affects both performance and efficiency. If the governor cross shaft were to move too far inward, it could result in unintended engine behavior, such as over-speeding or poor fuel regulation. Thus, the hitch pin's primary job of restricting this inward movement is vital for the reliable operation of the engine's governor system.