In a control device for hydraulic drives to be allocated to lifting appliances and the like, in which the stop valve on the extension side is opened in a controlled manner by a control member (61) for retracting the system, which control member (61) makes the control device independent of the load, the means of releasing the control member (61) and of directly opening a passage (411/412') in the stop valve (41) in a controlled manner is provided so that the control device or the unit equipped with it can also be run during excavating operation. <IMAGE>
