<p>A pilot stage for a pressure limiting valve comprises an axially displaceable valve piston (110) which delimits a valve chamber (141) axially at one end and forms a valve seat (140) therein for a closing cone (104). In a pressure chamber (164), the valve piston (110) forms an actuating surface which is considerably larger than the free cross-section of the valve seat (140). By subjecting this pressure chamber (164) to pressure, a large hydrostatic force is exerted on the valve piston (110), this force being opposed to the closing force of the pressure-setting spring (106). A housing stop (130) defines a first axial end position of the valve piston (110) in the direction of this hydrostatic force. The pilot stage has improved properties both in manually adjustable and in proportional pressure limiting valves. <IMAGE></p>
