Abstract: A fluid driven linear motor with a piston (4) in a cylinder (5) is supplied with driving fluid under the control of a sliding valve device (8) having a slide (9) being moved between its terminal positions and being retained therein by means of the driving fluid. A pilot rod (22) connected to the piston (4) controls the supply of driving fluid to the respective sides of the slide (9). The pilot rod (22) is slidingly received in a cavity (12) in the slide and has sections (23-25) of reduced diameter which act as valves in certain positions.