Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic drive system for the tool-bearing slide of a forging press or a forging machine. The slide is configured as a piston and is provided with a valve seat at the opposite end of the tool, that is, the end which is impinged upon by pressure means. Together with a valve lifter driven by an actuator, said valve seat forms a valve which is able to connect the cylinder chamber to a pressureless discharge pipe and therefore control the stroke of the piston. In order to reduce the mass and the axial construction length of the inventive drive system, the piston is hollow over a portion of its length from the end which is impinged upon, and is provided with the valve seat at the base of the hollow. The valve lifter, which can be axially displaced in the cylinder lid, is tubular in shape and is provided with side channels connecting its inner cavity to a pressureless discharge pipe for the pressure means.