Abstract: A method for producing ground surfaces with a hydraulic excavator including a shovel applicable to the surface of the ground, and a lifting cylinder for lifting and lowering the excavator equipment. The lifting cylinder of the excavator equipment is actively connected with at least one work pump via a control device actuated by the operator; and whereby the lifting cylinder is lifted, lowered or blocked depending on the switching position of the control device. For compensating the weight of the excavator equipment and for adjusting an approximately constant pressure of application of the shovel to the surface of the ground as the excavator equipment is moving and working, the lifting side of the lifting cylinder, upon actuation of an actuating element, is automatically acted upon by an adjustable compensation pressure by supplying or evacuating a hydraulic medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for braking a revolvable superstructure of a working machine by counter-steering. A working machine has a superstructure which is driven by a motor via a transmission. A control lever operates a control valve which sends signals to a pivoting pump. The control lever has at least one neutral position and at least two switching positions. When the control lever is moved to a braking position, a switching logic circuit coupled to the pivoting pump is actuated and reverses the pivoting pump. This reverses the direction of revolution of the superstructure and brakes the revolution of the superstructure by counter-steering. A monitoring device coupled to the switching logic circuit monitors the number of revolutions of the superstructure. The braking is stopped when the monitoring device detects that the superstructure has come to a standstill.