Abstract: A hydraulic drive system has first and second flow control valves. Each of the control valves has a main valve of the seat valve type with a valve body for controlling communication between an inlet port and an outlet port which are both connected to a main circuit. Each further have a variable restrictor capable of changing an opening degree thereof in response to displacements of the valve body, and a back pressure chamber communcating with the inlet port through the variable restrictor and producing a control pressure to urge the valve body in the valve-closing direction. A pilot valve is connected to a pilot circuit which is connected between the back pressure chamber and the outlet port of the main valve; and an auxiliary valve is connected to the pilot circuit for controlling a differential pressure between the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure of the pilot valve.