Abstract: A hydrostatic power unit (2) comprises a variable displacement machine with a continuously variable displacement volume and is operated as a pump and motor and is in a drive connection with an internal combustion engine (3). When operated as a pump, the power unit sucks hydraulic fluid out of a tank (9) and delivers into a delivery side (P), and, when operated as a motor, functions as a hydraulic starter to start the internal combustion engine (3). When operated as a motor, the power unit is supplied with hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic accumulator (30). The displacement volume of the power unit (2) is set by a displacement volume control device (60) actuated by a positioning piston device (61) supplied with hydraulic fluid from a charging pressure circuit (23). The power unit (2) includes a supplemental positioning piston device (80) in an operative connection with the displacement volume control device (60) and which is actuated directly by the pressure present in the hydraulic accumulator (30).