Abstract: The invention relates to a wire bending machine which incorporates an hydraulically actuated bending tool-slide or pusher. According to this invention the total stroke of the pusher is subdivided into a plurality of discreet part-strokes. In particular, relatively different pressure values may be assigned to these discreet part strokes and preferably a separate hydraulic pump is provided for each pressure value. These provisions succeed in a highly economical manner in applying only such deformation forces as are actually required for the given operational stage or process within the total machine stroke. The hydraulic pump or pumps and associated pressure reservoir or reservoirs may therefore be optimally dimensioned at less cost.