Abstract: During the drilling of rock by a rock drill bit, percussive impacts are applied to the drill bit by a reciprocating piston which impacts a shank that transmits the impacts to the drill bit. Secondary pistons are provided to push the shank forwardly in response to a pressure medium acting on rear surfaces of the secondary pistons. The secondary pistons push the shank to its optimum point of impact. During a drilling operation, as the piston applies percussive impacts, return pulses are reflected back to the secondary pistons. Pressure sensors detect the return pulses in the form of pressure pulses, which indicate whether the drill bit has encountered weaker or stronger materials. Based upon characteristics of the detected pressure pulses, the operation of the drilling machine, e.g., the feed and/or impact power thereof, is regulated, so that the shank is returned to its optimum point of contact.