What is disclosed is a hydrostatic drive having a diesel engine and having a hydrostatic adjustable machine (10) which in normal operation as a pump can supply multiple consumers. The machine has a pressure/flow regulator (34) to which is communicated, according to the load-sensing principle, the highest load pressure of the consumers, in particular when the machine is operated as a pump. In order to realize a start/stop function of the diesel engine, it is possible for a previously charged high-pressure reservoir (16) to supply the hydrostatic machine, which then acts as a starter motor for the diesel engine. In order to switch from pump to starter motor, the hydro-machine is adjusted over zero. In order for this to take place quickly and reliably, it is possible for the pressure/flow regulator to be deactivated by means of a switching valve (48) and for the adjustment device to be supplied with an adjustment pressure medium via the switching valve, which medium is taken from the high-pressure reservoir or from an auxiliary reservoir.