An energy recovery device, in particular of static and kinetic energy, has at least one hydraulically controlled working cylinder (110) or a hydraulic engine (210) that move tools back and forth, preferably up and down. The working cylinder (110) or the hydraulic engine (210) can be connected to a hydraulic circuit (132) with a pump (134) and to a hydraulic accumulator (138) by a connection line (136). The connection line (136) contains two hydraulically controlled check valves (140, 142) controlled by a control unit, in particular a distributing valve (144), depending on the displacement of the tools or on the state of motion of the working unit. An energy recovery device is thus created that does not have the disadvantages due to the use of conventional cartridge valves and that in addition is cheap and reliable to operate.