Disclosed is a device for controlling or measuring operational parameters of an axial piston machine. The tilting plate which engages and adjusts the stroke of the piston is provided with two opposite pivot pins supported in fixed bearings. At least one pivot pin is provided with a shearing stress sensor preferably in the form of a magnetoelastic feeler which produces electrical signals the pulsation of which is indicative of rotational speed and the magnitude of the signal is proportional to pressure applied by the pistons and thus to the delivery of the machine. A second sensor is coupled to the tilting plate to indicate the angular displacement of the latter. The output signals from the sensors are separated into the pressure dependent signals, frequency dependent signals and angular displacement signals which upon multiplication are applied to a programmable data processing unit. The output of the unit is supplied to a solenoid operated proportional valve which controls pressure fluid for hydraulic setting motors which adjust the angular displacement of the tilting plate.