A controlling device for hydraulic consumers (10, 12) has one controlling valve (18) for controlling a supply pipeline (TReg) for the hydraulic consumer (10, 12) and a tank return pipeline (TRO). Because the control valve (18) is connected to an additional supply pipeline (TR) and constructed as a priority valve, the supply pipeline (TReg) receives priority preference of a fluid supply system over the priority of the tank return pipeline (TRO). A sensor circuit is realized which checks whether, in accordance with the load situation at the hydraulic consumer (10, 12), there is any need at all for a supply flow.