Hydraulically driven percussion device, comprising a piston reciprocally movable within a body and striking against a tool, said piston defining with reference to the body two cylinder spaces, one of which continuously communicates with the high pressure duct and the other by the aid of a distribution means alternatingly connectable to the high pressure duct and the low pressure duct. At both ends of the piston there are breathing chambers opening into the free atmosphere. Within one of said two cylinder spaces a sleeve-like distribution means has been placed to encircle the piston and which distribution means, in order to move into a position such that movement of the piston directed towards the tool becomes possible, is controlled by means of grooves provided in the piston and in the body when the piston is in its end position farthest removed from the tool and only on condition that the pressure in the high pressure duct exceeds a pressure set with an adjustable valve incorporated in the body.