a multicylinder hydraulic machine of the split - shaft kind comprises a rotatable shaft and a drive plate fixed on the shaft and linked to piston and rod units received in the cylinders of the drum . liquid flow is through orifices in a distribution plate non - rotatably positioned around the shaft , through ducts in the drive plate and through the piston and rod units which are hollow . the shaft is rotatably mounted and axially located by conical bearings . the distribution plate is mounted in an axially floating manner and a hydraulic abutment is developed between the distribution plate and the drive plate during operation of the machine so as to reduce the force on the shaft bearings .