in a hydraulically operated multiport valve having a floating position for connecting the cylinder chambers of a hydraulic piston - cylinder drive , a valve slide and a restraining piston associated with it are provided . by means of a respective dimensioning of the surface of both the part of the valve slide which can be charged with control pressure for attaining the floating position and of the restraining piston , a displacement of the restraining piston against the maximum pressure present in its control chamber becomes possible .