A brake control device for winches activated by hydraulic motors

The device is applied to mechanical brakes (4) applied by means of an elastic element and released by means of a pressurised fluid introduced into a chamber (4c) of a single-acting cylinder which contrast an action of the elastic element. The device comprises a two-position three-way valve (7) which in a first position thereof connects the chamber (4c) with a fluid conduit (S) and in a second position thereof connects the chamber (4c) directly with a discharge. By means of pilot pressures obtained from various points in the hydraulic circuit and from an elastically deformable closed chamber (6), the valve (7) is piloted into the first position, which during a load raising movement enables fluid to be sent to the brake, and therefore a release of the brake. In this way undesired brake release manoeuvres are prevented, which manoeuvres might otherwise lead to movements of the winch leading to undesired descent of the load.