Described is a system for stabilizing a self-propelled operating machine (1), comprising scissor-like stabilizers (10), designed to pass from operating configurations, in which they stabilize the machine (1), thereby raising the wheels (22) above the ground, to a rest configuration, in which the wheels (11) are returned to the ground, in turn comprising: one or more pairs of rotatable stabilizing telescopic arms (2), each arm (2) comprising a first segment (21) and a second segment (22) extendable and retractable relative to the first segment (21) and equipped with a foot (20) for contact with the ground; first movement means (3) designed to rotate the arms (2) between a completely raised position and lowered working positions; second movement means designed to move the second segments (22) between a completely closed position and extended positions; and a processing unit configured to control the first and second movement means in such a way that the stabilizers (10) perform the following retraction sequence: rotating the arms (2) upwards to a first partially raised position; retracting the second segments (22) to a completely closed position; rotating the arms (2) upwards to the completely raised position, so that the stabilizers (10) are in the rest position.