In a drive unit which has an axial piston pump and an electronic control unit, the axial piston pump is pivoted with a method in which pressure-reducing valves which act in opposition to one another are suddenly energized. Since in this respect no orifices are provided in the adjustment device, a so-called initiation jump of the excited current gives rise to a sudden reduction in the assigned actuating pressure or the actuating pressure difference formed therefrom. Then, a zero crossover jump of the excited current or of the excited currents is carried out in order to overcome the centering spring and therefore ensure a continuous zero crossover of the axial piston pump. Furthermore, a hydrostatic traction drive includes such a drive unit.