A distributor (3) of the closed-center, load sensing type, connected to a variable displacement pump (1) comprises a valve device (10, 110), composed of a logic element, which is pilot-operated and configured to bring a high-pressure channel (2) into communication with a low-pressure channel (4), the connection being usually opened by the combined action of an equivalent pressure generated by an elastic member (12) and a counter-pressure which is generated, under operative conditions, in the low-pressure channel (4). The connection is closed in a switching position and it is pilot-operated to a closure position by the combined action of a high-pressure signal (P) and a load sensing signal (LS).