A drive apparatus for a mobile operating machine, comprising at least one internal combustion motor, an articulated arm to deliver concrete and a pumping unit to pump the concrete from the drum to the articulated arm. The drive apparatus comprises hydraulic pumps configured to pump a working fluid and to determine the drive of the pumping unit and of the articulated arm. The apparatus also comprises at least one electromechanical machine connected to the internal combustion motor, to the hydraulic pumps, and to an electric accumulator.