In a construction machine 1 for the treatment of ground surfaces, comprising a chassis 2 carrying a machine frame 4, a drive motor 6, a work drum 8 supported on the machine frame 4 and having exchangeable tools 14 fastened to its outer surface 12, and a drive line 18 for the work drum 8 comprising at least the drive motor 6 and a transmission coupled to the drive motor 6, it is provided that an auxiliary drive 20, adapted to be coupled to the drive line 18, is arranged to rotate the work drum 8 in the raised condition of the drum by a predetermined or selectable rotational angle, the torque of the auxiliary drive 20 being higher than the moment of inertia of the work drum 8 and of the drive line 18 in the switched-off or decoupled state of the drive motor 6.