This project presents an investigation if natural braking characteristics could be achieved on an open-loop hydraulic transmission without a brake valve. The goal with the simplified system was to utilize the directional control valve to achieve similar functionality as the brake valve does in the conventional system. If the solution functions properly, it will reduce costs, save time and simplify the conventional system which uses a dedicated brake valve. With a simulation model and practical experiments, the simplified system was thoroughly studied and tested. Two different concepts of how to control the directional control valve were developed, named Fixed Control and Torque Control. The Fixed Control concept has a predetermined de-stroking profile which is not affected by other system signals other than the gas pedal signal. The Torque Control concept uses in addition to the gas pedal signal, pressure sensors over the motors to maintain a constant braking torque. Both developed concepts were able to produce natural braking characteristics. However, the Torque Control concept performed better at different circumstances. Respective concept can be tuned further for improvements, but in the scope of this project the goal was accomplished. Utilizing the directional control valve to achieve a hydraulic brake function, has potential to be a solutionfor heavy mobile machinery in near future. However, further research and testing are required to be conducted on other heavy mobile machinery which have greater top speeds and load capabilities than the machinery used in this project.