This article is devoted to the review, study and analysis of the existing types of circulation used in the design of hydraulic drives of construction machines. Three main types of circulation are distinguished: closed, open, and semi-closed. A comparison is given and the characteristic features of each of them are described. Particular attention is paid to semi-closed circulation because it is under investigated. The sequence of movements of the equipment elements during the work cycle is shown. The results are presented, in the form of a diagram of flow rates in the actuators of an excavator planner, made by semi-closed circulation. This work will be of interest to specialists in the field of designing volumetric hydraulic drives of construction vehicles.