Abstract: This invention relates to a fluid system employing fixed and variable displacement pump-motors for cable tensioning and braking in a yarder cable hauling device. More particularly, the system includes a fixed displacement fluid pump-motor mechanically connected with the haulback cable drum of a yarder in combination with a variable displacement fluid pump-motor driven by the yarder engine for maintaining a selectable pressure differential across the fixed displacement pump-motor, thereby providing cable tension and regenerative braking on the haulback cable drum via the variable displacement fluid pump-motor. In one embodiment first and second fixed displacement fluid pump-motors are mechanically connected to the main line and haulback drums, respectively, to obtain cable tensioning and regenerative braking via the variable displacement unit in both directions of cable hauling.