Abstract: A rotary drum cable winding apparatus particularly adapted for constant tension pulling operations in conjunction with stringing aerial electrical cables includes a hydraulic drive and control system utilizing a variable displacement, variable torque hydraulic motor supplied by a pressure compensated hydraulic pump. The motor has a built-in displacement control which is responsive to a predetermined pressure set point which may be varied by a pilot control pressure signal to increase motor displacement per revolution and output torque for a given motive fluid supply pressure. The increasing torque requirements and the reduced rotative speed of the rotary drum coincide with the requirement for relatively constant tension and constant speed of the messenger line or cable being wound on the drum.