Well, you have to remember that there is a significant gear reduction after they hydro, and then again at the ring and pinion. So, when you tow it, that piston block is moving a pretty fast pace. Even at slow speeds. Whether the bulk of the damage is done during the towing, or after the start-up I do not know. I have not ever had one fail..... on a Cub Cadet. But I've worked on lots of hydrostat set ups on other machines (mainly combines) and I can tell you for sure that you
can damage them when you tow them. As a note, a combine is a little different as you can put the trans in neutral. As long as you don't forget...
FWIW, I've also towed my tractors pretty far distances before with no issues, I just went very slow. I really don't think as long as you use your head you will hurt it. It's when you snag a cub with a truck or a 4 wheeler and go towing it 15 MPH that you damage them.
Very nice damage pic Lew. The way that one grenaded I'd say it was being towed at a pretty good rate of speed. Even if it the hydro failed while it was in use at full speed on a road, I'd be kinda surprised if it would punch a hole in the case, but I could be wrong.