Looking for a self feeding chipper:

[ericm979]

I have a "chuck and duck" self feeder and a hydraulic feed Woodmaxx 8H. The power feed is so much better- it's safer and feeds easier.

A 50hp machine can run a Woodmaxx MX9900 or 8800. Those cost a little more than the 8H but they're made in the US and according to Woodmaxx have better control over the feed speed. I swapped my 8H's valve for a better one which helps a lot but that's an extra $120 on the cost.

 

[Snobdds]

I'm more of a fan on pull behind chippers, I don't like having so much inercia handing off the back of the tractor spinning. I just don't think a slip clutch would save the PTO if the blade jams up suddenly. I have a Echo bearcat 8" with hydraulic feed. I put entire trees in to about 6". It never waivers. Mine likes to pull the trees and branches to the right side of the chute, as that is how the blade grabs. If your not careful, it will slam your hand against the chute.

We usually just have one person load the machine that understands where the whipping occurs. Other than that...it's nice to have around.

 

[RalphVa]

I'm more of a fan on pull behind chippers, I don't like having so much inercia handing off the back of the tractor spinning. I just don't think a slip clutch would save the PTO if the blade jams up suddenly. I have a Echo bearcat 8" with hydraulic feed. I put entire trees in to about 6". It never waivers. Mine likes to pull the trees and branches to the right side of the chute, as that is how the blade grabs. If your not careful, it will slam your hand against the chute.

We usually just have one person load the machine that understands where the whipping occurs. Other than that...it's nice to have around.

The WM WC46 came with a PTO end that has a shear bolt in it, with 2 or 3 spare ones. Very small bolt. It would shear instantly if the blades got jammed.

 

[dlctcg]

We have a Wallenstein BX62R which has the hydraulic feed & it is a beast. We have run it on our NH TC40D (way smaller than 50hp) with zero issues for 10+ yrs. It has a separate flow control valve to control the speed of the feed rollers. The only issue (as someone else mentioned) are vines but if feed in with bigger stuff it usually runs right through. We feed entire 4+ inch trees in to it & walk away to get the next while it self-feeds. If I had to purchase another one tomorrow I would not hesitate to purchase another Wallenstein; they pretty much only build logging / tree service equipment.