May get a new chipper

[ericm979]

Changing the Woodmaxx 8h knives isn't that hard unless you drop a nut or bolt. I do it every 20 hours (Woodmaxx includes a nice hour/RPM meter). I've changed them three times and removed them a couple times more, and only dropped a nut once. I have a magnet on a stick but it's not long enough to go in through the knife changing port, and needed to bend to get around the fan blade. I taped a coat hanger wire to a remote grabber and camera (connected to my PC) so I could see in there.

Having a chipper larger than the material you're chipping means less trimming is required. I rarely chip stuff more than 3" dia but I would not want a chipper much smaller than 8". The material you chip makes a difference too. Evergreens grow straight and chip easily. Some of my trees like Madrone grow in all kinds of ways except straight.

 

[RalphVa]

JUst a summary. Decided on the Woodland Mills WC46 chipper to replace our 16 year old MacKissic TPH122. Needed one the wife can use and is easier for me to use with my neurophathized lower legs (and rock feet). This one has a horizontal input chute and hydraulic feed. Reviews have said that it is easy to assemble.

Looked at the Mac TPH475. It has a near vertical input chute, very hard for the wife to lift stuff into it. Knife maintenance through a little window. Least expensive.
Also looked at a Woodmaxx unit. They have both a fixed speed mechanical feed one only about $500 more than the Mac plus a hydraulic feed one that is $800 more than the Mac and similar to the WC46. Mixed signals on whether it has a clamshell openiing like the WC46's to maintain the knives or a window. Horizontal input chutes.
Also looked at a Wallenstein. It does have the clamshell maintainance feature and has a close-by dealer to here. Most pricey of the 4 at a little over $3,000. Near vertical input chute.
The Mac is US made; whereas, the other 3 are Canadian but likely actually made in China. Not sure.

Shipment is promised in 4-8 business days. Some reviews report receipt in as few as 4 days.

 

[Erik M]

I am going to order a Woodland Mills WC88 as I don’t plan to chip much over 4” bigger is always better when handling wood with bends or crooks. The PTO has 60 hp and the hydraulic feed rate is adjustable.

 

[RalphVa]

Been thinking about delivery. They say base of driveway delivery. Was thinking of removing the 4 bolts and lifting sides and top of delivery box and then connecting to 3ph, putting other stuff in FEL. Would leave the steel bottom of the shipping crate (that's what they say) to be carried down driveway.

Then I saw pics of a guy taking delivery in his pickup. Could slide old chipper (lightweight) to front of pickup if I haven't sold it yet and have new box put on tail gate and rear end of pickup. Then can take the whole lot to carriage house to remove sides and top and attach to 3ph there. On a nice day, could do all this naked after driving pickup in. Got ramp up into carriage house. Tail gate may be low enough or close enough (Tacoma) to get tractor onto it or 3ph at right position to attach. Also have rubberized ramps that I could use to drive tractor up to more even with the WC46 on tail gate.

Debating.

Will measure to see if can use old drive shaft or new one.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

I am going to order a Woodland Mills WC88 as I don’t plan to chip much over 4” bigger is always better when handling wood with bends or crooks. The PTO has 60 hp and the hydraulic feed rate is adjustable.

WC46 is 15-30 hp.

 

[Budweiser John]

I am a happy woodmaxx owner. What ever you get, get HYDRAULIC FEED.

Me too. Had mine since 2013 with no issues whatsoever chipping mostly hard woods.
Although rated for 8 diameter material, my usual chipping assignments are less than 4? The hydraulic feed will grab a whole smaller tree and digest it with out having to remove all but the biggest side branches.
I have my chipper lashed up to a 45HP New Holland tractor.

B. John

 

[RalphVa]

Me too. Had mine since 2013 with no issues whatsoever chipping mostly hard woods.
Although rated for 8 diameter material, my usual chipping assignments are less than 4? The hydraulic feed will grab a whole smaller tree and digest it with out having to remove all but the biggest side branches.
I have my chipper lashed up to a 45HP New Holland tractor.

B. John

Is box labeled which end covers the 3ph?

 

[RalphVa]

May have a buyer for the old Mac. Someone sent an inquiry as to when they could come by to look at it. I'd dropped the price to $150, way more than I'd get at metal recycling.

Think I've never had anyone come look and not buy.

Guy is coming this morning. Got a 2nd inquiry about it.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

Sold the Mac. Got notice from RL Carriers today that the WC46 is coming on Wednesday. Sent a note to the guy who bought the Mac. He'll have to bring his trailer on Wednesday.

Treating myself to a Harbor Freight Quick Hitch. Got it reserved to pick up tomorrow. One of the WM videos mentioned that the WC46 works with the Harbor Freight Quick Hitch.

Ralphy

 

[Underdog57]

I had no interest in shopping for a wood chipper, but after reading this thread and watching YouTube videos all afternoon,
I WANT A WOODLAND MILLS WC-68 REAL BAD!

I better quit thinking about it!