Woodland Mills WC88 vs WoodMaxx MX-8800 vs WoodMaxx WM-8H for 60HP Kioti DK6010SE

[future_vision]

I'm looking to buy a PTO chipper. Originally, I was looking at the Woodland Mills WC68 but that was when I was getting a 40HP tractor. Now that I am getting a 60(57.7) HP tractor with 44.9 HP at the PTO I am looking to size up. The thinking is that the WC68 is rated up to 50 HP at the PTO which is fine if I am happy with the 60 HP tractor but what if I want to go larger in the future? Then I need to move up to the WC88. Seems like sizing up would be a way to future-proof my purchase so I do not to re-buy implements. At least that is my thinking for a Woodland Mills PTO chipper.

Now, WoodMaxx only lists a minimum PTO HP. That has me somewhat confused. Is there no max HP for a WoodMaxx chipper? If that is the case, and I am fine with a chipper not made in the US, then maybe the WM-8H is the way to go (or even the MX-8600)? If US made then MX-8800 would be the best choice I think.

One thing I almost overlooked between the MX-8800 and the WC88 was that the WC88 needs 5 gallons of hydraulic fluid where the MX-8800 needs 2 quarts of motor oil. That tracks on another $50 to the WC88 depending on brand (I first thought it might be closer to $200 for 5 gallons but I was looking at the wrong type of hydraulic fluid. I'm in New England and need ISO 32 I believe).

Shipping is also $399 for Woodland Mills vs the $250 for WoodMaxx.

Woodland Mills also has a 6-12 week delivery time and WoodMaxx current states 1-3 weeks to be processed. Not sure how long it takes to ship after that or if that includes shipping.

Taking all this into account the MX-8800 is around $4565 shipped which includes a couple of qts of motor oil and the Woodland Mills WC88 is $3998 shipped which includes 5 gallons of hydraulic fluid. That's a $567 difference. Worth the difference to get an US made product possibly delivered more quickly?

Regardless of delivery time I'd be happy to pay the extra if the MX-8800 is just a better product overall. It's something I am going to keep for a long time. Or do I go with a smaller size chipper like the WC68 or the non-US made WM-8H(currently out of stock) or the MX-8600?

FYI. I've had Wallenstein's pitched to me as well but from what I can tell their manual feeds are more expensive than any of the hydraulic feeds I mentioned in this post and I am not sure there is that much better performance to justify the price.

 

[jonsstihl]

I would go with the WC88 if I were you. I have a wc68 and I"m kind of wishing I would have gotten the wc88. you can slow the feed right down to zero so HP is irelevant to a certain point. you wont be able to chip 8 inch trees with 10 HP tractor but...

The reason I chose the wc68 is that the flywheel it direct drive at 540 rpm. I figured long term if the hydraulics crap out I can just convert the feed roller to work on a rear remote. the wc88 drives the pump with the pto and flywheel turns 1000RPM with belt drive.

the woodland mills is designed in North America (canada) but manufactured overseas and I'm not sure if they are assembled here or not but don't think you are buying a made in USA product. Pretty sure woodmaxx is the same.

I had a few minor issues with mine and woodland mills was great to deal with.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have the Woodmaxx WM-8H which I've ran behind a Deere 4520 (46 PTO HP) and 4052R (42 PTO HP)
Nice chipper...

I wouldn't worry too much about having too much PTO HP...the unit is protected by a shear pin (two actually, IIRC) and unless you plan on consistently running the maximum capacity (8" in the WM-8H), I don't think you'd have any problems. Wood that size is probably firewood material.

BTW, take Woodmaxx processing dates with a grain of salt...processing delivery

 

[future_vision]

I have the Woodmaxx WM-8H which I've ran behind a Deere 4520 (46 PTO HP) and 4052R (42 PTO HP)
Nice chipper...

I wouldn't worry too much about having too much PTO HP...the unit is protected by a shear pin (two actually, IIRC) and unless you plan on consistently running the maximum capacity (8" in the WM-8H), I don't think you'd have any problems. Wood that size is probably firewood material.

BTW, take Woodmaxx processing dates with a grain of salt...processing delivery

I got to speak with WoodMaxx. The processing time is the time between taking the order and having it manufactured. Then it ships within 5 days of production(processing). I'm only a couple of states away from where they ship. They told me one day to get it. That is only for their US made products since they control what is manufactured. There are potentially longer lead times, like the Woodland Mills 6-12 weeks, and that is simply because they order a certain amount to be produced overseas and they don't know when they will be manufactured, shipped, time in shipping, etc. That's why the long lead times.

 

[future_vision]

I would go with the WC88 if I were you. I have a wc68 and I"m kind of wishing I would have gotten the wc88. you can slow the feed right down to zero so HP is irelevant to a certain point. you wont be able to chip 8 inch trees with 10 HP tractor but...

The reason I chose the wc68 is that the flywheel it direct drive at 540 rpm. I figured long term if the hydraulics crap out I can just convert the feed roller to work on a rear remote. the wc88 drives the pump with the pto and flywheel turns 1000RPM with belt drive.

the woodland mills is designed in North America (canada) but manufactured overseas and I'm not sure if they are assembled here or not but don't think you are buying a made in USA product. Pretty sure woodmaxx is the same.

I had a few minor issues with mine and woodland mills was great to deal with.

Some of the WoodMaxx are manufactured overseas and some in the US. As you can see in my other response that is why they can say they have 1-3 week processing time. That is because they put in the order to have the chipper manufactured when an order is made and you get put in a queue which is currently around 2.5 weeks when I called. The other, cheaper models, are manufactured overseas. They basically place a bulk order with the manufacturer and then have to wait for them to be manufactured and shipped which is the reason Woodland Mills lists a 6-12 week delivery time and WoodMaxx puts you on a wait list. ?They just don't know when they will come in. I think it is safe to say I would get the US Made WoodMaxx sooner (but not soon enough of course. I want my amazon 2 day delivery for it. Lol!)

Converting the hydraulics over is an interesting idea. I don't know enough about hydraulics to know how to do that or how costly a conversion would be but it's something to keep in mind for sure. I guess this is also where that 3yr warranty comes in handy but after that......

 

[oosik]

I've had my Wallenstein for nine years. My annual use is probably more than most. 800 to 1000 small pines every spring. Around 35 to 40 hours every spring. I have no need for any type of hydraulic feed. The pines - 1" to 6" on the butt - are as straight as an arrow. Likewise the steel used in the blades is obviously superior. Nine years - 300 to 360 hours of use - the blades are still razor sharp and have not needed to be rotated. The only work on the unit - periodic greasing.

I'm sure you will be happy with whichever unit you choose.

 

[PLanger]

Go large (8") AND hydraulic feed. The Kioti mentioned will have no problem. Neither would a 40 hp tractor. As stated, feed rate can be adjusted to accomodate both PTO hp and the type/diameter of wood being chipped. The larger 8" capacity not only handles larger diameter, it also is better able to deal with variation in material being feed (think crotches in branches, etc.). You will get wore out in a hurry without hydraulic feed. If you get a chance, try with and without before buying (maybe there are forum members in your area). Your decision will be easy.

 

[sea2summit]

I’ve got the WM-8800, I like it a lot but wish it was dual drum feed. I run it behind my MX and M4, there is a very noticeable increase in capabilities and speed behind the M4 which surprised me when I first noticed as the MX was well within the recommended HP range. Having an adjustable feed rate is a must have IMHO.

I wouldn’t get wrapped up in any HPnumbers on the chippers unless they are min/max HP. Likely as not any quality manufacturer is using an 80 HP gear box or belts.

 

[future_vision]

I’ve got the WM-8800, I like it a lot but wish it was dual drum feed. I run it behind my MX and M4, there is a very noticeable increase in capabilities and speed behind the M4 which surprised me when I first noticed as the MX was well within the recommended HP range. Having an adjustable feed rate is a must have IMHO.

I wouldn’t get wrapped up in any HPnumbers on the chippers unless they are min/max HP. Likely as not any quality manufacturer is using an 80 HP gear box or belts.

What's a WM-8800? The have the WM-8H and MX-8800. Which one do you have our is a WM-8800 an older version they don't sell anymore?

 

[Citydude]

I have the MX8800. Absolutely love the thing.