Questions to Woodmaxx chipper owners

[finnfarmer2]

We are ready to buy a PTO chipper and have set our sights on the Woodmaxx WM-8H. We thought about a pull behind chipper, but they are expensive compared to a PTO chipper. Before we pull the trigger, I wanted to ask current Woodmaxx owners a few questions:

Have you been happy with your purchase, meaning would you recommend it/buy it again? If not, any recommendations?
Have you had any mechanical issues?
What is the largest size diameter tree you have fed through the chipper? What do you feel is the maximum size it will take?
How long will the knives last in your experience?
Anything else we should be aware of?

Thanks!

 

[roadhunter]

Many threads on the subject if you do a search.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/283256-my-new-woodmaxx-wm-8h.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/340848-woodmaxx-wm-8h-chipper-review.html

 

[Aquamoose]

I have the WM-8M (no hydraulic feed) and have been very impressed with it. I would buy it again. I have pine & fir trees that I process. I've chipped up to 8" of really gnarly pieces and it chewed it up just fine with my 35hp Branson but I mostly chip upwards of 4" branches while the rest are firewood. The knives are what I'd expected to perform. As with most chippers, avoid cutting dry materials as they wear the cutting edges faster.

 

[vsteel]

I only have the TM-86H but I love it. I really wish I would have got some pictures of me running elm through with tons of leaves and it just chewing it up, branches with a lot of bends and other offshoots and it just eating it up. The demo videos seem to show straight trees without a lot of leaves or needles but it will handle the real world situation. To answer your questions (for what it is worth since it is a different model of the same company).

1. Yes I would buy it again in a heartbeat.
2. No issues, my only regret was not getting it years ago.
3. I have fed a 5 inch piece of dried cherry through mine but it took a while because I had to feed it in extremely slow (not practical speed but I only have 18 PTO hp) I did it as a test because normally I make that stuff firewood. If I had more HP I know it would have chewed it up just fine.
4. I have been clearing old stuff so I have mostly been chipping dry and the knives are still doing great at the 7 hour mark. I am a new owner so full disclosure there.
5. When I called with questions before and after the sale, customer service was great. I have ran various small/midsize chippers and this works just as well or better than the others. I did buy the made in the US knives and PTO shaft but I have not had a chance to try the US knives because I am still on the original side of the Chinese knives.

 

[Budweiser John]

I'll add my endorsement to the Woodmax chipper.
Mine is the WM-8H and I really like the hydrolac feed and horizontal fed chute which will suck in full sized saplings with out having to remove side limbs.
Typically chip brush and limbs up to 4" as all else is harvested for fire wood. Although advertised to accept 8" material I'm inclined to think a steady diet of 8" material would eventually shorten the life of the machine.
As with any chipper, sharp knives are the key to efficient operation so order an extra set with the inital machine order.
Yes, I would purchase from Woodmax in the future.
B? John

 

[finnfarmer2]

Thanks for the replies. Read the threads and placed the order, the new chipper should arrive within 10 days according to Woodmaxx. Thanks again!

 

[MrWhippy]

Also have a WM-8H. It works great for pine/fir. For maple, I've found that 5 inches is really the max. It starts bogging down pretty badly over that. 6 inches is reasonable for pine, mostly because of jamming when you get in the 7-8 inch size (wedging in the intake).

Yes, I would buy mine again.

 

[Code54]

Have you been happy with your purchase, meaning would you recommend it/buy it again? If not, any recommendations?
YES - like it even more than my past chipper! Highly recommend

Have you had any mechanical issues? NONE

What is the largest size diameter tree you have fed through the chipper? What do you feel is the maximum size it will take? 8", and fed it stuff right up to the limit. No issues on a 50hp, did break a sheer pin once running full capacity at a knot in the limb.

How long will the knives last in your experience? Not sure - mine are still fine so far

Anything else we should be aware of?
Really nice unit for the money and the hydro feed it awesome. Having owned a non hydro feed big name unit, I highly recommend the hydro woodmaxx