Bob,
I think that there is an advantage to direct drive due to not having as much to maintain, and less parts to buy. If something gets stuck in the chipper there should be no harm to your tractor because they have a shear pin that will snap before anything gets hurt as long as the recomended shear pin is used if and when you ever break one and have to replace it. I think that the Wallenstein is the only one with a double feed roller. I bought mine through LW Greenwood and sons in East Randolph, VT. They are about 1-1 1/4hrs or so from where I live but they are most definately worth the trip. They are where I bought my tractor and have great service too. They have been cheaper on everything that I have checked on when calling around and pricing things. I live just a few minutes away form a Kubota dealer, but he doesn't seem to need my business bad enough to come down on prices on anything. I'm not sure what remotes would cost you, but I'll take a guess at $400 or so. I know that prices have gone up since I had mine installed a couple years ago, so it may be higher. I think that I paid $350 or so. If you plan on using anything else that needs rear remotes than I would have some installed asap just due to price increases. If money is tight, than maybe if you can sell the valby, that would help with the extra money for them. I would recomend the purchase of the Wallenstein if you put on the remotes. The only thing is that even though it looks alot better in real life vs. a picture on the internet, the Wallenstein is not as nice as the Valby as far as fit, finish etc. I have never used a Valby, but I would at this point, put the Wallenstein up against anything that is rated at the same size for chipping wood up. Whatever that you decide, let us know how it works for you. Good luck!
Daryle.