Chipper WoodMaxx TM-86H review

[dckchk]

I purchased the TM-86H last fall for use with my Kubota BX-2200. After setting it up and filling the hydraulic tank with oil the hydraulic feed did not work. I got to this point just before bad weather arrived and after spending the better part of a day without getting the feed rollers going I had to switch over to snow blowing. Now I really need to use it to deal with a lot of spring storm damage. Does anyone have a recommended procedure to diagnose the hydraulic problem? I have not been able to get technical support from WoodMaxx.

 

[Code54]

I purchased the TM-86H last fall for use with my Kubota BX-2200. After setting it up and filling the hydraulic tank with oil the hydraulic feed did not work. I got to this point just before bad weather arrived and after spending the better part of a day without getting the feed rollers going I had to switch over to snow blowing. Now I really need to use it to deal with a lot of spring storm damage. Does anyone have a recommended procedure to diagnose the hydraulic problem? I have not been able to get technical support from WoodMaxx.

Did you check the lines to make sure they are tight and not leaking? When you turn your PTO on is the pump spinning? Loose belt perhaps? What else can you tell us?
I only called Woodmaxx once (called the # on the website) and they put me in touch with someone soon as they answered. May want to call them?

 

[Code54]

Also purge the system to get air out ?

 

[dckchk]

Thanks much for the replies. I will recheck after remounting the unit this week (we are expecting snow again tomorrow). I made a mistake in purchasing this unit too close to end of season. Delivery was longer than promised and did not anticipate needing quick hitch to mount. Result was a furious attempt to set up and operate hours before coming snow storm. As far as I could tell all mechanical couplings (belt, shaft, push bar, hydraulic switch) were OK. Unit was up to speed for >10 minutes. I'm not sure how to purge the system as it is a short closed circuit with reservoir below and I believe no bleeder valve. My next step was going to be to break the line and inject some oil in hopes of getting it to improve pump seal and resultant pickup vacuum. Instructions seem to expect unit to self purge. I will contact factory during next run but so far they (he) has been no help.

 

[dckchk]

BTW. When I purchased the TM-86H I was planning to direct connect to my BX 2200. That turned out to be impossible (as well as unwise) because even if the Chinese shaft were to be cut to fit, the chipper could not be leveled to the ground after attachment. Fortunately I decided not to cut the shaft until I received a quick hitch because the hitch required the shaft to be longer and allowed proper leveling on the ground during operation. After working with the quick hitch I realized how unwise it would have been not to get it. Anyone with a subcompact tractor who is considering this chipper should carefully investigate this issue. The bottom line for me was that a BX 2200 requires a quick hitch to properly deploy a TM-86H

 

[RoyJackson]

I will contact factory during next run but so far they (he) has been no help.

That's very disappointing...I was of the impression that their service was very good

 

[flingwing1969]

Nice review. It is on my list of must have attachments. Want to have anyway.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm going to follow this pretty closely...I was considering buying a Woodmaxx chipper this year. But if their support isn't so good, maybe I'll reconsider...

 

[hslogger]

I am surprised by the negative comment about customer service from Woodmaxx. I have contacted them three times over the last four years and have had nothing but stellar advice, answers, and instruction. I have been most pleased with my WM-8H. I run it with the standard import drive shaft and have no complaints about any of it.

 

[RyeThomas]

Couple things to add, I have a machine from a different manufacturer but IMO they are all near identical clones of one another. The things I would check would be fluid level, leaks, linkage adjustment, along with making sure the belts are turning the pump.
Do you have an upper and lower infeed motor/roller? Are both upper and lower feed wheels/rollers stopping or just one?
These are pretty straight forward machines and are (or should be) tested from the factory. I know mine had fluid in the lines so I know it was tested. I’m betting it’s something simple that is causing your issue. Best of luck, keep us posted with what you find. Rye.