Woodmaxx DC-1260 vs MX-8500G+
The DC-1260 is Woodmaxx's only gas-standalone chipper — 4-inch, 14 HP, no tractor needed. The MX-8500G+ is a 5-inch USA-made PTO chipper with a 7-year warranty. They serve completely different buyers, but people still cross-shop them. Here's the decision.
The DC-1260 and MX-8500G+ are both entry-tier Woodmaxx chippers for buyers who don’t yet want to spend $4,000+ on an 8-inch machine. Beyond that, they’re different products for different situations. The DC-1260 requires no tractor. The MX-8500G+ requires a tractor with 15+ HP PTO.
Availability note: As of June 2026, the DC-1260 page on woodmaxx.com shows a $0.00 price — the product may be discontinued or temporarily out of stock. Verify availability at woodmaxx.com before making plans around the DC-1260.
Side by side.
| Spec | WoodmaxxDC-1260 | WoodmaxxMX-8500G+ |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Woodmaxx | Woodmaxx |
| Power | gas | pto |
| Max branch | 4" | 5" |
| HP requirement | 14 HP | 15–50 HP |
| Feed | Self-feeding | Self-feeding |
| Weight | 408 lb | 500 lb |
| Warranty | 2 yr | 7 yr |
| Price | $2,325 | $2,990 |
The fundamental difference: tractor required vs not
The MX-8500G+ connects to your tractor’s three-point hitch and PTO shaft. No tractor = no MX-8500G+. If you own a compact or subcompact tractor with 15+ HP at the PTO, the MX-8500G+ is the obvious choice over the DC-1260 — more capacity, longer warranty, lower price.
The DC-1260 runs independently on its own engine. You wheel it to the woodpile, start it, and chip. If you’re a homeowner without a tractor (or one on order), the DC-1260 is the only way into Woodmaxx’s lineup.
Capacity: 5 inches vs 4 inches
The MX-8500G+ handles 5-inch material. The DC-1260 handles 4-inch material. One inch of additional capacity makes a significant real-world difference — 5-inch branches are common in storm cleanup; 4-inch branches are the upper limit of light yard work. The MX-8500G+’s infeed opening is 8×5 inches. The DC-1260’s is 12×6 inches (wider funnel but the cutting capacity remains 4 inches round).
Warranty: 7-year vs 2-year
The MX-8500G+ carries a 7-year warranty — Woodmaxx’s full MX-Series coverage. The DC-1260 carries a 2-year warranty. Over a 10-year ownership, the MX-8500G+ has 7 covered years vs the DC-1260’s 2. For a machine that sees annual seasonal use, this matters.
USA-made vs unknown origin
The MX-8500G+ is made in the USA (Woodmaxx’s Buffalo, NY facility). The DC-1260 does not specify manufacturing origin. If USA manufacture matters to you, the MX-8500G+ is the clear choice.
Feed type: gravity self-feed on both
Both the DC-1260 and MX-8500G+ use gravity-feed designs — no hydraulic rollers. Material goes in, gravity and the rotating cutting disc pull it through. Forked branches can hang up on both. Neither has a reverse feed function. If hydraulic self-feeding is a priority, the entry point is the Woodland Mills WC68 or Woodmaxx WM-8H.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between the Woodmaxx DC-1260 and MX-8500G+?
- The DC-1260 is a 4-inch gas-powered chipper that needs no tractor. The MX-8500G+ is a 5-inch PTO chipper that connects to a tractor's three-point hitch. The MX-8500G+ has more capacity, longer warranty (7-yr vs 2-yr), is USA-made, and costs less — but only works if you own a 15+ HP tractor.
- Is the Woodmaxx DC-1260 still available?
- As of June 2026, the DC-1260 page on woodmaxx.com shows a $0.00 price, which may indicate the product is discontinued or temporarily out of stock. Verify current availability directly at woodmaxx.com before purchasing.
- What is the minimum HP for the MX-8500G+?
- The MX-8500G+ requires 15 HP minimum at the PTO. It accepts 540–1,100 RPM PTO speeds, making it compatible with a wide range of compact and subcompact tractors.
- Do I need a tractor for the Woodmaxx MX-8500G+?
- Yes. The MX-8500G+ connects to a tractor's Category 1 or 2 three-point hitch and uses PTO power. It does not have its own engine. If you don't own a tractor, the DC-1260 (gas-powered) is the standalone Woodmaxx option.
- Is the Woodmaxx MX-8500G+ USA made?
- Yes. The MX-8500G+ is manufactured at Woodmaxx's Buffalo, NY facility and carries the full 7-year MX-Series warranty.