Woodmaxx MX-8600 vs Woodland Mills WC68
The WC68 ($3,105–$3,450) is the best-value 6-inch hydraulic chipper on the market. The MX-8600 ($4,790) is the 7-year warranty, USA-made, hydrostatic-feed alternative. Here's exactly who should buy each.
The Woodland Mills WC68 is one of the most popular compact-tractor chippers sold in North America — a proven 6-inch hydraulic-feed design at an accessible price. The Woodmaxx MX-8600 is the USA-made competitor with a lower HP minimum, a heavier warranty, and the patented POW-R-TORQ™ hydrostatic infeed system.
The price gap is $1,340–$1,685. For most buyers who chip a few times a year, the WC68 wins on value. For buyers who want 7-year coverage, USA manufacture, or the precision of hydrostatic feed, the MX-8600 earns the premium.
Side by side.
| Spec | WoodmaxxMX-8600 | Woodland MillsWC68 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Woodmaxx | Woodland Mills |
| Power | pto | pto |
| Max branch | 6" | 6" |
| HP requirement | 15–50 HP | 20–50 HP |
| Feed | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Weight | 550 lb | 747 lb |
| Warranty | 7 yr | 3 yr |
| Price | $4,790 | $3,450 |
HP requirement: MX-8600 works on smaller tractors
The MX-8600 requires 15 HP minimum PTO. The WC68 requires 20 HP. For most compact tractor owners this difference doesn’t matter — the overlap at 20–50 HP is where both machines live. But for subcompact tractor owners (Kubota BX series, John Deere 1-series, Mahindra eMax) with 15–19 HP, the MX-8600 is the only hydraulic-feed 6-inch chipper that fits.
Feed system: hydrostatic (MX-8600) vs hydraulic (WC68)
The MX-8600 uses Woodmaxx’s patented POW-R-TORQ™ hydrostatic infeed system. Unlike traditional hydraulic systems that use flow-control valves and proportioning valves, the hydrostatic pump varies displacement directly. This means infinitely variable speed (0–75 ft/min), no separate flow control valve to maintain, and only 2 quarts of 10W-40 motor oil to keep full (versus 5+ gallons for a conventional open hydraulic system).
The WC68 uses a conventional self-contained hydraulic infeed. It’s proven, simple, and effective. The WC68 has a folding infeed chute for storage — a practical feature the MX-8600 shares with its own design.
Day-to-day difference: both machines feed 6-inch material effectively. The hydrostatic system on the MX-8600 is smoother in speed transitions and requires less hydraulic maintenance — but for occasional homeowner use, the WC68’s conventional system is plenty.
Weight: MX-8600 is lighter
The MX-8600 weighs 550 lb. The WC68 weighs 747 lb. The MX-8600 is 197 lb lighter — meaningful for smaller tractors and easier storage/repositioning. Both mount on Cat 1 or Cat 2 three-point hitches. The lighter MX-8600 is also easier to move by hand when not hitched.
Warranty: 7-year (MX-8600) vs 3-year (WC68)
The MX-8600 carries Woodmaxx’s 7-year transferable warranty — the longest in the 6-inch PTO chipper category. The WC68 carries a 3-year warranty. For buyers keeping the machine 7+ years, the MX-8600’s warranty covers a longer window. For buyers who upgrade equipment on a 3–5 year cycle, the WC68’s 3-year warranty is adequate.
Price: $1,340–$1,685 gap
The WC68 sells for $3,105 (current price as of June 2026) to $3,450 (MSRP). The MX-8600 lists at $4,790. The $1,340–$1,685 difference is the sum of USA manufacture, hydrostatic feed technology, and 7-year warranty coverage. For a machine used 10–20 hours per year, that premium is hard to justify. For a machine used 50+ hours per year for 10 years, the math gets closer.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the HP requirement for the Woodmaxx MX-8600 vs Woodland Mills WC68?
- The MX-8600 requires 15 HP minimum PTO. The WC68 requires 20 HP minimum. For subcompact tractor owners with 15–19 HP, the MX-8600 is the only hydraulic-feed 6-inch chipper option.
- Is the WC68 or MX-8600 better for the money?
- The WC68 ($3,105–$3,450) is the better value for most casual users — same 6-inch hydraulic-feed capability for $1,340–$1,685 less. The MX-8600 ($4,790) earns its premium for heavy users who want USA manufacture, hydrostatic precision, and 7-year warranty coverage.
- Is the Woodmaxx MX-8600 USA made?
- Yes. The MX-8600 is manufactured at Woodmaxx's facility in Buffalo, NY. The Woodland Mills WC68 does not specify country of origin on its product page.
- What is the warranty on the MX-8600 vs WC68?
- The MX-8600 carries a 7-year transferable warranty. The WC68 carries a 3-year warranty. The MX-8600 has the longest warranty in the 6-inch PTO chipper category.
- How does the MX-8600 feed system differ from the WC68?
- The MX-8600 uses Woodmaxx's patented POW-R-TORQ™ hydrostatic infeed — variable speed 0–75 ft/min, only 2 quarts of motor oil, no proportioning valves. The WC68 uses a conventional open hydraulic system with a self-contained reservoir. Both are self-contained; neither requires tractor hydraulics.
- Which is lighter, the MX-8600 or WC68?
- The MX-8600 at 550 lb is 197 lb lighter than the WC68 at 747 lb. The MX-8600 is the lightest 6-inch hydraulic-feed PTO chipper in its class.