The two PTO chipper brands compact-tractor owners cross-shop more than any other. Here's how their lineups actually compare — tier by tier, spec by spec.
Woodmaxx and Woodland Mills both sell PTO woodchippers to compact-tractor owners in the 15–80 HP range. Unlike the MechMaxx vs Woodmaxx comparison (where the brands barely overlap), these two compete directly at every capacity tier — 4/5-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch.
The real question isn’t “which brand is better” — it’s which brand better fits your budget, your tractor, and how long you plan to own the chipper. Woodmaxx offers more models and a longer warranty ceiling (7 years on the MX-Series). Woodland Mills offers fewer models at lower prices with a strong 5-year warranty across the lineup.
| Spec | WoodmaxxMX-8600 | Woodland MillsWC68 | WoodmaxxWM-8H | Woodland MillsWC88 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Woodmaxx | Woodland Mills | Woodmaxx | Woodland Mills |
| Power | pto | pto | pto | pto |
| Max branch | 6" | 6" | 8" | 8" |
| HP requirement | 25–65 HP | 20–65 HP | 30–80 HP | 30–80 HP |
| Feed | Self-feeding | Self-feeding | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Weight | 880 lb | 790 lb | 1295 lb | 1320 lb |
| Warranty | 7 yr | 5 yr | 3 yr | 5 yr |
| Price | $3,195 | $2,999 | $4,795 | $4,999 |
| Feature | Woodmaxx | Woodland Mills |
|---|---|---|
| Total PTO models | ✓6 models (5–9 inch) | 3 models (4.5–8 inch) |
| Longest warranty | ✓7 years (MX-Series) | 5 years (WC68/WC88) |
| Lowest 6-inch price | $3,195 (MX-8600) | ✓$2,999 (WC68) |
| 8-inch hydraulic-feed options | ✓2 (WM-8H $4,795 / MX-8800 $5,495) | 1 (WC88 $4,999) |
| 9-inch capacity available | ✓Yes (MX-9900, $6,995) | No |
| Cheapest entry PTO | $2,695 (MX-8500G+, 5 inch) | ✓$2,399 (WC46, 4.5 inch) |
| Heaviest 6-inch build | ✓880 lb (MX-8600) | 790 lb (WC68) |
| Forum reputation (tractor communities) | Strong — smaller community | ✓Very strong — WC68 is a best-seller |
| Ships from | Akron, NY (USA) | Ontario (Canada) |
| Also makes gas chippers | ✓Yes (DC-1260, 4 inch) | No — PTO only |
Rows flagged in green show where that brand has a category advantage.
4/5-inch tier:Woodland Mills WC46 ($2,399, 4.5-inch, 2-year warranty) vs Woodmaxx MX-8500G+ ($2,695, 5-inch, 7-year warranty). The Woodmaxx costs $296 more but adds a half-inch of capacity and 5 extra years of warranty — a clear win for the MX-8500G+ unless you’re on a strict budget.
6-inch tier: Woodland Mills WC68 ($2,999, 5-year warranty) vs Woodmaxx MX-8600 ($3,195, 7-year warranty). This is the closest matchup. The WC68 is $196 cheaper; the MX-8600 has 2 years more warranty coverage. Both are self-feeding mechanical chippers for 20–65 HP tractors. The WC68 is one of the most popular PTO chippers in North America — proven, well-supported, and slightly cheaper. The MX-8600 is the pick if the 7-year warranty matters to you.
8-inch tier: Woodland Mills WC88 ($4,999, hydraulic feed, 5-year warranty) vs Woodmaxx WM-8H ($4,795, hydraulic feed, 3-year warranty) or Woodmaxx MX-8800 ($5,495, hydraulic feed, 7-year warranty). Three-way comparison: the WM-8H is the cheapest at $4,795 but has the shortest warranty (3 years). The WC88 splits the difference — $204 more than the WM-8H but 2 extra years of coverage. The MX-8800 is the premium pick: heaviest flywheel, 7-year warranty, $500 more than the WC88.
9-inch tier: Woodmaxx MX-9900 ($6,995, 7-year warranty) stands alone. Woodland Mills has no 9-inch model. If you regularly chip 8–9 inch material on a 40+ HP utility tractor, Woodmaxx is your only option in this category.
Woodland Mills offers a flat 5-year warranty on the WC68 and WC88, and 2 years on the WC46. Straightforward, no tier confusion.
Woodmaxx splits into two warranty tiers: the MX-Series (MX-8500G+, MX-8600, MX-8800, MX-9900) carries a 7-year warranty — the longest in the PTO chipper category. The WM-Series (WM-8M, WM-8H) carries a 3-year warranty.
Net effect: at the 6-inch tier, Woodmaxx wins (7 vs 5 years). At the 8-inch tier, it depends which Woodmaxx you buy — the WM-8H (3 years) loses to the WC88 (5 years), while the MX-8800 (7 years) wins. This is the single biggest factor in choosing between the WM-8H and MX-8800.
Both brands build serious PTO chippers — neither is flimsy. At every tier, Woodmaxx is heavier: the MX-8600 (880 lb) outweighs the WC68 (790 lb) by 90 lb. The MX-8800 (1,380 lb) outweighs the WC88 (1,320 lb) by 60 lb. More weight generally means a heavier flywheel and thicker housing, which translates to more consistent feed on hardwood.
Woodland Mills compensates with tight tolerances and a strong reputation for quality control. The WC68 in particular has years of positive owner feedback on tractor forums. Both brands ship from North American distribution — Woodland Mills from Ontario, Canada; Woodmaxx from Akron, NY.
At every tier, the price gap is surprisingly small — typically $196–$500. The real value difference comes from warranty length, not sticker price.
If you calculate cost per warranty-year at the 6-inch tier: the WC68 is $600/year of coverage ($2,999 ÷ 5). The MX-8600 is $456/year ($3,195 ÷ 7). The Woodmaxx is technically the better warranty value per dollar despite the higher sticker.
At the 8-inch tier: the WC88 is $1,000/year ($4,999 ÷ 5). The WM-8H is $1,598/year ($4,795 ÷ 3). The MX-8800 is $785/year ($5,495 ÷ 7). If warranty coverage drives your decision, the MX-8800 is the clear winner.
Question 1: Do you need 9-inch capacity?
Question 2: Is warranty length your top priority?
Question 3: Is lowest upfront cost your priority?
“I have a 20–25 HP subcompact tractor and need a starter chipper for 3–4 inch branches. Budget matters.”
Woodland Mills WC46 at $2,399 is the cheapest name-brand PTO chipper in this range. If you can stretch to $2,695, the Woodmaxx MX-8500G+ adds a half-inch of capacity and jumps to 7-year warranty.
“I own a Kubota L3301 or similar 30–40 HP tractor. Most branches are 4–6 inches, mostly hardwood. I want something reliable that I don't think about for years.”
Woodland Mills WC68 at $2,999 is the most popular PTO chipper in this class for a reason — 5-year warranty, proven track record, hundreds of positive owner reports. The Woodmaxx MX-8600 at $3,195 is equally capable with a longer warranty (7 years) if the $196 difference doesn't matter.
“Same tractor, same branches, but I plan to own this chipper for 10+ years and want the longest possible warranty coverage.”
Woodmaxx MX-8600 at $3,195 with 7-year warranty. Two extra years of coverage over the WC68 for $196 — roughly $98/year of additional warranty. If you're keeping the chipper long enough to need the warranty, this is the smarter buy.
“I have a 45 HP tractor and regularly deal with storm-damaged limbs and crooked, forked brush that jams mechanical feeds.”
Woodland Mills WC88 at $4,999 — hydraulic feed handles forked material, 5-year warranty, priced between the Woodmaxx WM-8H ($4,795, 3-year) and MX-8800 ($5,495, 7-year). The WC88 is the best balance of price and warranty in this tier.
“I run a 55 HP utility tractor, chip 50+ hours a year in hardwood, and want the chipper to last 10+ years under warranty.”
Woodmaxx MX-8800 at $5,495 — heaviest flywheel in the 8-inch PTO tier, 7-year warranty covers a decade of hard use. The $500 premium over the WC88 buys you 85 extra pounds of flywheel and 2 more years of coverage.
“I regularly chip 8–9 inch material on a 40+ HP utility tractor. I need the largest PTO chipper available without going commercial.”
Woodmaxx MX-9900 at $6,995 is the only option — Woodland Mills maxes out at 8 inches. 9-inch capacity, 7-year warranty, designed for 40–100 HP tractors.
