Best Woodmaxx chipper for compact tractors
The WM-8H runs from 19 HP. The MX-9900 runs from 25 HP. Woodmaxx's full lineup covers compact tractors far better than most buyers realize. Here's the HP-by-HP guide — including which models work on a Kubota BX.
One of the most persistent myths about Woodmaxx chippers is that you need a big tractor to run them. You don’t. The WM-8H — the most popular 8-inch hydraulic-feed chipper Woodmaxx makes — starts at 19 HP. The flagship MX-9900 (9 inches, 225 lb flywheel, USA-made) starts at 25 HP. The MX-8500G+ starts at 15 HP.
This guide matches every Woodmaxx PTO chipper to the HP range it actually requires — based on verified specs from the live woodmaxx.com product pages — and maps those to specific compact tractor models.
Woodmaxx chipper HP requirements: verified specs
All HP minimums below are PTO HP, not engine HP. PTO HP is typically 10–15% lower than engine HP on compact utility tractors.
| Model | Price | Capacity | HP Min | Feed Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-8500G+ | $2,990 | 5 in | 15 HP | Gravity direct-drive |
| MX-8600 | $4,790 | 6 in | 15 HP | Hydrostatic (POW-R-TORQ™) |
| WM-8M | $3,690 * | 8 in | 19 HP | Mechanical single-roller |
| WM-8H | $4,095 | 8 in | 19 HP | Hydraulic dual-roller + reverse |
| MX-8800 | $6,225 | 8 in | 20 HP | Hydrostatic (POW-R-TORQ™) |
| MX-9900 | $7,350 | 9 in | 25 HP † | Hydrostatic (POW-R-TORQ™) |
* WM-8M is currently on waitlist at woodmaxx.com as of June 2026. † Full 9-inch capacity requires 50+ HP at the PTO.
Match by tractor: popular compact tractor models
| Tractor | PTO HP | Best Woodmaxx Match | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kubota BX2370 | ~18 HP | MX-8500G+ or MX-8600 | Just at 15 HP minimum for both; verified by BX owner reviews |
| Kubota BX23S | ~17 HP | MX-8500G+ | Tight for MX-8600 at 15 HP min — stick to 5-inch |
| John Deere 1025R | ~18 HP | MX-8500G+ or MX-8600 | Sub-compact; 5–6 inch is the right range |
| John Deere 3025E | 25 HP | WM-8H or MX-8800 | Both start at 19–20 HP; chips 4-in hardwood / 6-in softwood at 25 HP |
| Kubota L3901 | 33.5 HP | WM-8H or MX-8800 | Comfortably above 19–20 HP minimum; good all-around match |
| John Deere 3046R | 37 HP | WM-8H, MX-8800, or MX-9900 | MX-9900 starts at 25 HP — 37 HP is enough for 7-in softwood at 9-inch capacity |
| New Holland Boomer 35 | 35 HP | WM-8H or MX-8800 | Also meets the Woodland Mills WC88 35 HP minimum — opens cross-shop options |
| Kubota L4701 | 42 HP | WM-8H, MX-8800, or MX-9900 | 42 HP chips 6-in hardwood / 8-in softwood on the MX-9900 |
| John Deere 5065E | 55 HP | MX-9900 | Full 9-inch hardwood capacity at 50+ HP |
For subcompact tractors (15–19 HP): the answer is MX-8500G+ or MX-8600
Owners of Kubota BX, John Deere 1-series, and similar subcompact tractors (15–19 HP PTO) are often told they can’t run an 8-inch chipper. They can’t — but they can run a 5-inch (MX-8500G+) or 6-inch (MX-8600) with Woodmaxx’s full 7-year warranty.
The MX-8500G+ ($2,990) is the most affordable entry: gravity direct-drive, 5-inch capacity, 500 lb. The MX-8600 ($4,790) adds hydrostatic feed and 6-inch capacity at 197 lb lighter than the Woodland Mills WC68 — important when your tractor has less rear ballast capacity.
For 19–34 HP compact tractors: the WM-8H is the 8-inch answer
In the 19–34 HP range — Kubota L2501, L3301, John Deere 3025E, 3032E, Mahindra 1533, and similar machines — the WM-8H ($4,095) is the only 8-inch hydraulic-feed PTO chipper that fits. The Woodland Mills WC88 requires 35 HP minimum — it doesn’t qualify. The WM-8H is the only route to 8-inch hydraulic chipping at this HP level.
At 25 HP, the WM-8H chips 4-inch hardwood and 6-inch softwood — not full 8-inch hardwood. Full 8-inch capacity requires 50 HP. But the machine fits the tractor, and you can step up the capacity as you have tractor HP to give it.
For 25+ HP: the MX-9900 is within reach
Most compact tractor owners assume the MX-9900 (“The Beast”) is for large utility tractors only. It isn’t. Woodmaxx rates it at 25 HP minimum — meaning a John Deere 3025E (25 HP) or a Kubota L3301 (33.5 HP) can run it. At 25 HP you’ll chip 5-inch hardwood and 7-inch softwood. Full 9-inch hardwood capacity requires 50+ HP.
For compact tractor owners in the 25–35 HP range who want the most capable machine they can run, the MX-9900 ($7,350) is a legitimate option — verified by owner reviews. One buyer reported chipping 6-inch white oak and 5-inch ironwood without slowing down on a tractor with 28.8 PTO HP.
Frequently asked questions
- What Woodmaxx chipper can I run on a Kubota BX tractor?
- The Kubota BX series produces 15–18 PTO HP depending on model. At this HP level, the Woodmaxx MX-8500G+ (5-inch, $2,990, 15 HP min) and MX-8600 (6-inch, $4,790, 15 HP min) are the correct matches. The WM-8H and larger chippers require more HP than a BX produces.
- What is the minimum tractor HP for the Woodmaxx WM-8H?
- The WM-8H requires 19 HP minimum PTO. The absolute minimum stated in the spec sheet is 15 HP. At 19 HP you chip 4-inch hardwood and 6-inch softwood — full 8-inch capacity requires 50 HP. Owner reviews confirm the WM-8H runs on tractors as small as the Kubota BX2370 (23.5 HP engine, ~18–19 HP PTO).
- Can a 25 HP tractor run the Woodmaxx MX-9900?
- Yes. The MX-9900 requires 25 HP minimum PTO. At 25 HP you chip 5-inch hardwood and 7-inch softwood. Full 9-inch hardwood capacity requires 50+ HP. Owner reviews confirm performance at 28.8 HP PTO (chipping 6-inch white oak without slowing down).
- What Woodmaxx chipper fits a 30 HP tractor?
- The Woodmaxx WM-8H ($4,095, 8-inch, 19 HP min) and MX-8800 ($6,225, 8-inch, 20 HP min) both fit a 30 HP tractor. The WM-8H is the lower-cost option; the MX-8800 adds USA manufacture and a 7-year warranty. The MX-9900 (25 HP min) also fits. At 30 HP, any Woodmaxx model except the WM-8M waitlist situation is available to you.
- Does Woodmaxx make a chipper for a 35 HP tractor?
- Yes — at 35 HP, every Woodmaxx PTO chipper fits. The WM-8H (8-inch, $4,095) and MX-9900 (9-inch, $7,350) are both accessible at 35 HP. At 35 HP you also open up the Woodland Mills WC88 (35 HP min, 8-inch, $3,995) as a cross-shop option.
- What Woodmaxx chipper should I get for a John Deere 3025E?
- The JD 3025E has approximately 25 HP PTO. The WM-8H (19 HP min, 8-inch hydraulic, $4,095) and MX-8800 (20 HP min, 8-inch hydrostatic, $6,225) both fit. The WM-8H is the budget pick; the MX-8800 adds USA manufacture and 7-year warranty. The WM-8M (also 19 HP min) is on waitlist and costs $3,690 but lacks hydraulic feed.