Farmry WCAP5 5-inch PTO Woodchipper Review (2026)
Farmry's base 5-inch gravity-feed PTO chipper on a 25-inch four-blade disc. Rated 5 inches in green wood and 4 inches in dry hardwood. Sold at the same URL as the older WCAP130.
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- Cheapest 5-inch-rated PTO chipper we cover at $1,698
- 25-inch disc with four reversible blades — more cutting mass than the pricier CP85
- Widest infeed throat in Farmry's PTO line at 5 × 9 inches
- PTO shaft included; fits Cat 1 and Cat 2 plus Cat 1 quick hitch
- The 5-inch rating is green wood only — Farmry rates it 4 inches in dry hardwood
- Gravity feed, so every branch is hand-fed
- 12-month warranty is the shortest of any brand we cover
- Farmry publishes no flywheel weight, so momentum can't be compared to Woodland Mills or Woodmaxx
- No independent long-term owner reports exist for this machine yet
The 5-inch rating only applies to green wood
Farmry's own feature list is explicit: the WCAP5 "efficiently processes logs up to 4 inches in dry wood and 5 inches in fresh or wet wood." The product title says 5 inches. Both are true, but only one of them describes seasoned firewood-grade hardwood, which is what most owners are actually clearing.
This is fair engineering — green wood shears more easily than dry, and every chipper performs better on it. What is not fair is the gap between the headline and the caveat. Judge the WCAP5 against the MechMaxx BX42S, a 4-inch PTO unit at $1,699, and the two machines are effectively matched on dry capacity at the same price. The extra inch is green-wood headroom, not a free upgrade.
Practical read: if you chip fresh prunings and storm debris soon after it falls, you will see the 5 inches. If your brush pile sits a season before you get to it, plan around 4.
The cheaper WCAP5 has more cutting mass than the WCAP5 PRO
This is the genuinely counterintuitive part of Farmry's PTO line. The WCAP5 runs a 25-inch disc with four moving blades and a 5 × 9 inch throat at 412 lb. The CP85, sold as the WCAP5 PRO for $201 more, runs a 22-inch disc with two moving blades and a 5 × 8 inch throat at 386 lb.
So the base machine has the bigger disc, twice the blades, the wider throat, and 26 lb more mass. What the PRO buys instead is a speed-increasing gearbox that doubles disc speed to 1,080 RPM, worth roughly 25% more rated throughput, plus tool-free hinged access for blade changes.
Rotating mass is what carries a disc chipper through a dense cut without bogging the tractor. On that basis the WCAP5 is arguably the better hardwood machine of the two, and it is the cheaper one. Buy the PRO for volume on light or green material; buy this one for occasional work in tougher wood.
Farmry's own page contradicts itself on horsepower
The spec table lists a 15–45 HP requirement. The FAQ lower down the same page says the WCAP5 "requires a tractor PTO with a power range of 15 to 65 HP." Those cannot both be right, and the difference matters if you are sizing a 50 or 60 HP tractor.
We use the spec table figure of 15–45 HP, because it is consistent with the machine's weight, disc size, and Cat 1 hitch rating, and because Farmry's blog repeats the 15–45 figure. If you are near either end of that range, confirm with Farmry directly before ordering.
One naming note while you are checking: Farmry confirms that "WCAP5 is simply the updated model designation for the WCAP130 series," with the same design, capacity, and performance. The product URL still says wcap130, and Farmry's bundle listings still sell it as a WCAP130. If you are comparing a WCAP130 quote against a WCAP5 listing, it is one machine.
What we cannot tell you yet
Farmry publishes no flywheel or disc weight for any chipper in the range. Disc diameter and thickness are given — 25 inches and 0.8 inches here — but without mass we cannot compare momentum against a Woodland Mills WC68 or a Woodmaxx MX model, and we are not going to estimate it.
More importantly, there are no independent long-term owner reports for this machine. Farmry's chippers have effectively no presence on TractorByNet, Green Tractor Talk, or Arborist Site, and the reviews we could find on Farmry's own site are brand-level or about their mowers and backhoes. Our 4.4/5 Trustpilot figure covers the company across all product lines, not this chipper.
That is a real limitation and we would rather say it than paper over it. The specs are verifiable; the durability is not yet. We will revisit this review as owner reports appear.
What's in the box
- WCAP5 chipper unit
- PTO shaft (included — not an extra-cost option)
- Blade set (4 moving + 1 stationary, installed)
- Operator manual (WCAP-series, also downloadable)
- Protective cover ($49.99 — fits WCAP5, CG84, and WCAP5 PRO)
- Spare blade kit ($39.50)
- Gearbox oil top-up (direct drive — no gearbox on this model)
- Ear protection and safety glasses
Ships free from Farmry's NC or CA warehouse in a wooden case measuring 42 × 32 × 39 in at 464 lb, against a 412 lb machine weight. Quoted delivery is 11–14 business days, leaving the warehouse within a week. Farmry does not publish an assembly-step list, so budget time to fit the chute and hopper on arrival.
Farmry WCAP5 5-inch PTO Woodchipper specs at a glance
- Brand
- Farmry
- Model
- WCAP5
- Power type
- pto
- Max branch diameter
- 5"
- Power
- PTO-driven, 15–45 HP tractor
- Feed system
- Manual
- Weight
- 412 lb
- Price (MSRP)
- $1,698
- Warranty
- 1 year
Will the WCAP5 fit my tractor?
The Farmry WCAP5 5-inch PTO Woodchipper needs 15–45 PTO HP. Here’s how 26 common compact and utility tractors match up — rated PTO HP, not engine HP (after typical 10–15% drivetrain losses).
| Tractor | Engine HP | PTO HP | Hitch | WCAP5 verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kubota BX23S | 22 | 15 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| Kubota LX2610 | 25 | 19 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| Kubota L2501 | 24 | 19 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| Kubota L3301 | 33 | 26 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| Kubota L3901 | 37 | 30 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| Kubota L4701 | 47 | 38 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| Kubota MX5400 | 55 | 45 | Cat 2 | Fits |
| Kubota M4-071 | 70 | 58 | Cat 2 | Oversized |
| John Deere 1025R | 24 | 18 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| John Deere 2025R | 25 | 19 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| John Deere 3025E | 24.7 | 19 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| John Deere 3032E | 32 | 25 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| John Deere 3039R | 38.2 | 30 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| John Deere 3046R | 45.3 | 37 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| John Deere 4044M | 43.1 | 35 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| John Deere 4066R | 65.9 | 53 | Cat 2 | Oversized |
| Mahindra 1533 | 33 | 26 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| Mahindra 2638 HST | 37.4 | 29 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| Massey Ferguson 1735M | 35 | 28 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| Massey Ferguson 2705E | 49 | 40 | Cat 2 | Fits |
| New Holland WORKMASTER 25S | 24.7 | 18 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| New Holland WORKMASTER 35 | 35 | 28 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| Kioti CK2620 | 24.5 | 20 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| Kioti NX4510 | 45 | 38 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| LS MT225S | 24.4 | 18 | Cat 1 | Fits |
| LS MT342 | 41.3 | 32 | Cat 1 | Fits |
“Fits” = within the manufacturer’s rated PTO HP range. “At limit” = below the minimum by 5–15%, will feel underpowered on seasoned hardwood. “Too small” = undersized for reliable chipping. “Oversized” = above range (works but overkill).
Who should buy the WCAP5 — and who should skip it
- Your budget genuinely stops near $1,700 and you want a 3-point chipper rather than a rental
- You chip mostly green or freshly fallen material, where the 5-inch rating actually applies
- You want the most disc and blade mass Farmry sells, which is this model rather than the PRO
- You run a 15–45 HP compact tractor with Cat 1 or Cat 2, or a Cat 1 quick hitch
- You are comfortable self-servicing and keeping a spare blade kit on the shelf
- Most of your material is seasoned hardwood at 5 inches — this is a 4-inch machine in dry wood
- You can reach $2,415 for a Woodland Mills WC46, with a 3-year warranty and a deep owner-report record
- You want hydraulic feed so you are not hand-feeding every limb
- A 12-month warranty with no dealer network is not enough coverage for how hard you will use it
- You need proven long-term reliability data before buying — it does not exist for this machine yet
Alternatives to the WCAP5
similar price. 4-inch capacity (1 inch smaller). from MechMaxx.
$301 more. 4-inch capacity (1 inch smaller).
$901 more. 6-inch capacity (1 inch larger). 2-year warranty. from MechMaxx.
See all picks: best PTO wood chippers ranked by tractor HP.
WCAP5 blade replacement & sharpening
Four reversible moving blades plus one stationary bed knife on the 25-inch disc — the most blades of any Farmry chipper.
Farmry lists two blade packages that fit: a spare-part kit at $39.50 and a 4-blade-plus-bed-plate package at $79.
4CrSi is a Chinese chromium-silicon spring steel grade. Farmry publishes the material but not a hardness figure, so sharpening angle here is the category default rather than a manufacturer spec.
- Blade count
- 4 flywheel knives
- Bed knife
- Yes — fixed anvil
- Sharpening angle
- 30–35°
- Reversible
- Yes — doubles edge life
- Blade material
- 4CrSi alloy steel
- Replacement set
- $39–$79
- Sharpening interval
- 25–40 hours
- Bolt torque
- See manual
- 01Stop the machine and isolate power
Disengage the PTO, shut the tractor off, and remove the key. Wait 60+ seconds for the WCAP5 flywheel to stop completely — it coasts longer than the engine.
- 02Open the discharge or flywheel access cover
Remove the bolts on the WCAP5 flywheel access hood (or flip the hinged hood if equipped). Swing it clear so you have line-of-sight to every blade position.
- 03Rotate the flywheel to the first blade
Turn the flywheel by hand until the first of the 4 knives is aligned with the access opening. Mark it "1" with a paint pen so you can keep track of orientation.
- 04Break the blade bolts loose
Use a breaker bar on each of the 2 blade bolts. Woodmaxx and Woodland Mills both thread-lock these at the factory; heat gently if they don't yield. Do not pry on the flywheel itself.
- 05Slide the blade out and inspect
Remove the blade and inspect for cracks, nicks deeper than 1/16", and rounded bevels. A cracked blade goes straight in the scrap bin — never re-sharpened.
- 06Flip or replace the blade
The WCAP5 uses 4 reversible knives. If the secondary edge is still clean, simply flip the blade for a fresh edge. If both edges are worn, sharpen at 30–35° on a belt sander — quench every 10–15 seconds to avoid bluing the 4CrSi alloy steel.
- 07Balance the set
Remove equal material from every blade in the set. On the WCAP5's 4-knife flywheel, even a 1–2 gram imbalance shows up as vibration at operating RPM. Weigh on a gram scale after sharpening.
- 08Reinstall and torque
Apply anti-seize to the bolt threads (not the heads) and torque in a star pattern to 45–55 ft-lb. Use fresh lock washers — reused washers are the #1 cause of a loose blade downstream.
- 09Repeat for every remaining blade
Rotate the flywheel and repeat steps 3–8 for the remaining 3 knives. Then inspect the fixed bed knife — if the edge is rounded, flip or replace it and reset the blade-to-anvil gap to ~0.030" with feeler gauges.
- 10Close up and test-run
Rotate the flywheel by hand one full revolution to confirm no contact with the bed knife or housing. Close the access cover. Start the tractor, engage PTO at low idle, and listen for 30 seconds before ramping to operating RPM. Feed one small test branch before returning to normal work.
Not sure the WCAP5 is the right size for your branches?
The Farmry WCAP5 5-inch PTO Woodchipper handles branches up to 5 inches. Use the free HP calculator to check whether your tractor or engine has enough power for your specific branch diameter and wood type.
Check HP requirements for your branchesWCAP5 — frequently asked questions
- Is the Farmry WCAP5 really a 5-inch chipper?
- It depends on the wood. Farmry's own product page rates it for 4 inches in dry wood and 5 inches in fresh or wet wood. The 5-inch figure in the product title is the green-wood rating. For seasoned hardwood, plan on 4 inches.
- How much horsepower does the WCAP5 need?
- The spec table says 15–45 PTO HP, and that is the figure we use. Note that the FAQ on Farmry's own product page says 15–65 HP instead, which contradicts the spec table. Confirm with Farmry if your tractor is near either limit.
- What is the difference between the WCAP5 and the WCAP130?
- Nothing. Farmry states that WCAP5 is the updated model designation for the WCAP130 series, with identical design, capacity, and performance. The product page URL and several bundle listings still use the WCAP130 name.
- Is the WCAP5 or the CP85 WCAP5 PRO the better buy?
- The WCAP5 has the larger 25-inch disc, four blades instead of two, a wider 5 × 9 inch throat, and 26 lb more mass, for $201 less. The CP85 adds a gearbox that doubles disc speed for about 25% more throughput, plus tool-free blade access. Choose the WCAP5 for occasional hardwood, the CP85 for volume in green material.
- Does the WCAP5 have hydraulic feed?
- No. It is gravity feed, so every branch is hand-fed. Farmry describes this as a gravity-fed self-feeding system, but there are no powered infeed rollers. For hydraulic feed at a similar capacity, look at the Woodland Mills WC68.
- What warranty does the WCAP5 come with?
- 12 months. That is the shortest warranty of any brand we cover, against 3 years for Woodland Mills, 5 for Wallenstein, and 7 on the Woodmaxx MX series. With no dealer network, treat it as a parts-shipping promise rather than a service promise.
- Where is the Farmry WCAP5 made?
- Farmry states on its own site that its equipment comes from overseas production partners and is stocked, inspected, and shipped from US warehouses in North Carolina and California. The component evidence is consistent with Chinese manufacturing: bearings specified to GB/T standards and 4CrSi blade steel.
- How much HP do I need to run the WCAP5?
- The WCAP5 needs 15–45 PTO HP. That's PTO horsepower (roughly 85–90% of engine HP). A 17 HP engine tractor produces about 15 PTO HP. Comfortable range: 19–41 PTO HP.
- What can the WCAP5 actually chip in real-world use?
- Rated for 5-inch branches. In practice, green softwood chips reliably at rated max. Seasoned hardwood at 5 inches slows the feed rate and bogs the flywheel on knots — comfortable working capacity on hardwood is 3.5–4.5 inches. Manual feed means you control the pace — feed slowly on hard material.
- Is the WCAP5 worth buying?
- At $1,698, the WCAP5 is the entry tier — good for occasional homeowner use but limited capacity. The 1-year warranty is shorter than competitors — factor that into your decision.