THE TRADEOFFS, EXPLAINED

Farmry WCAP5 vs WoodMaxx MX-8800: a 45-hp-capped gravity chipper or an 8-inch hydrostatic feed

Farmry rates WCAP5 by engine horsepower and stops at 45; WoodMaxx rates MX-8800 by PTO horsepower from 20 with no published ceiling. A tractor such as the LS MT345E (45 gross hp, 38.2 PTO) sits exactly on WCAP5’s maximum and well inside MX-8800’s range. The trade is a light, inexpensive gravity chipper against a heavier 8-inch hydrostatic-feed machine.

By Acreage Equipment · Reviewed November 9, 2026 · Specification research, not a field test

Compare these two with my tractor Compare the complete purchase cost →

Farmry

WCAP5

15–45 engine hp · 5″ max. chip diameter

$1,698 checked November 6, 2026

Check current price at Farmry

Specs & tractor check →

WoodMaxx

MX-8800

20 PTO hp minimum; maximum not stated · 8″ Maximum chip diameter, inches

$5,890 checked November 7, 2026

Check current price at WoodMaxx

Specs & tractor check →

START WITH THE DECISION

Consider WCAP5 under 45 engine hpShortlist WCAP5 for brush under 5 inches when the tractor’s engine rating is clearly inside 15–45, or Farmry confirms a tractor at the line.

Consider MX-8800 for larger wood and power to spareShortlist MX-8800 when the tractor has 20 PTO hp or more, feed control matters and the budget allows.

Read the evidence behind the choice ↓

Observed U.S. seller price for MX-8800, checked November 7, 2026, from the retained product record. Prices were not refreshed for this comparison. The retained WCAP5 record has no dated price observation; check Farmry’s current listing. Tax, shipping, options and the final seller quote may change the delivered total. Open your saved comparison →

The differences that matter.

Engine 15–45 against PTO 20 and up

Farmry’s WCAP5 manual labels its range Engine HP 15–45. WoodMaxx lists MX-8800 from 20 PTO hp with no finite maximum.

A 45-engine-hp tractor is at WCAP5’s ceiling with no margin; MX-8800 has no published ceiling to check.

5 inches against 8

WCAP5 is listed at 5 inches fresh and 4 dry through a 5 × 9-inch opening. MX-8800 is listed at 8 inches, with 4-inch hardwood or 6-inch softwood at 20 PTO hp and full capacity at “50+ HP”.

At 36–38 PTO hp, MX-8800 still takes larger wood than WCAP5.

Gravity feed against hydrostatic feed

WCAP5 is gravity fed with no hydraulics. MX-8800 has a self-contained hydrostatic feed.

MX-8800 controls feed speed; WCAP5 has fewer service items.

412 lb against about 772 lb dry

WCAP5 is 412 lb with its PTO shaft (manual p20). MX-8800’s Rev D manual gives about 772 lb dry; the page gives 1,004 lb shipping.

Both are well under a 2,425-lb compact lift; MX-8800 needs more front ballast.

540 or 1000 rpm against 540

WCAP5’s manual lists rated 540–1000 rpm. MX-8800 is documented for 540 rpm.

Only matters on a tractor with a 1000-rpm PTO.

A CONDITIONAL SHORTLIST

Which direction makes sense?

Consider WCAP5 under 45 engine hp

Shortlist WCAP5 for brush under 5 inches when the tractor’s engine rating is clearly inside 15–45, or Farmry confirms a tractor at the line.

Check current price at Farmry Prepare questions for the seller

Consider MX-8800 for larger wood and power to spare

Shortlist MX-8800 when the tractor has 20 PTO hp or more, feed control matters and the budget allows.

Check current price at WoodMaxx Prepare questions for the seller

Keep these source limits with the decision.

MX-8800’s manual gives about 772 lb dry; its page gives 1,004 lb shipping. Neither is a confirmed operating weight.

WCAP5’s page capacity (5 inches) is qualified in its FAQ as 5 inches fresh and 4 dry.

This comparison reuses the manufacturer evidence retained in the product records reviewed November 7, 2026; product pages were not re-fetched on November 9. WCAP5 uses the current page and Rev 1.5 manual; MX-8800 uses the current page and Rev D manual.

FOLLOW THE NUMBERS

Sources & documentation

Research record reviewed November 9, 2026. Confirm the current manual and the exact revision supplied with your machine.

Farmry WCAP5 official product pageCompatibility FAQ (15–45 engine HP); capacity FAQ (5 in. fresh, 4 in. dry)
Farmry WCAP5 operator manual, Rev 1.5Printed p19: Engine HP Range 15–45, chipping capacity and 5 × 9-in. opening; p20: mounting (Category I/II), rated 540–1000 rpm, net weight with PTO shaft
Official MX-8800 page: power/capacity claims, feed, hitch and current sale price20 PTO hp minimum; 4-in. hardwood / 6-in. softwood at 20 PTO hp; full 8-inch at “50+ HP”; 1,004 lb shipping; price
MX-8800 manual Rev D, September 18, 2026: specifications and setupRev D printed p45: approximately 772 lb dry weight; self-contained hydrostatic feed; Category 1/2 hitch
WoodMaxx current manufacturer manual index