THE TRADEOFFS, EXPLAINED

Wallenstein BX72S vs WoodMaxx WM-8H: an engine-rated 7-inch gravity chipper or a PTO-rated 8-inch hydraulic-feed chipper

BX72S and WM-8H both suit a tractor in the 40–50 hp range, but they rate power differently. Wallenstein lists BX72S at 50–85 engine hp without naming gross or net, so a Kubota MX4900 at 50.3 gross and 47.7 net hp is inside on one reading and outside on the other. WoodMaxx lists WM-8H from 19 PTO hp, which 41.3 PTO hp clears on any reading. WM-8H also adds a hydraulic feed with reverse.

By Acreage Equipment · Reviewed November 8, 2026 · Specification research, not a field test

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

Wallenstein

BX72S

50–85 engine hp · official U.S. page · 7″ max. chip diameter

Check seller price Request a current quote

Explore buying options at Wallenstein

Specs & tractor check →

WoodMaxx

WM-8H

19 PTO hp minimum; maximum not stated · 8″ max. chip diameter

$4,095 checked November 7, 2026

Check current price at WoodMaxx

Specs & tractor check →

START WITH THE DECISION

Consider BX72S once Wallenstein confirms the basisShortlist BX72S when Wallenstein confirms your tractor’s engine rating meets its 50-hp minimum on the standard it uses, branches are mostly 7 inches or under and a high discharge helps.

Consider WM-8H for a clear PTO rule and controllable feedShortlist WM-8H when the tractor’s PTO rating is well above 19 hp, variable feed and reverse matter, and the largest material is occasional rather than routine below 50 PTO hp.

Read the evidence behind the choice ↓

Observed U.S. seller prices, checked November 7, 2026 (WM-8H), from the retained product records. Prices were not refreshed for this comparison. Tax, shipping, options and the final seller quote may change the delivered total; these are dated observations, not a live price or stock feed. Wallenstein does not list a BX72S price; request a dealer quote. Open your saved comparison →

The differences that matter.

An engine floor against a PTO minimum

Wallenstein’s U.S. page labels BX72S’s 50–85 hp as Engine HP Range, without naming gross or net. WoodMaxx’s WM-8H page gives a 19-PTO-hp minimum (a lower Specs bullet says 15 hp without basis) and ties full 8-inch capacity to 50 PTO hp.

On an MX4900, BX72S is 0.3–1.8 hp inside on gross power and 1.5–2.3 hp short on net, depending on transmission. WM-8H is inside on any reading, but 8.7 hp short of its own full-capacity statement.

Gravity feed against hydraulic feed with reverse

BX72S feeds by gravity with direct PTO drive and no hydraulic system. WM-8H has two hydraulically driven feed rollers with variable speed and reverse, powered by its own pump and tank.

WM-8H lets the operator slow or reverse the feed when the tractor is short of its full-capacity power. BX72S has fewer components to service.

7 inches against 8

BX72S lists a 7-inch maximum diameter, a 7 × 12-inch housing opening and an 82-inch discharge height. WM-8H lists an 8-inch maximum chip diameter.

WM-8H accepts larger material, but WoodMaxx ties that diameter to 50 PTO hp. BX72S’s high discharge suits loading a trailer.

728 lb against an unconfirmed weight

Wallenstein lists BX72S at 728 lb. WoodMaxx’s WM-8H page gives 990 lb shipping weight and no operating weight; its manual gives two hydraulic fill quantities (6.5 and 7 gallons).

Ask WoodMaxx for WM-8H’s operating weight with shaft and a filled tank before planning ballast. Both should be well under a 2,310-lb lift rating at 24 inches.

Hitch and price

BX72S is Category I and II on Wallenstein’s page and Category I in its manual. WM-8H fits Category 1 and 2 with bushings. WM-8H was observed at $4,095 on November 7, 2026; BX72S is quoted by dealers.

Both mount on a Category I or II hitch. Compare a BX72S dealer quote with WM-8H’s delivered cost.

A CONDITIONAL SHORTLIST

Which direction makes sense?

Consider BX72S once Wallenstein confirms the basis

Shortlist BX72S when Wallenstein confirms your tractor’s engine rating meets its 50-hp minimum on the standard it uses, branches are mostly 7 inches or under and a high discharge helps.

Explore buying options at Wallenstein Prepare questions for the seller

Consider WM-8H for a clear PTO rule and controllable feed

Shortlist WM-8H when the tractor’s PTO rating is well above 19 hp, variable feed and reverse matter, and the largest material is occasional rather than routine below 50 PTO hp.

Check current price at WoodMaxx Prepare questions for the seller

Keep these source limits with the decision.

WM-8H’s page gives a 19-PTO-hp minimum and a lower Specs bullet says 15 hp without basis; its manual lists 6.5 gallons of hydraulic oil at assembly and 7 at maintenance.

BX72S mounting is Category I and II on the current page and Category I only in the January 2025 manual.

This comparison reuses the manufacturer evidence retained in the product records reviewed November 7, 2026 (LFS61 price November 6); product pages were not re-fetched on November 8. BX72S uses the current U.S. page and the January 2025 BX-S manual; WM-8H uses the current product page and the manual linked from it.

FOLLOW THE NUMBERS

Sources & documentation

Research record reviewed November 8, 2026. Confirm the current manual and the exact revision supplied with your machine.

Wallenstein BX72S official U.S. pageEngine HP Range; Mounting System (Cat I and II); Total Weight; Discharge Chute Height
BX72S official support page — current operator/setup documents
Wallenstein BX-S operator manual Z97085_En, Rev Jan-2025Printed/PDF pp18 and 40: mounting (Cat I), capacity and opening, weight
PTO shaft instructions Z97844_En, Rev Aug-2024 — tractor/quick-hitch sizing
Official WM-8H product page: power, feed, hitch and price19 PTO hp minimum (15 hp in a lower Specs bullet); full 8-inch capacity at 50 PTO hp; hydraulic feed and reverse; 990 lb shipping weight; price
WM-8H linked manual — assembly p20 and maintenance p29 give different fill quantitiesAssembly p20 and maintenance p29 hydraulic fill quantities
WoodMaxx current manual index