Woodland Mills WC46 vs WoodMaxx WM-8M: a 4-inch hydraulic feed or an 8-inch mechanical feed
WC46 and WM-8M both accept tractors in the low-20s PTO range, but they answer different needs. WC46 is a 4-inch machine with a self-contained hydraulic feed and a 30-hp ceiling. WM-8M is an 8-inch machine with a fixed 58 ft/min mechanical feed and a 19-hp floor, and its own capacity wording at that floor is far below 8 inches.
By Acreage Equipment · Reviewed November 8, 2026 · Specification research, not a field test
Consider WC46 when most material is 4 inches or lessShortlist WC46 when branches are mostly under 4 inches, the tractor has 15–30 PTO hp, and an adjustable hydraulic feed helps on a tractor near its minimum.
Consider WM-8M for occasional bulkier softwoodShortlist WM-8M when the opening size matters for bulky softwood, the fixed feed suits the work, and the tractor has at least 19 PTO hp with some margin.
Observed U.S. seller prices, checked November 7, 2026, 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. Open your saved comparison →
The differences that matter.
01
A bounded range versus a floor with distant capacity
WC46 lists 15–30 PTO hp and asks for over 20 PTO hp for full 4-inch logs at full feed speed. WM-8M lists a 19 PTO hp minimum with no maximum; WoodMaxx describes 4-inch hardwood or 6-inch softwood at that power and its FAQ ties full 8-inch softwood to 50+ PTO hp.
On a 19–25-PTO-hp tractor, WC46 can reach its own full-feed condition; WM-8M will be working well below its headline size. Compare the material you actually chip with each maker’s statement at your power, not with the 4- and 8-inch labels.
Variable hydraulic feed versus fixed mechanical feed
WC46 uses a self-contained tank and belt-driven pump for hydraulic infeed and needs no tractor hydraulics. WM-8M drives its roller mechanically through a gearbox at a published 58 ft/min with a stop control, without hydraulic speed adjustment or powered reverse.
If feed control matters on a tractor near its minimum, WC46 lets the operator slow the feed. WM-8M avoids a hydraulic reservoir to service but fixes the feed rate. Neither needs a tractor rear remote.
WC46’s 2024 Rev C manual lists 587 lb product weight. WM-8M’s page lists 775 lb total weight on the three-point hitch without stating whether the shaft and fluids are included.
Both figures are below, for example, the Mahindra 1626’s 1,720-lb rating at 24 inches, but neither is a confirmed complete operating load. Ask for the assembled weight and load center and check ballast for the heavier WM-8M.
Price difference of $470 on the dated observations
WC46 was observed at $3,220 and WM-8M at $3,690, both on November 7, 2026.
The larger machine costs more, but on a small tractor its extra capacity may not be usable. Compare quotes for the complete delivered package rather than price per inch of label.
Consider WC46 when most material is 4 inches or less
Shortlist WC46 when branches are mostly under 4 inches, the tractor has 15–30 PTO hp, and an adjustable hydraulic feed helps on a tractor near its minimum. It is the lighter machine and stays inside its range on most sub-compact and compact tractors.
Shortlist WM-8M when the opening size matters for bulky softwood, the fixed feed suits the work, and the tractor has at least 19 PTO hp with some margin. Ask WoodMaxx what diameter it expects at your actual PTO rating, since its full 8-inch statement needs 50+ PTO hp.
WM-8M shipping weight is listed as both 950 and 990 lb on the product page, and some page sections reuse WM-8H hydraulic-control wording. Use the mechanical-feed instructions for the supplied serial.
WC46’s current page lists 648 lb shipping weight; the Rev C manual lists 693 lb. Neither replaces the 587-lb product weight or a complete operating load.
This comparison reuses the manufacturer evidence retained in the product records reviewed November 7, 2026; product pages were not re-fetched on November 8. WC46 uses the Rev C, May 28, 2024 manual; WM-8M uses the current product page, FAQ and the manual linked by WoodMaxx’s index.
FOLLOW THE NUMBERS
Sources & documentation
Research record reviewed November 8, 2026. Confirm the current manual and the exact revision supplied with your machine.
