THE TRADEOFFS, EXPLAINED

WoodMaxx FM-62 Y vs FM-78 Y: width, power and hitch category

FM-78 Y adds 15 inches of published cut and requires 30 PTO hp rather than FM-62 Y’s 20. Its current manual also allows Cat 2 mounting with bushings, while FM-62 is Cat 1 only. The dated price step was $270, but that small price gap does not settle the larger machine’s unknown complete Y operating load.

By Acreage Equipment · Reviewed November 7, 2026 · Specification research, not a field test

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

WoodMaxx

FM-62 · Y-blades

20–45 PTO hp · Y-blades only · 55″ Cutting width, inches

$3,630 checked November 7, 2026

Check current price at WoodMaxx

Specs & tractor check →

WoodMaxx

FM-78 · Y-blades

30–65 PTO hp · Y-blades only · 70″ Cutting width, inches

$3,900 checked November 7, 2026

Check current price at WoodMaxx

Specs & tractor check →

START WITH THE DECISION

WoodMaxx FM-62 · Y-blades: when to shortlist itConsider when the 55-inch cut, 20–45 PTO Y range and Cat 1 mounting meet the work, after confirming complete operating load and actual edge placement.

WoodMaxx FM-78 · Y-blades: when to shortlist itConsider when 70 inches of cut is useful, 30–65 PTO hp is documented, and complete Y load plus Cat 1/2 mounting requirements are confirmed.

Read the evidence behind the choice ↓

Exact official black/blade option observations on November 7, 2026. Base prices exclude uncalculated options, delivery, taxes and setup. Equal price does not establish equal lifetime cost. Open your saved comparison →

The differences that matter.

Actual cutting width

FM-62 Y: 55 inches. FM-78 Y: 70 inches.

The larger option adds 15 inches of published cut. Neither fixed extent nor overall body width alone proves coverage behind a specific tractor.

Source: Printed p 40/PDF p 41, Cutting Width ↗

Y-specific PTO band

FM-62 Y: 20–45 PTO hp. FM-78 Y: 30–65 PTO hp.

The larger option raises the minimum by 10 PTO hp and upper band by 20. A tractor near a boundary needs documented PTO output, not engine horsepower.

Source: Printed p 40/PDF p 41, Y-Blades power row ↗

Standard hitch scope

FM-62 Y: Cat 1 only. FM-78 Y: Cat 1 or Cat 2 with Cat 2 bushing set per current manual.

The broader manual hitch scope creates a mounting choice, not quick-hitch approval. Resolve FM-78’s lower-page Cat 1 wording and confirm supplied bushings/geometry.

Y-set quantities

FM-62 Y: 18 sets; page 36 outer Y pieces. FM-78 Y: 22 sets; page 44 outer Y pieces plus 22 center blades.

Spare-set quantities differ by 4 sets. Current service diagrams also include center components for Y assemblies; confirm complete kit counts rather than equating sets with individual pieces.

Dated exact Y price

FM-62 Y: $3,630 USD. FM-78 Y: $3,900 USD.

The wider option was $270 more before accessories and delivery. Do not infer a low overall cost of upgrading without complete-load and mounting checks.

BEFORE YOU DECIDE

Ask these questions.

Confirm the exact blade SKU and delivered model-year/manual applicability.
Provide blade-specific complete operating weight with shaft and oil; current generic model/body/shipping figures do not settle it.
Confirm replacement kit contents, center components and bolt length; retain the explicit Y/hammer noninterchangeability warning.
Verify tractor-specific hitch, shaft, clutch, load-center lift, ballast and actual cutting-edge placement.
For FM-78 Y, confirm Cat 2 bushings and standard hitch geometry; current manual scope does not verify Cat 2 quick-hitch fit.

Confirm the exact supplied blade configuration and applicable manual before comparing published power, hitch and width. Obtain complete operating weight, actual load center, shaft and mounting requirements. Fixed models do not require a rear circuit for hydraulic side shift. Manufacturer vegetation guidance does not establish measured performance for the intended site.

Use these comparison questions

A CONDITIONAL SHORTLIST

Which direction makes sense?

WoodMaxx FM-62 · Y-blades: when to shortlist it

Consider when the 55-inch cut, 20–45 PTO Y range and Cat 1 mounting meet the work, after confirming complete operating load and actual edge placement.

Check current price at WoodMaxx Prepare questions for the seller

WoodMaxx FM-78 · Y-blades: when to shortlist it

Consider when 70 inches of cut is useful, 30–65 PTO hp is documented, and complete Y load plus Cat 1/2 mounting requirements are confirmed.

Check current price at WoodMaxx Prepare questions for the seller

Keep these source limits with the decision.

Generic weights and overall dimension labels conflict for both models.

FM-78 hitch wording differs across page/manual; Cat 2 bushings are required by current manual.

Exact official product configurations, current options and manufacturer-linked manuals were checked November 7, 2026. Source labels and unresolved revision differences are retained. These comparisons interpret published evidence and do not represent field tests or confirmed tractor pairings.

FOLLOW THE NUMBERS

Sources & documentation

Research record reviewed November 7, 2026. Confirm the current manual and the exact revision supplied with your machine.

Official fixed FM-62 pageNUMBER OF BLADES
Current WoodMaxx FM-series manualPrinted p 40/PDF p 41, Cutting Width
WoodMaxx current manual index: Models 2025 to current
Official fixed FM-78 pageHitch Type hero and lower HITCH TYPE conflict