THE ACREAGE EQUIPMENT FIELD GUIDE
Hydraulic feed vs. gravity feed PTO chippers
The feed system changes how a chipper takes material into the cutter. It is separate from the tractor’s PTO drive and from the headline branch diameter. Start with the wood you handle, then check how each machine controls that feed.
By Acreage Equipment · Reviewed November 6, 2026 · Specification research, not a field test
Hydraulic feed does not always mean rear remotes
The researched Woodland Mills WC46 and WC68 use self-contained hydraulic systems for their feed rollers. Their feed hydraulics do not require tractor rear remotes. The tractor still supplies PTO power, and the onboard hydraulic system has its own fluid and maintenance requirements. Confirm these details for other models instead of applying the same assumption to every hydraulic chipper.
Gravity feed changes the comparison
Farmry WCAP5 and WCAP5 PRO and Woodland Mills TFG55 are gravity-feed machines in this catalog. Compare their manuals’ feeding and material limitations with the hydraulic roller models. We have not measured throughput, operator effort or jam frequency, so none of those outcomes is scored here. Ask the maker how your typical forked, leafy or irregular material should be prepared and handled.
Compare diameter under the stated power conditions
WC46 is advertised at four inches and 15–30 PTO hp; full-diameter logs at full feed speed require over 20 PTO hp. WC68 is advertised at six inches and 20–50 PTO hp; its corresponding full-feed condition is over 40. A larger stated opening does not prove faster work on a lower-powered tractor.
Build a shortlist around the actual workflow
List the diameter and shape of most material, how frequently you chip, and your acceptable preparation and processing pace. Then compare feed controls, manual restrictions, operating weight and maintenance. Feed convenience is a reason to investigate a design, not evidence that its hitch, ballast or driveline setup fits your tractor.
Take these questions with you.
- Does the feed system have its own hydraulics or need tractor remotes?
- What power and feed conditions apply to the largest material rating?
- What does the manual require for the branch shape and vegetation I handle?
Keep these questions with your exact tractor and attachment details.
Use these questions in my seller briefFOLLOW THE NUMBERS
Sources & documentation
Research record reviewed November 6, 2026. Confirm the current manual and the exact revision supplied with your machine.
- Farmry official product specifications
- Farmry WCAP5 operator manual, Rev 1.5 — Printed pp19–20 specifications; pp30–34 driveline checks
- Woodland Mills official U.S. product page — Capacity and hydraulic infeed sections; current price
- Woodland Mills WC46 operator manual, Rev C, 28-May-2024 — Printed p9 product/shipping weights; p12 Cat 1 and PTO range; operation/setup sections
- Woodland Mills official U.S. product page — Capacity and hydraulic infeed sections; current price
- Woodland Mills WC68 operator manual, Rev C, 28-May-2024 — Printed p9 product/shipping weights; p12 Cat 1 and PTO range; operation/setup sections
- Woodland Mills TFG55 PTO official U.S. product page
- Woodland Mills TFG55 PTO operator manual, Rev B, 15-Oct-2024 — Printed p9 weight/minimum HP; p11 hitch paragraph; p13 included parts
