Setting up WoodMaxx chipper.

[Gaspasser]

Just uncrating WoodMaxx MX 8800. Most robust boxing/palletizing I have ever seen. Of course after unboxing, saw that the 3 pt was facing the wrong way so will need to turn it around with pallet forks to expose approach for the 3 pt. It is bolted to the pallet and am thinking of mounting pressure treated skid plates to bottom of frame once I lift it off the pallet to keep the steel frame off the ground. Seems like a no brainer but am I missing any potential pitfalls in doing this? Wonder if this will mess with PTO linkage height or other issues. My first PTO implement so will need to figure our shaft length,hookup and PTO function. As always, all suggestions appreciated.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Just uncrating WoodMaxx MX 8800. Most robust boxing/palletizing I have ever seen. Of course after unboxing, saw that the 3 pt was facing the wrong way so will need to turn it around with pallet forks to expose approach for the 3 pt. It is bolted to the pallet and am thinking of mounting pressure treated skid plates to bottom of frame once I lift it off the pallet to keep the steel frame off the ground. Seems like a no brainer but am I missing any potential pitfalls in doing this? Wonder if this will mess with PTO linkage height or other issues. My first PTO implement so will need to figure our shaft length,hookup and PTO function. As always, all suggestions appreciated.

The chemicals in pressure treated wood might be corrosive, they recommend corrosion-resistant screws. How about a plastic piece?

 

[mikester]

I welded up a steel frame on mine using 2x6 steel tube that allows me to grab the chipper with forks on all four sides. Makes storage easier. The wide base stops the chipper from sinking into the ground while chipping. The added weight also dampens vibration.

 

[Gaspasser]

I welded up a steel frame on mine using 2x6 steel tube that allows me to grab the chipper with forks on all four sides. Makes storage easier. The wide base stops the chipper from sinking into the ground while chipping. The added weight also dampens vibration.

Thanks PoTree and Mike. Appreciate the feedback. Hadn't considered the PT wood corrosion issue. That's important for fasteners but I had nor considered contact with the steel frame. Perhaps bolting on a plastic pallet, or instead, strips of plastic flooring/membrane a "gasket" between wood and steel. Thanks guys. Now I just have to figure out cutting PTO shaft to length. Another educational hurdle for this newbie.

 

[NCL4701]

Thanks PoTree and Mike. Appreciate the feedback. Hadn't considered the PT wood corrosion issue. That's important for fasteners but I had nor considered contact with the steel frame. Perhaps bolting on a plastic pallet, or instead, strips of plastic flooring/membrane a "gasket" between wood and steel. Thanks guys. Now I just have to figure out cutting PTO shaft to length. Another educational hurdle for this newbie.

There are a bunch of really good videos on YouTube that show how to shorten a PTO shaft. Watch a few about 5 times, measure twice, cut once (actually cut twice, because you have to cut both ends to shorten it).

 

[Elliott in GA]

FWIW, I did not need to cut the PTO shaft that came with my WoodMaxx MX 8500G+, but I use a LP Quick Hitch. I simply picked up the chipper with the Quick Hitch, and I raised the chipper to a height where the PTO shaft would be level - PTO stub to PTO stub. This is the shortest point for the PTO shaft in the 3 point arc. I attached the PTO shaft to the chipper, and then I had to extend it several inches to reach the tractor's PTO stub. So, no cutting needed. YMMV

 

[Gaspasser]

Tha

There are a bunch of really good videos on YouTube that show how to shorten a PTO shaft. Watch a few about 5 times, measure twice, cut once (actually cut twice, because you have to cut both ends to shorten it).

Thanks NCL. Funny you said that because I've watched multiple videos multiple times today. The written instructions are quite confusing. Basically, I've boiled it down to determining the shortest length at all positions of the 3 pt and then giving myself 3 extra inches shorter for wiggle room. As long as I have better than 1/3 overlap of the shafts, I should be good. Got grinder and cutting wheel ready but just finished chipper assembly this evening so mabye work up the nerve to cut the shaft tomorrow. What could possibly go wrong (yikes). Thanks again for advice.

 

[Gaspasser]

FWIW, I did not need to cut the PTO shaft that came with my WoodMaxx MX 8500G+, but I use a LP Quick Hitch. I simply picked up the chipper with the Quick Hitch, and I raised the chipper to a height where the PTO shaft would be level - PTO stub to PTO stub. This is the shortest point for the PTO shaft in the 3 point arc. I attached the PTO shaft to the chipper, and then I had to extend it several inches to reach the tractor's PTO stub. So, no cutting needed. YMMV

Thanks Elliot. I use Pat's quick hitch but still cannot make connections. Shaft is too long at shortest compression. So will see tomorrow.

 

[Gaspasser]

I welded up a steel frame on mine using 2x6 steel tube that allows me to grab the chipper with forks on all four sides. Makes storage easier. The wide base stops the chipper from sinking into the ground while chipping. The added weight also dampens vibration.

Thanks Mike. Any pics available? Sounds like a great idea.

 

[Merlota]

I did a 4x4 PT base for 7" of lift to keep the PTO almost exactly straight when running. I don't use any quick hitch so the shaft was very short and the angle got steep quickly. Felt more comfortable with it straight when in use.

 

[mikester]

Thanks Mike. Any pics available? Sounds like a great idea.

I also added a receiver so I can tow a small wagon for the chips

 

[jonsstihl]

I can't remember why but I think you don't want it to be perfectly straight during operation. a slight angle is better

 

[Gaspasser]

Finally finished assembly of WoodMaxx chipper. Apparently their employees are happy with their work. See pic #2.