This review delves into the Woodland Mills TF68 Pro wood chipper, a new model boasting significant upgrades from its predecessor, the WC68. We detail the assembly process, highlighting both its ease and the areas where a second person might be helpful. A key focus is on the new features, such as the innovative twin flywheel system and the hydraulic infeed system powered by the tractor's PTO. We also examine the safety mechanisms, including the shear pin system and the importance of correct PTO shaft sizing.Our comprehensive assessment covers both the strengths and weaknesses of the TF68 Pro. We analyze the performance improvements, particularly the enhanced chip ejection and reduced clogging, while also addressing persistent challenges with the intake wheel's handling of larger branches. This detailed review offers valuable insights for potential buyers considering upgrading to this powerful and efficient wood chipper, weighing the advancements against remaining areas for potential future design refinement.
Pros And Cons
- Twin flywheels create more air volume to remove chips and debris
- Gas shocks instead of springs for take-up wheel tensioning (potentially smoother operation)
- Similar intake wheel design to WC68, still difficult to feed large branches
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Unboxing and Initial Assembly
The TF68 Pro arrived well-packaged, securely fastened within a crate. Initial impressions were positive, with the packaging exceeding expectations. The included instructions were clear and easy to follow, a significant advantage for assembly.
Assembly involved a moderate number of parts, mostly familiar components from the previous WC68 model. The process was straightforward, although some steps might benefit from a second person due to the weight of certain pieces. The assembly itself provided a satisfying sense of involvement.
Key Design Differences and Features
A notable improvement is the replacement of the tension springs on the take-up wheel with gas shocks. This potentially offers smoother operation and better balance, addressing a common issue with the WC68 model where the take-up wheel struggled with larger branches.
The TF68 Pro incorporates a hydraulic infeed system powered by the tractor's PTO, which simplifies operation. The twin flywheel system, featuring a primary cutting flywheel and a high-speed secondary flywheel, aims for enhanced chip ejection and reduced clogging. This is a significant departure from the WC68's design.
PTO Shaft Installation and Safety
Correct PTO shaft sizing is crucial for safety and preventing damage to both the chipper and the tractor. Improper sizing can lead to significant damage. It's essential to ensure correct sizing before operating the machine.
The TF68 Pro utilizes a shear pin system instead of a slip clutch, minimizing weight while maintaining safety. The push-button release mechanism is a convenient feature that improves the usability of the PTO shaft connection.
Final Assembly and Initial Testing
The final steps included greasing the bearings, filling the hydraulic reservoir with the appropriate ISO 46 hydraulic oil, and a thorough check of all connections and safety mechanisms.
The initial test run revealed a similar issue to the WC68 concerning the intake wheel's difficulty grabbing larger branches. While the twin flywheel system noticeably increased airflow, the intake wheel design remains a potential area for improvement.
Conclusion and Overall Assessment
The Woodland Mills TF68 Pro wood chipper is a powerful machine with several improvements over its predecessor. The twin flywheel system delivers notably enhanced airflow, significantly improving chip ejection and reducing clogging. The hydraulic infeed system is a welcome addition.
However, the intake wheel design remains a limitation, mirroring the WC68’s challenges with larger branches. While the gas shocks on the take-up wheel offer some improvement, a more substantial redesign might be necessary to fully address this issue. Despite this, the TF68 Pro’s performance enhancements make it a worthy upgrade for those seeking a more efficient and less prone to clogging wood chipper.