FAQ

Product Information & Choosing Your Sawmill

It is not recommended to exceed the manufacturer’s specifications (diameter, length), as it may damage the machine, blade, or engine. If your usage requires handling larger logs, it’s better to choose a model with a higher capacity margin (for example, the Green Monster or Green Monster Wide).

The difference comes from the quality of materials (welded tubular steel frame, robust components), reliable engines (Honda), premium comfort/features (electric cutting height, hydraulic blade tensioner, One-Step-Go start system, automatic brake/lubrication), warranty, parts support, etc. These are investments that pay off over time.

No, most models arrive assembled and ready to use from the factory. You only need to do a few adjustments, attachments, or basic calibration based on your setup.

Yes, it is possible, but once the wheels are removed, they generally cannot be reinstalled because the structure/connections won’t be compatible anymore. Also, the machine’s resale value is higher when the wheels are included. If you do not plan to move the mill often, you can set it up as a stationary machine at home or bring it to its final location and then remove the wheels.

It depends on what you want to do:

  • If you have small projects, occasional use, or if you are just starting out, we recommend a smaller model (e.g., Yellowstone).
  • If you want to saw large logs (large diameter, longer length) or plan to use the mill more intensively, then models like the Green Monster or Green Monster Wide are better suited.
  • If mobility/transportation is important, we look at frame size, engine type, and weight.
  • We also compare the maximum cutting capacity (diameter, length), ease of use (adjustable cutting height, blade tension system, ease of maintenance), and overall comfort.

You can always ask your local dealer — sometimes machines become available unexpectedly.

Absolutely.
Visit our official YouTube channel to see demos, reviews, and tutorials. Some dealers also offer on-site demonstrations.

Vallée Mobile Sawmills: Designed and manufactured in Quebec, Canada.

Red Runner & Bulldog: Manufactured in China.

Yes! All our machines are fully assembled and tested before delivery.

Yes. Dealers maintain an inventory of common parts, and we ship replacement parts quickly when needed. You can find more information on our warranty page.

Ordering & Financing

Financing options are handled directly through our dealers, who often have financing programs available.
We recommend contacting your dealer to learn about available options.

We usually maintain consistent pricing across our dealer network.
Dealers may occasionally offer promotions or seasonal discounts — contact your local dealer for details.

Absolutely. Please provide your tax exemption documentation to your dealer, and the tax will be removed from your invoice according to Canadian regulations.

Yes. Most of our dealers offer their own financing options, making it easier to get the machine you want without paying the full amount upfront. We recommend contacting your nearest dealer to learn about the financing plans they offer. Find your nearest dealer here.

Monthly payments vary depending on the dealer, the financing program they offer, the interest rate, and the selected term. Your nearest dealer will be able to provide an exact quote based on the model you want and the financing option available. Find your nearest dealer here.

Delivery & Transport

Your dealer will provide a delivery quote based on your location.
Transport can be arranged directly to your home or business.

Yes. Dealers quote, schedule, and organize delivery within their assigned territory. Find your nearest dealers near you here.

Dealer Network

We keep many parts in stock, and our dealer network can quickly order anything missing. Since the machines are designed to be easy to maintain, this helps reduce maintenance costs.

Yes! We operate with an official dealer network and protected territories.
👉 Find your nearest dealer using our Dealer Locator tool.

Your dealer is your primary point of contact for:

  • Product information
  • Ordering and invoicing
  • Delivery logistics
  • Warranty claims
  • Parts and service

Our dealer network operates with exclusive territories to ensure proper service, support, and warranty coverage.

Company & Contact Information

To offer products that are easy to use, durable, and affordable.

Vallée Forestry Equipment is a Canadian company based in Saint-Denis-de-Brompton, Quebec. We have specialized for over 20 years in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of recreational forestry equipment.

We regularly attend forestry shows and equipment expos in Canada and the U.S.
Upcoming events are posted on our website and social media.

Our main facility is located in Saint-Denis-de-Brompton, Quebec, where our story began more than 25 years ago.

We also have dealers representing us all over the world.

Troubleshooting & Machine Support

It is very likely that your blade guide bearing is worn or defective. Replacing the bearing should solve your problem.

Check the Hydraulic Oil Level
If it is too low, add hydraulic oil.

Check for Micro-Leaks in the Tensioner Hydraulic System
A good way to identify a possible leak is to look for small sawdust balls. Their position indicates the location of any micro-leaks, if present.

Tensioner Seal May Be Defective
Replace it if necessary.

Several factors can cause this issue:

  • Empty Fuel Tank – Fill it with gasoline with an octane rating of at least 89.
  • Oil Level Too Low – Add engine oil. In summer, most small engines use 10W30. In winter, it is recommended to use a thinner oil such as 5W30. Always refer to the engine manufacturer’s manual for the correct oil type and quantity.
  • Clogged Fuel Line – Check and clean it as needed.
  • Blown Fuse – Replace it.
  • Dead or Defective Battery – Recharge or replace the battery as needed.
  • Defective Engine Carburetor – Have it repaired or replaced if necessary.

Maintenance, including lubrication, should be performed at least every 40 hours of operation.

The first engine oil change should be done around 20 hours of use or after the first month, whichever comes first. After that, it should be done every 100 hours or every 6 months.

We recommend referring to the “Maintenance Schedule” section of your user manual for more detailed information.

There are two possible causes: either the winch solenoid is defective, or the winch itself is defective.

And if it doesn’t stop automatically when the cutting head is fully raised or lowered, what could it be?

The main cause of this problem is a defective limit switch (microswitch) on the winch.

Several factors can cause this problem:

  • Wheels Are Misaligned – To adjust them, refer to the “Adjust Wheel Position” section in your user manual.
  • Drive Belts Are Worn – Replace them.
  • Play in a Wheel – Tighten and lubricate the wheel bearing. To do this, refer to the “Tighten and Lubricate Wheel Bearings” section in your user manual.

There are two things you can do if a wheel is loose:

Tighten the Bolt – To do this, refer to the “Tighten and Lubricate Wheel Bearings” section of your user manual.

Check for a Damaged Bearing – If present, replace it.

Cause
There is not enough lubricant on the stainless steel posts of the saw head.

Solution
Apply dry lubricant to the posts.

Note: Vallée Forestry Equipment recommends using Sinto MAXEP lubricant (part no.: SI-0003). Never apply grease to these posts.

Cause
Carriage rollers are misaligned or worn.

Solution

  • Check the angle of the carriage rollers.
  • On each roller, make sure the bolt is not bent.

Cause
The rails are dirty or damaged.

Solution
Clean the rails; replace them if necessary.

Cause
Blade tension is too low or too high.

Solution
Check the blade tension and adjust it if necessary (see Adjusting blade tension (p. 57)).

Cause
The blade is worn or damaged.

Solution
Sharpen or replace the blade.

Cause
The sawmill is not level.

Solution
Check that the sawmill is level; adjust the leveling if necessary.

Cause
Blade tension is too low or too high.

Solution
Check the blade tension and adjust it if necessary (see Adjusting blade tension (p. 57)).

Cause
Blade tension is too high.

Solution
Check the blade tension and reduce it if necessary (see Adjusting blade tension (p. 57)).

Cause
The blade is slipping on the blade guides.

Solution
Make sure the blade guides turn freely.

Cause
The blade is slipping on the band wheels.

Solution
Replace the drive belt.
If necessary, machine the band wheels to reduce their outer rim so the blade rests on the rubber and not on the metal.

Cause
There is not enough lubricant on the blade.

Solution

  • Check the blade lubricant flow and increase it if necessary.
  • Make sure the lubricant outlet is correctly positioned.

Cause
The blade guide roller is worn.

Solution
Replace the blade guide.

Cause
The blade guide bearing is worn or defective.

Solution
Replace the blade guide bearing.

Cause
The hydraulic oil level is too low.

Solution
Add hydraulic oil.

Cause
The tensioner seal is defective.

Solution
Replace the tensioner seal.

Cause
There are micro-leaks in the hydraulic system of the tensioner.

Solution
Inspect the hydraulic fittings of the tensioner system to find any possible leaks. Small balls of sawdust will form where micro-leaks are present.

Cause
The fuse is blown.

Solution
Replace the fuse.

Cause
The battery is discharged or defective.

Solution
Recharge the battery; replace it if necessary.

Cause
The fuel tank is empty.

Solution
Fill the fuel tank.

Cause
The oil level is too low.

Solution
Add engine oil.

Cause
The fuel tank hose is clogged.

Solution
Check the fuel tank hose and clean it if necessary.

Cause
The engine carburetor is defective.

Solution
Have the carburetor repaired; replace it if necessary.

Causes:

  • Dull blade
  • Rocks, dirt, or debris embedded in bark
  • Pushing the saw too fast
  • Nails or hardware inside the log (hidden under bark)

Solutions:
✓ Debark your logs if they are dirty or muddy — even clean-looking logs contain dirt
✓ Use a debarking tool or clean the log manually
✓ Inspect for nails, staples, fencing, insulators, etc. and remove them
✓ Slow down your feed rate
✓ Watch for dirt/rocks in bark and remove them
✓ Clean/replace the air filter
✓ Sharpen/replace the blade

Cause:

  • One tooth is out of set

Solution:
✓ Re-set the tooth

Cause:

  • Blade may be installed backwards

Solution:
✓ Rotate the blade so the teeth point toward the discharge direction

Cause:

  • Too much dog pressure or improper dogging

Solution:
✓ Reduce dog pressure

Causes:

  • Log too stubborn (too much dog pressure)
  • Track not level or square
  • Cables out of alignment
  • Guides not adjusted properly
  • The flat side of the cant is not aligned with the squaring post on the first cut
  • Bad carriage wheel bearing

Solutions:
✓ Reduce dog pressure
✓ Level the track
✓ Re-adjust cables
✓ Re-adjust blade guides
✓ Ensure the flat cant face sits flush against the squaring post
✓ Replace carriage wheel

Causes:

  • Pushing the mill too fast
  • Dirty air filter
  • Dull blade

Solutions:
✓ Slow your feed rate
✓ Clean/replace the air filter
✓ Sharpen/replace the blade

Causes:

  • Dull blades
  • Debris and/or oil causing slippage
  • Pushing the saw too fast through the log

Solutions:
✓ Sharpen or replace the blade
✓ Clean the clutch housing
✓ Inspect/repair clutch springs and shoes

Causes:

  • Engine RPM not high enough
  • Belt slipping
  • Dull blade when cutting hardwood
  • Bark, sawdust, or debris buildup on wheels or track

Solutions:
✓ Always saw at full RPM
✓ Adjust belt tension
✓ Slow down your feed rate
✓ Sharpen or replace the blade
✓ Clean the wheels and track

Causes:

  • Dull blade
  • Engine RPM not high enough
  • Blade tension too low
  • Sawing soft wood
  • Pitch build-up in the blade gullets

Solutions:
✓ Sharpen or replace the blade
✓ Saw at full RPM
✓ Check the torque on the tension bolt
✓ Perform a “flutter test”
✓ Use blade lubricant
⚠️ DO NOT USE petroleum products, mineral oil, or vegetable oil on our mills
✓ Saw the log from the top down (small end to large end)
✓ Slow down feed rate
✓ Reset the blade teeth to proper set

Possible causes:

  1. Log not clamped securely
  2. Belts have flat spots
  3. Worn band wheel bearings
  4. Feed rate too fast
  5. Loose bolts

Solutions:

  1. Secure log firmly against log supports
  2. Replace belts (p. 39)
  3. Inspect/replace bearings
  4. Slow feed rate
  5. Tighten all bolts

Possible causes:

  1. Dull blade
  2. Blade installed backwards

Solutions:

  1. Install new blade (p. 38)
  2. Flip blade so teeth point toward log supports

Possible causes:

  1. Inadequate blade tension
  2. Incorrect drive belt tension
  3. Feed rate too fast

Solutions:

  1. Tighten the blade (p. 38)
  2. Replace belts if worn or loose (p. 39)
  3. Slow feed rate

Possible causes:

  1. Too many sharpenings
  2. Inadequate blade tension
  3. Incorrect guide block adjustment
  4. Poor blade tracking
  5. Feed rate too fast

Solutions:

  1. Replace the blade (p. 38)
  2. Blade rubbing between guide blocks when too loose — tighten blade (p. 38)
  3. Adjust guide block gap (p. 36)
  4. Adjust tracking (p. 30)
  5. Slow feed rate

Possible causes:

  1. Inadequate blade tension
  2. Incorrect guide block adjustment
  3. Poor blade tracking
  4. Worn belts
  5. Dull blade
  6. Feed rate too fast

Solutions:
Same as above:

  1. Tighten the blade (p. 38)
  2. Adjust guide block gap (p. 36)
  3. Adjust tracking (p. 30)
  4. Install new belts (p. 39)
  5. Install new blade (p. 38)
  6. Slow feed rate

Possible causes:

  1. Logs are not clean (dirt, sand)
  2. Foreign objects in log (nails, staples, fence wire, etc.)

Solutions:

  1. Dirt or sand causes premature dulling
  2. Inspect logs for metal or foreign objects

Cause:

  1. Rails are not level

Solution:

  1. Check rails with a level and adjust. Install rails on solid, stable ground to avoid deflection from logs or mill head weight.

Possible causes:

  1. Inadequate blade tension
  2. Blade guide misadjusted
  3. Poor blade tracking
  4. Sap buildup on blade
  5. Dull blade
  6. Feed rate too fast

Solutions:

  1. Tighten the blade (see page 38)
  2. Correct guide block gap (see page 36)
  3. Adjust blade alignment (see page 30)
  4. Install a new blade and always use blade lubricant (see page 38)
  5. Install a new blade (see page 38)
  6. Slow down the feed rate

Cause

  • Lack of pressure at the main hydraulic block.

Correction

  • Increase pressure by tightening the relief valve to reach 3000 psi on the gauge when the saw is activated.

Cause

  • Lack of hydraulic oil.

Correction

  • Check that the hydraulic oil level in the processor is sufficient.

Cause

  • Relief valve adjustment.

Correction

  • If the saw and conveyor pressures are correct, the hydraulic relief block may need adjustment. By unscrewing the adjustment knob, the pressure should increase.

Cause

  • Internal leak in the splitter cylinder.

Correction

  • The splitter cylinder must be replaced.

Cause

  • Internal damage in the hydraulic relief block.

Correction

  • The hydraulic relief block must be replaced.

Cause

  • Incorrect roller adjustment.

Correction

  • Adjust the lower roller via its bearing and the upper roller accordingly.

Cause

  • Debris between rollers and conveyor frame.

Correction

  • Make sure to remove any wood debris that can come into contact with the sides of the conveyor.

Cause

  • Defective bearing / excessive play.

Correction

  • Inspect bearings for excessive play or resistance indicating a defect; replace the bearing if necessary.

Cause

  • Improper conveyor belt tension.

Correction

  • Adjust tension with the adjustment knobs at the top of the conveyor.

Cause

  • Poor chain lubrication.

Correction

  • Check the flow adjustment on the valve.
  • Make sure the oil tube is not pinched or cut.
  • Ensure the oil port on the cutting bar adjustment block aligns correctly with the lubrication hole on the cutting bar.

Cause

  • Internal leak in the saw motor.

Correction

  • Motor must be replaced.

Cause

  • Insufficient pressure at the main hydraulic block.

Correction

  • Increase the pressure by tightening the relief valve to reach 600 psi on the gauge when the saw is activated.

Cause

  • Splitter return is activated during cutting bar descent.

Note / Correction

  • On some processors, we observed that a wire bundle installed too tightly could pull the lever to the right when it is pulled down, causing the splitter return to engage unintentionally and resulting in hydraulic pressure loss. Correct the routing/tension of the wiring.

Cause

  • Lack of hydraulic oil.

Correction

  • Check that the hydraulic oil volume in the processor is sufficient.

Cause

  • Chain is no longer cutting.

Correction

  • Chain must be replaced or sharpened.

Cause

  • Cutting bar is bent/warped or burnt.

Correction

  • Bar must be replaced.

Cause

  • Lack of air pressure in the pneumatic tank.

Correction

  • Make sure the gauge returns to 0 when purged and reads 4.6–4.8 MPa (68–70 psi) during operation.

Cause

  • Flow control valve on the hydraulic circuit of the cylinder is too closed.

Correction

  • Adjust the valve by turning the knob: more towards “–” for easier/faster lowering and towards “+” for slower lowering.

Cause

  • Relief valve is too tight on the main hydraulic block.

Correction

  • Unscrew the adjustment of the holding valve until the cutting bar lowers by itself, then tighten it just enough to stop it.

Cause

  • Squareness is incorrect during the cutting bar descent.

Correction

  • Adjust the bearings so that the cutting bar descends perpendicular into the wood.

Problem
1- The clutch play is too small
2- The clutch is not fully disengaged

Solution
Adjust the clutch play or replace the clutch spring

Cause:
1- The nut /57 M40 x 1.5 is loose
2- Clutch spring is deformed

Solution:
1- Increase the play and tighten the round nut /57 M40 x 1.5
2- Replace the clutch spring

Cause:
Return spring is too tight

Solution:
Adjust or replace the return spring

Cause:
1- Wood chips or debris under the thrust plate
2- Return spring is too loose

Solution:
1- Remove debris from under the thrust plate
2- Apply oil to the assembly
3- Adjust or replace the return spring

Cause:
1- Check the gas level
2- Check the oil level
3- Check fuel ON/OFF
4- Check ON/OFF switch

Solution:
1- Add gas
2- Add oil
3- Refer to the engine manual

Swap the hoses to change which hydraulic arm is controlled. To change the direction/function of an arm, you must reverse the quick-connect couplers.

Possible cause

  • The actuator cable or the valve is stuck. This valve tells the cylinder that the saw has been raised.

Possible solution

  • Readjust the cable.
  • Check that the valve moves freely.

Possible cause

  • Lack of hydraulic oil.

Possible solution

  • Check the oil level and add hydraulic oil if needed (hydraulic oil only).

Possible causes

  • Valve is stuck.
  • Chainsaw chain is too tight.

Possible solutions

  • Unstick the valve and make sure the saw cylinder is well lubricated.
  • Make sure there is a gap between the chain and the guide bar (about 2–5 mm).

Possible cause

  • Chain not sharpened or worn.

Possible solution

  • Sharpen or change the chainsaw chain.

Possible cause

  • Valve not completely closed/pressed by the safety guard. If this valve is not properly pressed, the cutting oil does not lubricate the blade correctly.

Possible solution

  • Adjust the stop latch. When the saw blade is lowered, the valve underneath must be fully pressed.

Possible cause

  • Emergency stop button engaged or unknown source.

Possible solution

  • Check that the red emergency stop button is not engaged.
  • Open the safety guard. You will be able to start the engine, but none of the components will operate until the safety conditions are met.

Possible cause

  • Valve stuck or not fully pressed by the safety guard. If this valve is not properly pressed, the engine runs but none of the components start for safety reasons.

Possible solution

  • Check the safety valve under the guard; this valve must be fully pressed when the guard is closed.

Possible cause

  • Lack of air in the hydraulic circuit (see 9.12)

Possible solution

  • Locate the tank and fill it up to the green zone.
  • Standard and Deluxe models: 0.45 PSI.

Check the chain oil level – add chain oil if needed.

Open the tank valve to increase the flow as needed.

Check the automatic lubrication valve to see if the oil reaches the block and adjust the flow valve.

If neither of these adjustments solves the problem, open the block and clean the piston.

Check the overload valve of the swing motor.

Swap the main hydraulic hoses of the swing motor and check the change.

Check the venting of the multi-way valve body.

Check the overload valve.

Check for travel motor wear.

Check the rear final drive/head oil seal.

Check the bucket cylinder and its oil seal.

Check whether the multi-way valve spool rod is stuck.

Check whether the high/low speed control switch is loose.

Check whether the solenoid valve, connector head, and coil are stuck.

Check the high-speed circuit pressure.

Clean the radiator and check for lack of coolant/antifreeze.

Check whether the thermostat opens properly.

Check the fan belt.

Check whether the diesel pump has fuel or air in the system.

Inspect the diesel pump.

Check whether the diesel filter element contains water or is clogged.

First, use the boom and arm of the excavator to lift the machine off the ground.

Place the track over the drive sprocket and position the other end on the idler to compress it.

Start the machine and slowly walk backwards, using the arm to help guide the track onto the rollers.

Check the output of the multi-way valve body.

Check for travel motor wear.

Check for internal leakage due to a damaged oil seal on the rear final drive/head.

Check whether the bucket cylinder oil seal is damaged.

Check for foreign objects or scratches on the multi-way valve spool rod.

Check whether the piping is blocked.

Check whether the fuse is blown or loose.

Check whether the battery cable is loose.

Check the battery relays.

Do you have more questions? Call us 1-800-577-2722

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