Hudson oscar 428 User manual

OSCAR428SAWMILLOPERATOR’SMANUAL
WWW.HUD-SON.COM • 800.765.SAWS
8201 STATE ROUTE 12 • PO BOX 345 • BARNEVELD, NY 13304

A NOTE FROM HUD-SON
Thank you for your purchase of a sawmill from Hud-Son Forest Equipment. We are
pleased that you chose us as your supplier of your forestry equipment.
Hud-Son Forest Equipment has been in the forestry business since 1965 and prides itself
on developing new and innovative products for the forestry business.
Our product line is always transforming so please check us out on the web at www.hud-
son.com for the up and coming developments we are making.
Should you have any questions with the setup of your mill or have any technical questions
please feel free to contact our on-side technician Monday - Friday, 8 to 4:30 and Saturdays
from 8 to noon eastern time at 800-765-7297. We are always available to our customers
for any questions or concerns they may have about their equipment.
CONTENTS
2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A note from Hud-Son
3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Introduction
4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Safety
6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Set Up
10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Transport
15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Care & Maintenance
19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parts & Warranty
23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lift Cable Instructions
24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trouble Shooting
26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parts List
28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sawmill Drawings
2

INTRODUCTION
Purchaser Agreement
By accepting the delivery of your sawmill by Hud-Son Forest Equipment
you agree that you will not modify your mill from it’s original assembly.
This will VOID any warranty from Hud-Son Forest Equipment.
Dealer: ________________________________________
Phone Number: _________________________
Address: ___________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Purchase Date: ______________________
Model: ___________________________________________
Serial Number: _________________________________________________
This manual is filled with the latest information and specifications at the time of publica-
tion. We have the right to make changes as they are needed. Any of the changes in our
product may cause a variation between the illustrations and explanations in the manual
and the item that you have purchased.
3
DISPUTES
All disputes, claims and causes of action arising
out of the delivery, use, or warranty claims for
personal injury and or property damage must:
1. Claimant must provide a written notice
of the claim or dispute to the company (at the
address below) at least 30 days after the claim
arose prior to commencement of any action;
2. Company has 60 days to make a decision
on the claim and will provide a written
response to claimant;
3. No action may be commenced until after
the company has provided its decision on the
claim;
4. All claims against the company for any
cause related to delivery, design defects,
repairs, use of the equipment or warranty shall
be filed in Supreme Court, Oneida County,
State of New York. The parties may file for
Arbitration in Oneida County New York after
consent by both parties.
5. Construction and interpretation of this
agreement and any and all claims shall be sub-
ject to the Laws of the State of New York.
6: The address for submission of claims is:
Hud-Son Forest Equipment
PO Box 345
8201 State Route 12
Barneveld, NY 13304
7. Notices under this agreement must be in
writing and sent by certified or registered mail.
Please fill out the information for quick reference:

4
2 - Keep all body parts and foreign objects away from all moving parts. Do not reach into
the machine while it is still operating. (Be Sure The Machine Is OFF.)
3 - Do not attempt to override any safety features on the machine.
4 - Inspect the machine before every use for wear, damage, and that it’s functioning
correctly. If the machine has been damaged or is not running correctly.
DO NOT attempt to operate the machine. Repair or replace all parts when necessary.
5 - Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry while operating or servicing the machine.
6 - All replacement parts should be of the same specifications as the original parts on
your Hud-Son machine.
7 - All guards and covers must be in place before operating the machine.
8 - Before starting the machine be sure that it is set up properly.
9 - DO NOT operate or service any machinery while under the influence of drugs or
alcohol, while tired or if you are unable to control your movements.
10 - All worn or damaged Decal's should be replaced.
11 - Any modifications to the machine requires written approval from
Hud-Son Forest Equipment.
12 -The sawmill should only be used when it is on level stable ground.
Safety Guidelines
The reason for the safety section is to inform the operators and maintenance personnel,
the precautions that should be taken while operating or servicing the Hud-Son Mills.
Please use good judgement and keep safety in mind when operating Hud-Son machinery.
Please read and follow ALL the instructions in this manual before operating the Hud-Son
Mill safely at all times. These instructions were produced for your benefit. Your ability
to understand and follow the instructions is essential for the safe operation of this prod-
uct. Always call your servicing dealer if you are in doubt before operation of any kind.
General Safety Procedures
1 - Always wear safety glasses, ear protection, and gloves while operating or
servicing the machine.
The safety rules are made for the benefit of the persons operating and servicing the machine, to
prevent injury to oneself or others. Please review all setup and operating procedures before
attempting to run the machine, whether covered in this manual or not, to ensure the safest
operation of this product.

Hud-Son Forest Equipment is not liable for damage to property or personal injury due to
the failure of any person and/or operator to follow the instructions and recommendations
set forth in this manual or any other instructions or recommendations contained in other
literature issued by other vendor manuals in the owner's kit.
Product Safety Decal's
The Decal's below are used on the Hud-Son Saw Mills to identify warnings and prohibit-
ed actions. It is very important that you understand the meaning of the Decal's for your
safety and the safety of others. Decal's are to be replaced if worn or illegible.
CAUTION - Be EXTRA careful around
these areas, unsafe practices may cause
personnel injury or damage.
DANGER - Be careful around any rotat-
ing parts, they may cause personnel injury
or damage.
DANGER - Be sure to be very cautious
and alert, these areas may cause personnel
injury or damage.
CAUTION - Operating equipment with-
out guards may cause personnel injury or
damage.
BLADE LUBE TANK - Be sure to use
the correct lubrication, if incorrect lube is
used it may cause personnel injury or
damage.
NOTICE - Please remember to send in
warranty card and information.
CAUTION - All debris need to be
removed from machine before transport-
ing, failure to do so may cause personnel
injury or damage.
CAUTION FIRE HAZARD - Keep
all sawdust away from motor.
CAUTION
Before, During and After Operation
Check the engine compartment for sawdust and wood trash
build up in and around the engine compartment and the
exhaust area to prevent any possible fires from starting due to
excessive build up. Always clean the sawdust out from under
the machine after shut down and be sure there is no sawdust
build up near or around the muffler area.
5

Receiving and Unit Inspection
1 - Upon receiving your unit do a walk around and visual inspection of the unit. Make
note of any damage and contact us immediately with any issue you may have. Note:
All equipment is assembled, tested and inspected before shipping. Damage can occur
during transit, which could cause the unit to not operate correctly.
Unpacking Unit
1 - Flat bed trailer delivery: remove straps or chains securing the unit.
2 - Remove lag screws and strapping that secures the machine to the skid.
Moving the Unit
(Forklift is needed for track units)
1 - Machine needs to be lifted at the lift point,
see picture for points.
a. Use a safety device for lifting to avoid
any damage/injury.
2 - Move unit to operator's site, lower unit and
remove unit from forks.
Steps for Setting Up the Hud-Son Saw Mill
A. Machine Set-Up (ground track unit) (SEE FIG. A page #7)
1 - For best results and easier set-up, the mill location should be level solid ground
and free of obstructions.
2 - A level cement pad is the best option, but square timbers also work well. You will
need to support the track at each joint and under each cross member of the track .
3 - You will need to be sure that the mill TRACK is level from front to back and side
to side. The better the mill track is supported the better the mill will work.
4 - There should be a 4 ft. clear work area around the entire mill.
B. Welded Track Assembly
1 - Dogs need to be facing in the same direction, all the movable dogs need to be on
the operators side of track.
2 - There are additional holes in the track so that the dogs can be moved to different
positions for cutting shorter or longer logs if needed.
3 - The tracks are bolted together using the 1/2” bolts and nuts provided. The Oscar
428 mill will have 2 bolt/nuts per section of track. Line up the tracks so that the holes
align. Using the provided bolts, put them through the holes and finger tighten the
nuts. Adjust the track height so that the 2 pieces of track meet flush and level. Work
one side then the other, once level has been achieved, check the track to see if it aligns
vertically at the joint. If the track is not aligned correctly use a hammer to tap it into
position. Do not tap on the vertical rail. Once this is accomplished tighten the bolts
securely. NOTE: when the mill head rolls over the track joint it should be smooth.
There should be no bump or rise at the track joint. (see fig. B page #7)
6
Ground Track Set Up For the 428 Sawmill

7
Bolted together Track
Flush & Level
Track on level ground, free of
obstructions
Moveable dogs on one side
Track Stops
Squaring
Pin
Operator’s Side
Track
Bolts
Correct Track Set-Up / Layout
Moveable Log Dog
4 - The track comes with four yellow track stop tabs and the bolts to fasten them to the
track. Place the track stops at the four end corners, then bolt on the inside of the track.
Place them on the inside corner of the track, secure them into place with the bolt and
nut provided. The track stop tabs are placed at an angle over the track to prevent the
mill head from rolling off the track at each end . (see fig. C)
fig.A
fig.B
fig.C
5 - To saw a board accurately, the track needs to be straight and flat. To obtain this, use a
string tied tight from end to end or a level. If the track/trailer has a crown or dip, you
will not be able to saw a straight board. (see fig.D below.)
Correct Track
(side view)
Incorrect
Dipped Track
fig.D
NOTE : If you set up on soft or frozen ground it’s best to check the track daily for level-
ness due to changing weather and temperature.

D. Tensioning the Blade on all Models
NEVER tension your blade with the engine running. Your mill is shipped to you without
any tension on the blade. If there is tension left on the blade for a period of time, it can cause
flat spots on the band wheel belt. This can cause vibration and the blade to fall off the
wheel. Always remember to de-tension your blade when you are done sawing for the day.
1 - For all of our mills, make sure blade is flush with the back of the band wheel or shive
(Blade could have moved in shipping process).
2 - To tension or loosen the blade, (see figure G. on page #11)
3 - Turn the adjusting nut, clockwise until 30-35 pounds of torque is achieved.
The recommended tool for this is a torque wrench. By hand, rotate blade 3-4 full
revolutions; this centers the blade on the wheels.
4 - With gloves on, pull up on the blade at the center guard. Allow for no more than
a ¼" movement up or down on the blade.
5 - Check that guides are not so tight they cause the blade to heat up.
If this occurs readjust guides.
6 - Perform a simple test call the "Flutter" test. Put the guards on and then run the engine
at full RPM's (be sure the blade is not in a cut during this test) and watch the blade
under the blade guard. The blade must run straight, if it does not, shut the engine
down and apply more tension. Keep in mind that over tensioning will also cause the
blade to flutter. You should have attained proper tension around 30-35 pounds.
7- A tensioned blade should come off the bottom of the band wheel and run straight
across to the other band wheel, so there is NO sag in the blade between the two
wheels.
C. Setting Head on Track (if applicable) Ground Models
Once your track is level, you are ready to set the head on the track. Once again, be sure
the area is still free and clear of obstructions. You will want the head to roll freely
down the track.
1 - Install the head with operator's side on the same side as the moveable dog.
The discharge side is the side with the squaring pins.
2 - Raise the head 3 inches and roll from one end to the other. The head should roll
smoothly along the track. If the head "thumps" when it passes over the track joint,
check to make sure the tracks are level. Re-level the track and try rolling the head
again. Also be sure to watch the track as you roll the head, if the track moves down
or up you will need to use shims to support the track in that area.
Correct head placement; Operators side is on side
with the scale stick and hand winch. Squaring arm on left adjustable dog on right.
8

E. Trailer unit set up for the Oscar 428 - For use with 16' or 20' Torsion
Axle Trailers.
1 - Set-up area should be relatively level and clear of debris. The head will need to roll
down the track, be sure the area is free of obstructions.
2 - Lower the trailer jack and raise the jack until the coupler is free of the hitch. Once this
is done remove the unit from the vehicle. Lower the jack all the way down.
Loosen the leg locking bolts and lower the rear 2 legs. Then raise the jack until the
trailer is level from front to back. (see fig. E)
3 - Then lower the front 2 legs, and level the trailer. --(NOTE) be sure to tighten the leg
bolts TIGHT so they will not move when you put a log on the trailer.
4 - Once the trailer is level and the leg bolts are tight, remove the jack from the hitch and
move it to the center of the trailer and put it on the Jack stub near the axle in the
center of the mill trailer. (see fig. F) Jack up until you have taken the stress off of the
torsion axle, this keeps the mill from bouncing when turning the logs. At this time you
can unbolt the trailer hitch and slide it in or remove it so it is out of the way during
operation.
5 - On the 428 model, you will need to unbolt the head from the track. The travel bolts are
located behind your guide arms at the base of the mill head.
6 - Once the head is unbolted from the travel position, roll it down the track to be sure it
is level. If your head rolls on its own you will need to adjust your leveling legs. Return
the head to the center of the trailer and re-bolt or lock head into place. Once the head
is secure you can reset the leveling legs.
***Always secure the head before re-leveling the trailer***
7 - Once the trailer is level, the head should not roll on its own. If your trailer is not level,
it will not saw boards correctly. Refer to previous instructions for proper set-up.
fig.E
leg locking bolt Jack stub on center of trailer
fig.F
Shown below is the log back stop pins for the trailer unit /use when loading logs on the mill to prevent log
from tolling off. trailer/ secure log with dog and back stop. Remove pins after log is secure on trailer.
9

Correct
trailer set
up. All legs
are level;
head should
not move on
its own.
Mill Head is
locked into
place with
brackets.
Head will not
move during
transport.
10
Before operating the Hud-Son Saw Mill
the following procedures need to be performed:
When installing travel brackets line up
holes, put track side bolt in first, snug
up, then put the bolt into the mill frame
hole, on both sides. Then tighten bolts
securely. (see fig G)
1 - Put tow hitch back in tow position, tighten bolt and
safety pin, remove jack from center of trailer, put it
back on tow hitch. Lock Mill head into travel
position.
2 - Raise rear legs and lock in upright position.
3 - Raise front legs and lock in raised position.
4 - Raise jack to desired height, hook hitch to vehicle.
Remove pin and rotate to horizontal position. Plug
in lights and brakes. Hook-up safety chains and
break-away switch. (If applicable)
5 - Lift front legs and lock in transport position.
6 - Be sure to clean unit of all loose debris,
including all bark, sawdust and dirt.
Transport Instructions
Follow all the steps to safely transport the
Hud-Son Saw Mill Trailer Model
1 - Check oil and fuel levels
2 - Check blade lubrication and
hydraulic levels (if applicable)
FOR BLADE LUBE USE: Summer
Months use tap water and to prevent pitch
build up on the blade, add 1 oz. of dish soap
or pine sol to 1 gallon of tap water. This will
help keep the blade clean and cooler.
In the Winter Months Use regular wind-
shield washer fluid (usually blue in color) To
prevent pitch build up on the blade add 1 oz.
of dish soap or pinesol.
Adjustment: Before starting the engine,
adjust the flow of lube to the blade by adjust-
ing the flow valve closest to the tank so there
is a constant drip. If more lube is necessary,
adjust the valve until the there is a constant
drip. If more lube is needed, continue to adjust
the valve until the desired flow is acquired.
3 - Be sure the blade is sharp and tight
4 - Be sure all levers and switches are in
the neutral/center position before
starting the engine (if applicable)
5 - Be sure all persons are clear of the
equipment
6 - Make sure the unit is level and stable.
Do not use: petroleum products,
petroleum based products, flammable
products, or vegetable oil based
product. The above products mixed
with water or straight will cause the
blade to come off, fluid will be too
slippery between the blade and wheel
belting causing the blade to come off.

BLADE TENSION NUT Blade
Tension should be set at 30- 35
ft. lbs. for the 428 mill
F. Setting Logs
Once the track is set, the head is in place and the blade is tensioned correctly, you are almost
ready to cut. (Note: Always try to start your cut from the small end to the larger end of a log.)
1 - Place the log determined by the mill size, on the center of the track. Using the log dogs
secure the log to the track. Be sure to dog the log high enough (1/2" way up the log) to
ensure the log does not move. If the log is too big for the log dog to hold in place, but your
sawmill head still rolls unobstructed use the "Cheater" to hold it. (For use on the 428 ).
NOTE: Do not over dog the log, This will cause the log or cant to twist, you only need
enough pressure to hold it flat and secure against the squaring pins.
Squaring Arm and Adjustable Dog
Log Set-Up
Grease the Blade Tension
thrust bearing between
the (2) cupped washers .
cheater
fig. G
G. Getting Ready to Cut
Now is the time to debark or clean your log. This can be achieved by the simple chain-
saw attachment, called a Log Debarker (available through Hud-Son Forest Equipment
Inc.) or you can pressure wash or use whatever method available to remove any mud or
bark from the logs. By debarking and cleaning your log it will extend the life of your blade
significantly. (see fig F-1)
1 - Adjust the Hud-Son guides so that they are slightly (no more than 2 inches) wider than
the maximum width of the log. (see Fig F-2)
Fig F-1 Fig F-2
Start Engine Procedure
1 - With the fuel on, set throttle to start position, choke if necessary, turn key to start
engine. For Summer Use: Be sure to let the unit idle for at least 5 minutes before any use.
2 - Winter Use: Be sure to let the unit idle for at least 10-15 minutes before any use.
3 - If the unit has been sitting for a period of time, allow the unit to run long enough to
have the oil do a complete circulation before use.
Guide location
log width
Debark the log
11

12
(Note: as you cut slabs, boards or squares you may need to adjust the guide to ensure
the best performance and quality cuts)
2 - Find the top of the log with the blade. Remember, that you may have cheaters in place
so be sure these are clear when making the first cut. You will be removing the top
portion of the log. (top slab)
3 - With the manual lift models, crank your head down to just past the desired height
mark and then crank up to the height mark for the next cut, this ensures that the head
is set equal on both sides. Make sure your blade will clear your log dog assembly.
4 - Start your engine. (Refer to the engine manual for proper engine maintenance)
5 - With the engine at idle position, increase the throttle to full speed to engage the blade.
Sawing should always be done with the engine at Full Throttle. Start the blade in the
log slowly, DO NOT ram it into the log!
6 - Once started in the log gently push the saw head through the log, pushing on the head
frame. If the engine starts to labor, you are going to fast, slow down. Go slow through
burls and knots as the engine may bog down through these parts of a log.
7 - When you are at the end of the log, power down the engine, crank the head up so that
it will clear the log and roll mill head back to the front of the log. For ease of
operation, put the slabs on the operator's side of the mill, this way you will not have
to dig through sawdust for your lumber.
8 - You now have a flat surface on top of your log, remove the cheaters (if applicable) you
will no longer need them, as long as the log dogs will hold the log in place.
9 - Raise the log dog assembly so that they are standing in the track. Turn the cut side
of the log, using a cant hook, ¼ of a turn. The flat side must be flush against the
squaring pin to assure a square cant. (see fig. G Page #13)
10 - Adjust the log dog at an angle to the track so that the blade can pass over the top, but
so that the dogs are effective in securing the log. (see Fig. G and G-1, page 13)
11 - Once again, increase the engine throttle to start the blade, and saw another slab off.
You will repeat these steps until your log is squared into a cant. Once you have
obtained the dimension you need to make lumber, then start sawing your
dimensional lumber.
12 - NOTE: All logs have some tapper to them, for best production method, use a shim
under the small end of you log to compensate for the taper. The shim should be half
the thickness of the difference in diameter of the two ends of your log. (Example: Log
is 12” on small end and 15” on the big end, use a shim of 1 1/2” thick under the small
end of the log) You will do that for the first two face cuts on the log.
Cutting Procedure
The short squaring pins welded in
the track can be used once you have
a good square corner on your cant.
When using the short squaring pins
you do not have to have the long
squaring pins up on the cant, just use
the movable dog and pinch it to the
short squaring pins to cut down to
the last inch. (see Fig F-3 this page)
Fig. F-3
Short Squaring Pin

13
Adjustable dog, set at an angle so that log can be
sawed without interference.
H. Cutting Dimensional Lumber
You can cut down to a 1" thick bottom board. To achieve this you will use the moveable
side of the dog and the short squaring pins welded in the track.
1 - You will need to determine the size lumber that can be cut and how many, then using
the scale start sawing your lumber. Lower the blade to desired thickness and saw your
board. Repeat this process until all lumber is cut.
2 - You may need to turn your cant to make the desired lumber width.
I
I. End of Processing Lumber
1 - Completely decrease engine throttle and turn engine switch to off position, or if
equipped with fuel shut off, turn that to the off position.
2 - The blade will continue to turn and will coast to a stop.
3 - If you are done sawing for the day, de-tension the blade, so that you do not cause flat
spots on the band wheel. Lower the mill head so that the lift cable has a little slack.
J. Replacing the Blade
No matter how well you care for your blade, they will dull after time and need to be
replaced. Longevity of your blade depends on how well you maintain it, including clean-
ing the dirt off of the log before cutting.
1 - The engine needs to be stopped, turned off and the key removed, this ensures that the
engine can not be accidentally turned back on. On engines with manual start, you will
need to remove the spark plug wire prior to servicing. On electric motors a
lockout/tagout should be used.
2 - Loosen and remove nuts so you can remove the outside and center guards on all
models.
3 - Loosen band blade tensioner nut until adjusting bolt nut is flush with threaded end of
the bolt.
4 - With a gloved hand, put hand on the top of the band blade and push down.
(Use extreme CAUTION, dull blades are still sharp and may be hot).
5 - Remove band blade from both band wheels and take out of carriage.
6 - Inspect new or sharpened blade, be sure blade teeth are facing in correct direction.
Teeth should always point away from the operator. (Towards discharge chute).
Be sure to wipe blade clean of all oily substances prior to installing. A clean, dry rag
or cloth works best.
7 - Starting from your stationary wheel set the blade on the wheel then thread through
your guides. Work the blade over the tensioning wheel until the blade is set.
Fig.G Fig.G-1
Flat side must be flush and Flat against the squaring
pins to assure a square cant.

8 - Lightly tension the blade to remove the slack, and then turn the wheel in the direction
of travel (towards the operator) 3-4 rotations to be sure the blade is tracking properly
on the band wheels.
9 - Once the new blade is tracking properly, replace the guards and re-tension the blade
as previously stated.
K. Blade Maintenance
Longevity of band blades depends on how well they are cared for. Using a lube tank, log
debarker, band blade sharpener, and tooth setter, all will help keep your blade in top con-
dition. Be sure to clean your logs by using a pressure washer or debarker to keep them
free of mud and debris.
L. Blade suggestions
1 - Never force a dull blade, this will result in overheating of the blade and result in wavy
lumber.
2 - Over use of a blade jeopardizes the ability of the saw blade to be re-sharpened.
3 - A new blade may stretch after cutting and may have to be re-tensioned to assure
quality lumber.
4 - De-tension the band blade after each day of cutting.
5 - Never operate the mill without the guards in place.
The Hud-Son Forest Equipment, Inc. sawmill comes with a band blade and we have an
excellent re-sharpening program for your band blades.
M. Adjusting Sawmill Guides
1 - Purpose of the Guides
• Superior Hud-Son guide design. Supports on the top, bottom and back of the blade,
where can the blade go? This guide design limits the chance of blade wander.
• The lower blade guide holds the blade up and decreases the chance of "diving". Most
companies only use a top support.
• The closer to the log the guides are, the better support the blade has as it cuts.
2 - Adjusting the guides
• Tools that will be needed:
1) 3/4” wrench
2) 3/4” socket
3) 9/16" wrench
4) 3/16" Allen wrench
14
Pictured above is a close-up of the guide. It shows
all the bolts and bearings that can possibly be
adjusted. Note how the teeth are outside of the
guide.
NOTICE: If the blade is in contact with
the guide bearing during the full cut or
most of the cut, you may be pushing too
fast or the blade is dull. slow down or
change the blade.

15
• All guides are aligned and set at the factory, but occasionally they get moved out of
adjustment in shipping or after a period of usage. It is important that they be checked
often for proper alignment and adjusted correctly.
• To adjust your guides correctly you must first tension the blade properly as
previously described.Atensioned blade should come off the bottom of the band wheel
and run straight across to the other, so there is NO sag between the two wheels.
3 - Now that the blade is tight, slightly loosen the Allen head that holds the guide shoes,
so that they slide up and down freely. Now loosen the bolt that fastens the aluminum
guide bracket to the guide rod, so that the guide bracket can be moved in, out and it
can be rotated in either direction.
4 - Set the guide bracket so that the back bearing is on the same plane as the blade, so that
if the blade were to wander back it would hit the back bearing evenly across the
middle of the roller. If the bearing needs to be adjusted up or down, loosen the bolt
that holds it to the guide bracket and space it in either direction using the washers that
are on either side of the bearings.
5 - Once the bearing is set, position the guide bracket so that the bearing is 1/8" behind
the back of the blade. Once the bearing is in position, tighten the bolt on top of the
guide bracket in to place. Be sure the guide is 90o to the blade.1
6 - The guide shoes are to be set using a sheet of paper to gauge the spacing. Place the
paper between the shoe and the blade, slide the shoe so that it is pinching the paper
and tighten the bolt so that the shoe is set in place. Do the same on the bottom of the
blade. Note that you do not want the shoe to be pinching the blade so hard that it is
prohibiting blade travel
7. Make sure that all nuts and bolts are tightened firmly.
N. Using the Lumber Scale
1 - All Hud-Son sawmills are equipped with a Lumber Scale. The scale is used to make
the dimensioning process simple. The scale incorporates 4 separate scales with the
blade kerf factored in for each increment.
Guide Care and Maintenance
NOTE: .
Hud-Son Saw Mills require a certain amount of care and maintenance, so that it may con-
tinue to perform at its best. If you are not confident in your ability to perform the main-
tenance that is required, please look into having a professional come in and perform the
work for you.
Scale Resulting Thickness
4/4 1”
5/4 1 - 1/4”
6/4 1 - 1/2”
8/4 2”
Note:
The 1" standard ruler does NOT account for kerf. When using this scale be sure to plan
on kerf. 1" increments will result in approximately a 7/8" end result, depending on what
blade is being used. (See Fig. H on page 16)

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Regular Inch
Scale
Actual Blade Height
Used For Scaling
4/4 Scale Row
= 1” Lumber
5/4 Scale Row =
1 - 1/4” Lumber
6/4 Scale Row =
1 - 1/2” Lumber
8/4 Scale Row = 2”
Lumber
Fig. H

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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST
For Hud-Son Sawmills
Cleaning your Saw Mill
Using an air hose, blow off all loose debris that builds around the unit.
Use extreme caution when cleaning the mechanism.
Never use flammable or combustible materials to clean the mill.
Be in a well ventilated area. Always wear protective equipment to
prevent injury.
Use proper procedure to dispose of waste materials.
Wipe down the idler and pulley wheels using an air hose, brush or rag.
Clean and inspect blade guides.
Preventative Maintenance
For electrical engine follow the correct Lockout/Tagout procedures.
Check for correct blade tension guaranteeing that 30-35 pounds of torque is
on tensioning bolt/nut.
Check track to make sure it has not moved and check it for level.
Check blade tracking, a 1 - ¼" blade should be centered on band wheels and
back of blade should be flush with bandwheel.
Check bearing, idler and pulley wheels for wear. Signs of wear are:
• Excessive heat
• Squeaking sounds
• Looseness
Grease idler, pulley wheels and bearings.
Grease blade tensioner shaft.
Grease the lift tubes.
Check all belts for wear and to make sure the belt tension is "taut".
Belt should have no more than ½" deflection.

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Maintenance procedures requiring special training or tools should be performed by a
trained technician.
A routine inspection of the entire machine is encouraged. Check to see if all fittings are
tight and secure. Make sure all nuts are tightened. Check to see any damage that may need
to be repaired before any further damage occurs. Routinely checking the equipment and
proper maintenance will help in keeping the Hud-Son Saw Mill running to the best of its
ability.
CAUTION!
FOR BLADE LUBE USE: Summer months use tap water and to prevent pitch build
up on the blade, add 1 oz. of dish soap or pinesol to 1 gallon of tap water. This will help
keep the blade clean and cooler.
Winter months use regular windshield washer fluid (usually blue in color)
* Change engine oil after 8 hours of operation on a new engine (break -in period)
Service Item Daily
40
Hours
See
Manual
Check Engine Oil Level

Check/Clean Engine Air Filter

Check Hydraulic Oil Level (fill 1” from top) if applicable

Clean Unit of Bark, Saw Dust, and other Debris

Lubricate Grease Fittings and Oil Points (see Diagram for locations)

Check Tire Pressure - Upon transport (if applicable)

Check Cylinders and Seals for Leakage

Check Feed Chains for tension (if applicable)

Clean Battery Connections

Check Wiring and Connections for Corrosion and Decay

Lubricate Chains (if applicable)

Check Blade Sharpness

Fuel - fill as needed

Blade Lubricant - fill as needed - Refer to 2A on page 9 
Check hoses/gauges for damage, cracks, leakage (chaffing, dry rot, cracks,
replace hoses if applicable)

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE CHART
Service Recommendations for Hud-Son Sawmills

Parts and Warranty
Mill Replacement Parts
Out sourced components will be warranted by the respective company for a period equal
to the warranty in place at the time of shipping, as shown below from date of purchase.
Description Part Number Warranty
Gasoline Engine CH440-3041 2 Years - call your
servicing Dealer.
Electric Motor 1 Years - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
1.5" Pillow Block Bearing, 1"
Pillow Block Bearing BEA-01-24 6 Years - call your servicing Hud-Son Dealer.
Drive Belt B79 1 Year - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
Rubber Wheel Belting B49 1 Year - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
Urethane Wheel Belting BEL-04-58-049 1 Year Defect - Not Melted
Tapper Lock, SK Bushing BUS-01-24-44 1 Year
Drive Belt Tensioner
(Idler Pulley) FX02235B0002 1 Year
Guide Assembly, Left/Right
(see breakdown for parts list) BLG-02-01 30 Days Call your servicing Hud-Son Dealer.
Scale Sticker DEC-36-01 1 Year
Site Glass Assembly KIT-001 1 Year
Cable Lift Kit Assembly CAB-01-0532A 1 Year
Band Blade [ BLADE-LENGTH ]
WM 132 1-800-765-SAWS
1 -1/2" Shaft SHA-01-8.5
(SHA-01-LENGTH IN INCHES) 6 Years - Call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer
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Bolt for Track Wheel HAR-12-12-64
2 Years - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
Track Sections TE-28 1 Year - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
Axles (Trailer Models)
TK-28 1 Year - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
Sprockets & Chain NA
90 Days - Call Hud-Son and ask
for the warranty department
Winch WIN-01-2000, 1 Years - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
Clutch HS1004 30 days - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
Band Wheel WHE-02-44-256 1 Year - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
Log Dog Only 976-027 2 Years - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
Track Wheel w/Replacement
Bearing WHE-40-12-53 2 Years - call your servicing Hud-Son Dealer.
Replacement Bearing for Track
Wheel BEA-03-12-24T 2 Years - call your servicing Hud-Son Dealer.
Pulley for Lift Cable 976-004 1 Year - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
Cheater Oscar 221 - Cheater,
Oscar 428 - Cheater 2 Years - call your servicing Hud-Son Dealer.
Guide Pins MIL-10-0000-001 2 Years - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
Modular Guide Tube TUB-20-09, TUB-20-20,
TUB-20-35 2 Years - call your servicing Hud-Son Dealer.
Bolt on Lube Tank MIL-07-001 2 Years - call your servicing
Hud-Son Dealer.
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