Hudson SLABBER User manual

8201 STATE ROUTE 12 • PO BOX 345 • BARNEVELD, NY 13304
WWW.HUD-SON.COM

Thank you for your purchase 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 onsite 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. You can also contact
the dealer you purchased your equipment from.
C O N T E N T S
2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A note from Hud-Son
3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Introduction
4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Safety
7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Set Up
7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Set Up Track Assembly
17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Care & Maintenance
19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parts & Warranty
21-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drawings & Parts List
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: _____________________________________________
Please fill out the information for quick reference:
3

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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 decals 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
product. 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.

5
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 Decals
The decals below are used on the Hud-Son Saw Mills to identify warnings and
prohibited actions. It is very important that you understand the meaning of the decals for
your safety and the safety of others. Decals are to be replaced if worn or illegible.
CAUTION - Be EXTRA careful around
these areas, unsafe practices may cause
personal injury or damage.
DANGER - Be careful around any
rotating parts, they may cause personal
injury or damage.
DANGER - Be sure to be very cautious
and alert, these areas may cause personal
injury or damage.
CAUTION - Operating equipment
without guards may cause personal injury
or damage.
BLADE LUBE TANK - Be sure to use
the correct lubrication, if incorrect lube is
used it may cause personal injury or dam-
age.
NOTICE - Please remember to send in
warranty card and information.
CAUTION - All debris need to be
removed from machine before
transporting, failure to do so may cause
personal injury or damage.

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 pic-
ture 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. Apage #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 Slabber 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.

8
D. Tensioning the Blade on THE SLABBER SAWMILL
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 belts. This can cause vibration and or the blade to fall off the band-
wheel. Always remember to de-tension your blade when you are done sawing for the day.
1 - For the Slabber mill, make sure Blade is CENTERD on the band wheel or shive
(Blade could have moved in shipping process).
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 dis-
charge 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.

9
Pictured 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 shoe.
Set-Up and Operation
E. Tensioning the Blade on the Slabber 52 should be set at 45-52 ft. lbs.
NEVER tension your blade with the engine running. We ship with slight tension. No
tension will make the blade fall of during shipment. If there is tension left on the blade
for a period of time, it can cause flat spots in the band wheel belts.This will cause exce-
sive vibration when running or cause the blade to come off the wheel. Always
remember to de-tension your blade when you are done sawing for the day.
1. To tension or loosen the blade, see figure below.
2. Turn the adjusting bolt or stud, clockwise until 45 pounds of torque is achieved. The
recommended tool for this is a torque wrench. By hand, rotate blade 3-4 full revolu-
tions; 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. Blade guides must not be so tight they cause the blade to heat up. If this occurs re-
adjust 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 top 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 45-52 ft. 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.
8. After your first cut with a new blade be sure to check your tension. New blades will
get hot and may stretch slightly.
1 3/8” Blade
Tension nut for
(Slabber Mill )

11
should always be done with the engine in full throttle position.
6. 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
will clear the log and roll 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 (or blocking),
you will no longer need them, as long as the log dogs will hold the log in place.
9. Set your 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.
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.
11. Once again, increase the engine throttle to start the blade, and saw another slab. You
will repeat step (I) until your log is squared into a cant. You may now saw your
dimensional lumber.
12. Steps (8-10) may not be applicable if a cant is not desired.
Adjustable dog, set at an angle so that log can be
sawed without interference.
Place flat side, flush against squaring pin to
ensure a square cant.
H. Cutting Dimensional Lumber
You can cut down to a 1 1/2" thick bottom board wtih the Oscar 52. 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 unit all lumber is cut.
2. You will need to turn your cant to make the desired lumber sizes.
I. Replacing the Blade
No matter how well you care for your blade, they will dull after time and need to be
changed. Longevity of your blade depends on how well you clean the logbefore
starting to cut it.

10
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.
1. Place the log determined by the mills 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 durring a cut.
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.
1. Adjust the Hud-Son guides so that they are slightly (no more than 2 inches) wider than
the maximum width of the log.
(Note: as you cut slabs, boards or squares you may need to adjust the guide width to
ensure the best performance and quality cuts)
2. Find the top of the log with the blade. You will be removing the top potion of the
log. (top slab)
3. Make sure your blade will clear your dog assembly.
4. Start your engine, let it idle for at least 5 minutes. (Refer to the engine manual for
proper engine maintenance)
5. With the engine in idle position, increase the throttle to start the blade. Sawing
Debark the log.
Guide location
- log width

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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/tag-
out should be used.
2. Loosen and remove retainer nuts so you can remove the outside and center guards
on the samill.
3. Loosen band blade tensioner bolt until adjusting bolt is flush with threaded plate.
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 substance 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 though
your guides. Work the blade over the tensioning wheel until the blade is set.
8. Lightly tension the blade to remove the slack, and then turn the wheel in the direc-
tion of travel (towards the operator) 3-4 rotations to be sure the blade is tracking prop-
erly on the wheel.
9. Once the new blade is tracking properly, replace the guards and re-tension the blade
as previously stated.
J. End of Processing Lumber
1. Completely decrease engine throttle and turn engine switch, red one, to off position.
2. The blade will continue to turn automatically and will coast to a stop.
3. If you are done sawing for the day, de-tension the blade, so that you do not have flat
spots. Lower the mill head so that the lift cable has slack.
K. Blade Maintenance
Longevity of band blades depends on how well they are cared for. Using a lube tank,
Log Debarker, band blade sharpener, tooth setter, all will help keep your blade in top
condition. Be sure to clean your logs by using a pressure washer or debarker to keep
them free of mud and debris. Refer to 2A on page 6
L. Blade suggestions
1. Never force a dull blade, this will result in overheating of the blade and uneven were
on the blade guides and also result in wavy lumber.
2. Overuse 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.

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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 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:
• 9/16" wrench
• 3/16" Allen wrench
• 1 3/8 wrench or socket
• Safety glasses and gloves
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. A tensioned 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 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 90oto the blade.
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 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 prohibit-
ing blade travel

14
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.
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.

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

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. [Adjust if nessary]
Preventative Maintenance
For electrical engine follow the correct Lockout/Tagout procedures.
Check for correct blade tension guaranteeing that 45-52 pounds of torque is
on tensioning bolt/nut.
Check blade tracking, a 1 - 1/2" blade should be centered on band wheels.
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 bolt.
Clean and 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" deflectionat center point between the clutch
and drive pulley.
Care and Maintenance
Hud-Son Saw Mills require a certain amount of care and maintenance, so that it may
continue to perform at its best. If you are not confident in your ability to perform the
maintenance that is required, please look into having a professional come in and
perform the work for you.
16

17
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE CHART
Service Recommendations for Hud-Son Sawmills
Refer to 2A on page 6
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 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.

20
Parts and Warranty
Warranty:
Warranty registration cards must be completed and returned to Hud-Son Forest
Equipment, Inc. within 30 days of purchase. Failure to do so will void the warranty!
Warranty claims must be registered with the Dealer/Distributor, and defective parts must
be returned to the Dealer/Distributor at the owner's expense. The Dealer/Distributor will
assume cost of the shipping one way in regards to any warranty claim. Freight is standard
ground. Any expedited services are at an additional charge and will be paid in full before
shipping at the owner's expense. The shipping of warranty/parts out of the continental
USA, will not be covered under warranty. The labor charge out of the continental USA is
also not covered under warranty.
The Oscar 52 has a 1 year warranty.
Fuel system problems caused by the failure to use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old) -
Gummy deposits, varnish and/or corrosion due to old gas are not covered by warranty.
Since we have no control over the quality of gasoline and we know it deteriorates with
age, the warranty defines “fresh” fuel as less than 30 days old.
:TO CLAIM A WARRANTY
ALWAYS CALL YOUR SERVICING DEALER FIRST!!
AND AT LEAST LET THEM KNOW YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE
SAWMILL.
Dealers/Distributors carry parts and are very knowledgeable with the inner workings of
your sawmill. Remember that modifying your mill or using parts that are not Hud-Son
Forest Equipment Inc approved, can void your warranty.
Warranty/Service Information:
Please contact our warranty department with any issues or to reorder any parts.
315-896-4316 or 1-800-765-7297
Hours of operation are M-F 8:00 - 4:30 EST
* HUD-SON DOES NOT PAY FREIGHT OR SHIPPING ON WARRANTY
OR LABOR IF NOT IN THE CONTINENTAL USA *

Warranty Claim Procedure
All warranty claims that are done in the field will be handled as follows:
1 - Customer will call the Dealer/Distributor and acknowledge the problem.
2 - If the problem can be solved in the field, new parts will be shipped, invoiced and paid
for. A credit will be given once the old parts are returned, if covered by warranty.
3 - If requested, parts to be replaced must be returned, at owner's expense within 30-days
to receive credit.
4 - If the problem is deemed to severe to be fixed in the field by the customer, then the
customer must bring the saw mill, at the owner's expense, to the closest Hud-Son
Dealer/Distributor for repair. If the Dealer/Distributor is not qualified to make the
repairs, then the equipment must be returned to Hud-Son Forest Equipment, Inc at the
customer's expense.
5 - If the problem is deemed not to be a warranty problem, an invoice will follow for the
parts that were replaced, as well as an invoice for any time spent on the mill by Hud-Son
Forest Equipment, Inc staff and/or Dealer/Distributor staff.
6 - Any modification to the band mill that is performed by any personnel other than
Hud-Son Forest Equipment, Inc direct staff voids the warranty.
7 - Any parts that are replaced without the discretion of the Dealer/Distributor voids the
warranty on the part the customer is replacing and no reimbursement will be made.
8 - Parts purchased by the customer from an outside source, without prior approval from
Hud-Son Forest Equipment, Inc will NOT be reimbursed.
21

Item No Part No Description Qty.
1 LBG-40003 Guide Body 1
2 LBG-40001 Lower Shoe Holder 1
3 LBG-40002 Upper Shoe Holder 1
4 37406 8-32 LK. Nut 2
5 33082 3/8 Sae Washers 7
6 CPO10-10A Guide Shoes 2
7 6300-2RS 6200-2RS Bearing 1
8 33082 3/8 Sae Washers 1
9 F-42865 3/8-16 x 1 1/2 Bolts 2
10 F-93368 1/4 Washer 1
11 35694 1/4-20 x 1 7/8 Bolt 1
12 F-64924-R 8-32 x 3/4 Screw 2
13 F-59756 1/4-20 Nylock Nut 1
13
1
5
5
7
15
5
8
1
9
2
4
2
6
212
2
11
1
10
1
3
1
2
1
1
1
22