FAQ

Product Information & Choosing Your Sawmill

All manuals are included with your machine and also available online in our Documentation / Manuals section.

All Vallée and Red Runner machines include a legal warranty, with detailed coverage depending on model and type of use.
See our Warranty Policy for full details.

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.

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

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

Red Runner & Bulldog: Manufactured in China.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Ordering & Financing

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

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

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

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.

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.

Delivery & Transport

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

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

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.

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

Your dealer is your primary point of contact for:

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

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

Company & Contact Information

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.

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

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.

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

Troubleshooting & Machine Support

Cause
The blade guide roller is worn.

Solution
Replace the blade guide.

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 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 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
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
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.

Problem
The blade comes off the band wheels.
It is impossible to properly place the blade on the blade guides (blade too far forward or backward).

Cause
The band wheels are not properly adjusted.

Solution
Adjust both band wheels (see Adjusting the band wheel position (p. 91) in your manual).

Cause
The drive belt or band wheel belt is worn.

Solution
Replace the drive belt or the band wheel belt.

Cause
There is play in one of the band wheels.

Solution
Tighten and lubricate the band wheel bearing (see Tightening and lubricating the band wheel bearings (p. 92)).

Cause
The winch is defective.

Solution
Replace the defective component.

Cause
The winch solenoid is defective.

Solution
Replace the defective component.

Cause
One of the winch limit switches (microswitches) is defective.

Solution
Replace the defective switch.

Cause
The band wheel bolt is loose.

Solution
Tighten the bolt (see Tightening and lubricating the band wheel bearings (p. 92)).

Cause
A bearing is damaged.

Solution
Replace the damaged bearing.

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.

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 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 blade guide bearing is worn or defective.

Solution
Replace the blade guide bearing.

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

Cause:

  • Too much dog pressure or improper dogging

Solution:
✓ Reduce dog pressure

Cause:

  • Blade may be installed backwards

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

Cause:

  • One tooth is out of set

Solution:
✓ Re-set the tooth

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

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

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 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:

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

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

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:

  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. 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

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. 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 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. 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. 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

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.

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

  • 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

  • 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:
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

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:
Return spring is too tight

Solution:
Adjust or replace the return 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

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

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

  • 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 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

  • Chain not sharpened or worn.

Possible solution

  • Sharpen or change the chainsaw chain.

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

  • Lack of hydraulic oil.

Possible solution

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

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.

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.

Check that the saw valve is engaging properly – replace if needed.

Check that the safety valve opens and closes correctly – replace if needed.

Check that the saw valve is engaging properly – replace if needed.

Check that the safety valve opens and closes correctly – replace if needed.

Check the splitter relief valve and adjust the pressure as needed.

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.

Check the bucket cylinder and its oil seal.

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

Check the overload valve.

Check for travel motor wear.

Check the rear final drive/head oil seal.

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 and clean the overload valve on the multi-way (multiplex) valve.

Check whether the gear pump is leaking; replace the gear pump if necessary.

Check whether the hydraulic oil or the hydraulic oil filter element is empty or clogged.

Check whether the boom cylinder is damaged.

Check whether the boom spool in the multi-way valve is in the center position.

Check for excessive wear clearance between the boom valve spool and the multi-way valve body.

Check for blockage or malfunction in the one-way valve block.

Check whether the fuse is blown or loose.

Check whether the battery cable is loose.

Check the battery relays.

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 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.

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.

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