If you’re looking at more affordable options for a portable sawmill, you’ve probably been checking out a few other brands online.
What you need to understand though is, even when portable sawmills are manufactured offshore, they are not “one size fits all”.
In fact, there are several different areas you should be comparing.
Yes, the bottom line, price is most likely right at the top of your list of priorities.
Just be sure you compare multiple features on comparable mills before you decide.
Once you’ve decided this class of sawmills is the right fit for you, then you should be asking yourself which one will give you these three things:
1. Best Performance
2. Best Reliability
3. Easiest to Use
After all, what’s the point in saving some money on the initial purchase if your sawmill just isn’t up to the task of working for you day after day?
To help you compare effectively, and to compare “apples to apples” rather than random sawmill models, here’s an overview that will make it very easy for you.
We’ve used the models made offshore that you may be considering.
And we encourage you to compare and ask lots of questions! Because, when you do, we are very confident you will discover that there simply isn’t any question…
Woodland HM122 | ![]() |
Woodland HM126 | ![]() |
Woodland HM130 | ![]() |
|
Log Diameter | 22” (56cm) | 23” (59cm) | 26” (66cm) | 27” (69cm) | 30” (76cm) | 31” (79cm) |
Log Length | 10’4” (3.1m) | 11’ (3.4m) | 10’5” (3.1m) | 11’ (3.4m) | 10’5” (3.1m) | 11’ (3.4m) |
Board Width | 18” (46cm) | 20” (51cm) | 21” (48cm) | 22” (56cm) | 22” (56cm) | 23” (59cm) |
Additional Track Extensions | 6’5” (1.95m) | 7’ (2.1m) | 6’5” (1.95m) | 7’ (2.1m) | 6’5” (1.95m) | 7’ (2.1m) |
Power Selections | 7hp (208cc) Kohler (recoil start) 4kW electric (EU Only) |
7hp (208cc) Briggs (recoil start) (EU Only) 7½ hp (250cc) Briggs (recoil start) (N/A in EU) 10hp (306cc) Briggs (recoil start) |
9½ hp (277cc) Kohler (recoil start) 14hp (429cc) Kohler (recoil start) 5.5 or 7.5 kW electric (EU Only) |
13½ hp (420cc) Briggs (recoil start) 13½ hp (420cc) Briggs (electric start) 7.5kW (400V, 32Amp) electric (EU Only) |
14hp (429cc) Kohler (electric start) 7.5kW electric (EU Only) |
13½ hp (420cc) Briggs (recoil start) 14hp (429cc) Kohler (electric start) |
Patented Laminated Sawhead | |
✔ | |
✔ | |
✔ |
Patented Auto-Locking Sawhead | |
✔ | |
✔ | |
✔ |
Variable Depth Selection | |
✔ | |
✔ | |
✔ |
EZ Blade Tension | |
✔ | |
✔ | |
✔ |
Patented Auto-Locking Adjustable Guide | |
✔ | |
✔ | |
✔ |
Chip-Extractor-Compatible Sawdust Exhaust Chute | |
✔ | |
✔ | |
✔ |
Leveling Feet | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Blade Lube | ✔ 0.8 Gal (3 litres) |
✔ 3.2 Gal (12 litres) |
✔ 2.6 Gal (10 litres) |
✔ 3.2 Gal (12 litres) |
✔ 3.4 Gal (13 litres) |
✔ 3.2 Gal (12 litres) |
Stainless Steel Bunk Caps | |
|
Optional | Optional | ✔ | ✔ |
Cam Dog | |
Optional | ✔ | Optional | ✔ | ✔ |
Trailer System | |
Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Patented Auto-Lube System | |
Optional | |
Optional | |
Optional |
Track Length | 12’11” (3.9m) | 14’ (4.3m) | 12’11” (3.9m) | 14’ (4.3m) | 12’11” (3.9m) | 14’ (4.3m) |
Track Width | 26” (66cm) | 32 ¼” (82cm) | 30 ½” (77cm) | 37” (94cm) | 30 ½” (77cm) | 37” (94cm) |
Blade | 125” (318cm) x 1 ¼” | 129” (327cm) x 1 ¼” Sabretooth | 144” (366cm) x 1 ¼” | 144” (366cm) x 1 ¼” Sabretooth | 144” (366cm) x 1 ¼” | 144” (366cm) x 1 ¼” Sabretooth |
Bandwheels | 16” (41cm) | 16” (41cm) cast-iron | 19” (48cm) | 19” (48cm) cast-iron | 19” (48cm) | 19” (48cm) cast-iron |
Carriage Configuration | 2-post only | Rigid 4-post with patented laminated lower frames | 4-post only | Rigid 4-post with patented laminated lower frames | 4-post only | Rigid 4-post with patented laminated lower frames |
Blade Engagement | Centrifugal clutch | Centrifugal clutch | Centrifugal clutch | Centrifugal clutch | Centrifugal clutch | Centrifugal clutch |
Blade Guide System | Fixed only | Fixed & adjustable | Fixed only | Fixed & adjustable | Fixed & adjustable | Fixed & adjustable |
Blade Guides | Pillow-block | Machined pillow-block with rear-thrust bearing | Pillow-block | Machined pillow-block with rear-thrust bearing | Pillow-block | Machined pillow-block with rear-thrust bearing |
Carriage Wheels | Machined | Machined with sealed bearings | Machined | Machined with sealed bearings | Machined | Machined with sealed bearings |
Log Rests | Long and short (x2) | Long and short (x2) | Long and short (x2) | Long and short (x2) | Long and short (x2) | Long and short (x2) |
Log Clamp | Screw-dog (x1) | Screw-dog (x1) | Clamp-dog (x1) | Screw-dog (x1) | Clamp-dog (x1) | Screw-dog (x1) |
Depth-of-Cut Scale | 2”, 1” only | 2”, 1”, 9/8”, 6/4” and ¾” | 2”, 1” only | 2”, 1”, 9/8”, 6/4” and ¾” | 2”, 1” only | 2”, 1”, 9/8”, 6/4” and ¾” |
Finish | Powder-coat & galv. | Powder-coat & zinc-plated | Powder-coat & galv. | Powder-coat & zinc-plated | Powder-coat & galv. | Powder-coat & zinc-plated |
The above information compares offshore-made sawmills of similar capacities made by Woodland Mills. It was compiled based on information reasonably available from Woodland Mills at the time it was assembled. However, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information.
Pay particular attention to the green checked items which are ALL available on our Frontier sawmills (and completely missing from the rest!)
They are ALL very important design features when it comes to your long-term satisfaction and success with your milling.
And your bottom line price? Incredibly affordable as you can see!
Remember, just because you have decided to buy an offshore sawmill doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. There’s no reason for you to settle for less.
Still have questions? No problem.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call! We are happy to speak with you.
You can reach our sawmill experts at 1-800-567-0404.