Note: this post includes a link to Forisk’s Standard Conversion Values and Product Specifications.

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? According to estimates from New York Fish & Wildlife Technician Richard Thomas (and as reported on July 11, 1988 in the Spokane Chronicle), a woodchuck could move “about 700 pounds on a good day, with the wind at his back.” Dr. Shawn Baker would observe that, while impressive, a log truck still moves ~77 times more weight per load. But of course, this depends on the type and specifications of wood hauled (or chucked), the market in which this occurs, the distance traveled and equipment used. In short, measurements and conversion factors matter.

Forest industry projections, timber market analyses, capital investments in wood-using mills, procurement activities and sustainability assessments depend on assumed product specifications and wood conversion factors. These vary by specie, geography and applied technologies. Part of our ongoing research includes tracking the efficiency of wood-using mills and their relative ability-to-pay, as well as implications associated with green versus dry weight, short versus long (metric) ton(nes), and various bark, moisture content and form class estimates.

Previously, we published conversions associated with wood bioenergy projects. In addition, we aggregate and estimate standard forest industry product specs and recovery factors such as tons per MBF or per m3. Below, please find a link to a one-page PDF which summarizes these factors for your use and review.

Forisk Standard Conversion Values and Product Specifications

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