MS 660 Magnum Chainsaw Review (5 Pro Logging Tips)

Could I transform my wood processing and firewood preparation projects from chaotic guesswork into finely-tuned, efficient operations, fueled by data and driven by measurable results?

As someone who’s spent years wrestling with logs, sharpening chainsaw chains, and stacking cords of firewood, I know firsthand the blend of art and sheer grit it takes to get the job done. But I’ve also learned that relying on gut feeling alone isn’t enough, especially when you’re aiming for efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. That’s where tracking the right metrics comes in.

Why Track Metrics in Wood Processing and Firewood Preparation?

Before diving into the specifics, let’s address the core question: why bother tracking metrics in the first place? The answer is simple: what gets measured, gets managed.

In the wood industry, we’re dealing with a complex interplay of factors – from the cost of raw materials (standing timber or purchased logs) to the efficiency of our equipment, the labor involved, and the final product’s quality (seasoned firewood, lumber, or other wood products). Without tracking metrics, we’re essentially flying blind, hoping for the best but lacking the information to truly understand what’s working and what’s not.

By tracking relevant KPIs, we can:

Identify inefficiencies: Where are we wasting time, money, or resources?
Optimize processes: How can we streamline our operations to improve productivity?
Control costs: How can we reduce expenses and maximize profitability?
Improve quality: How can we ensure our products meet the desired standards?
Make informed decisions: Should we invest in new equipment? Adjust our pricing? Change our sourcing strategy?

Let’s now get into the details of the most important metrics I use in my work.

Top KPIs for Wood Processing and Firewood Preparation

Here are the KPIs that I have found to be most useful in optimising my wood processing and firewood preparation projects.

1. Raw Material Cost per Unit Volume

Definition: This metric represents the total cost of acquiring raw materials (standing timber, logs, etc.) divided by the volume of usable wood obtained from those materials. The volume units can be measured in cubic feet, cords, board feet, or any other relevant unit.
Why It’s Important: This is a foundational metric for understanding the cost basis of your operation. Fluctuations in raw material prices, harvesting costs, and transportation expenses directly impact your profitability. Tracking this metric allows you to identify cost-saving opportunities in your sourcing and procurement processes.
How to Interpret It: A high raw material cost per unit volume indicates that you’re either paying too much for your raw materials, experiencing high harvesting costs, or suffering from significant wood waste during processing. Conversely, a low cost per unit volume suggests efficient sourcing and harvesting practices.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is closely related to wood waste percentage (see below) and labor costs. Reducing wood waste and optimizing labor efficiency can lower your raw material cost per unit volume. It also impacts your pricing strategy, as you need to ensure your selling price covers your raw material costs and other expenses.
Practical Example: Let’s say I purchased a load of logs for $1,000. After processing, I obtained 5 cords of firewood. My raw material cost per cord is $1,000 / 5 = $200 per cord. If I consistently see this number creeping up, I know I need to investigate my log sourcing options or look for ways to improve my yield.

2. Wood Waste Percentage

Definition: This metric represents the percentage of raw material that is discarded as waste during processing (e.g., sawdust, bark, unusable pieces). It’s calculated as (Volume of Waste / Total Volume of Raw Material) * 100.
Why It’s Important: Wood waste represents a direct loss of potential revenue and increases disposal costs. Minimizing wood waste is crucial for maximizing resource utilization and improving profitability. It also has environmental implications, as reducing waste contributes to sustainable forestry practices.
How to Interpret It: A high wood waste percentage indicates inefficient processing techniques, poor equipment maintenance, or the use of low-quality raw materials. Conversely, a low wood waste percentage suggests efficient processing and the use of high-quality raw materials.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is closely related to raw material cost per unit volume, labor costs, and equipment efficiency. Reducing wood waste can lower your raw material cost per unit volume and improve your overall profitability.
Practical Example: I once worked on a project where the wood waste percentage was a staggering 30%. By investing in a better chainsaw with a sharper chain and optimizing my cutting techniques, I was able to reduce the waste percentage to 15%. This resulted in a significant increase in usable firewood and a reduction in disposal costs.

3. Labor Cost per Unit Volume

Definition: This metric represents the total labor cost (including wages, benefits, and payroll taxes) divided by the volume of wood processed or firewood produced.
Why It’s Important: Labor is often a significant expense in wood processing and firewood preparation. Tracking this metric allows you to identify opportunities to improve labor efficiency, optimize staffing levels, and control labor costs.
How to Interpret It: A high labor cost per unit volume indicates inefficient labor practices, inadequate training, or overstaffing. Conversely, a low labor cost per unit volume suggests efficient labor practices and optimal staffing levels.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is closely related to processing time per unit volume (see below), equipment efficiency, and wood waste percentage. Improving processing speed, using efficient equipment, and reducing wood waste can all contribute to lowering your labor cost per unit volume.
Practical Example: I initially had two people splitting firewood manually, producing 2 cords per day. By investing in a hydraulic wood splitter, I was able to reduce the labor force to one person and increase production to 4 cords per day. This significantly reduced my labor cost per cord.

4. Processing Time per Unit Volume

Definition: This metric represents the time it takes to process a specific volume of wood or produce a certain quantity of firewood. It can be measured in hours per cord, minutes per log, or any other relevant unit.
Why It’s Important: Time is money. Reducing processing time improves productivity and allows you to complete more projects in a given timeframe. It also impacts your labor costs and equipment utilization.
How to Interpret It: A high processing time per unit volume indicates inefficiencies in your workflow, inadequate equipment, or a lack of training. Conversely, a low processing time per unit volume suggests efficient workflow, appropriate equipment, and well-trained personnel.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is closely related to labor cost per unit volume, equipment efficiency, and wood waste percentage. Optimizing your workflow, using efficient equipment, and reducing wood waste can all contribute to reducing your processing time.
Practical Example: I used to spend an entire day bucking and splitting a single cord of firewood using a manual axe. By switching to a chainsaw and a hydraulic splitter, I was able to reduce the processing time to just a few hours.

5. Equipment Downtime Percentage

Definition: This metric represents the percentage of time that equipment is out of service due to maintenance, repairs, or breakdowns. It’s calculated as (Downtime Hours / Total Operating Hours) * 100.
Why It’s Important: Equipment downtime can significantly disrupt your workflow, reduce productivity, and increase costs. Tracking this metric allows you to identify patterns of equipment failure, schedule preventative maintenance, and minimize downtime.
How to Interpret It: A high equipment downtime percentage indicates inadequate maintenance practices, the use of unreliable equipment, or operator error. Conversely, a low equipment downtime percentage suggests proactive maintenance, the use of reliable equipment, and well-trained operators.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is closely related to processing time per unit volume, labor cost per unit volume, and overall productivity. Minimizing equipment downtime improves processing speed, reduces labor costs, and increases overall efficiency.
Practical Example: I noticed that my chainsaw was frequently breaking down due to a clogged air filter. By implementing a regular air filter cleaning schedule, I was able to significantly reduce downtime and extend the life of the saw.

6. Fuel Consumption per Unit Volume

Definition: This metric measures the amount of fuel (gasoline, diesel, etc.) consumed to process a specific volume of wood. It is typically measured in gallons or liters per cord, per board foot, or per cubic meter.
Why It’s Important: Fuel costs can represent a significant portion of operational expenses. Monitoring fuel consumption helps identify inefficient equipment, wasteful practices, and opportunities for optimization. It also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing emissions.
How to Interpret It: A high fuel consumption rate indicates inefficient equipment (e.g., dull chainsaw chains, poorly maintained engines), wasteful operating practices (e.g., excessive idling), or the use of inappropriate equipment for the task. A low fuel consumption rate suggests efficient equipment, optimized operating practices, and appropriate tool selection.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is directly related to equipment efficiency and processing time per unit volume. Dull chainsaw chains, for example, increase both fuel consumption and processing time. It also impacts the overall cost per unit volume and profitability.
Practical Example: I compared the fuel consumption of two different chainsaws: an older model and a newer, more fuel-efficient model. The newer model consumed 25% less fuel to process the same volume of wood, resulting in significant cost savings over time. This prompted me to gradually replace my older equipment with newer, more efficient models.

7. Firewood Moisture Content

Definition: This metric measures the percentage of water in firewood. It’s calculated as (Weight of Water / Oven-Dry Weight of Wood) * 100. Properly seasoned firewood typically has a moisture content of 20% or less.
Why It’s Important: Moisture content is the single most important factor determining the quality and efficiency of firewood. Wet firewood is difficult to ignite, produces less heat, creates more smoke, and contributes to creosote buildup in chimneys, increasing the risk of chimney fires.
How to Interpret It: A high moisture content indicates that the firewood is not properly seasoned and will not burn efficiently. A low moisture content indicates that the firewood is well-seasoned and will burn cleanly and efficiently.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is related to drying time, stacking methods, and wood species. Different wood species dry at different rates, and proper stacking methods can significantly reduce drying time.
Practical Example: I used to sell firewood without checking the moisture content. I received numerous complaints from customers about difficulty lighting the wood and excessive smoke. By investing in a moisture meter and only selling firewood with a moisture content of 20% or less, I significantly improved customer satisfaction and reduced complaints.

8. Drying Time to Target Moisture Content

Definition: This metric measures the time it takes for freshly cut firewood to reach the desired moisture content (typically 20% or less) through natural air drying. It is usually measured in weeks or months.
Why It’s Important: Knowing the drying time allows you to plan your firewood production schedule, ensuring a consistent supply of properly seasoned wood. It also helps you optimize your storage methods and minimize losses due to rot or decay.
How to Interpret It: A long drying time indicates unfavorable drying conditions (e.g., high humidity, poor ventilation, dense stacking) or the use of wood species that dry slowly. A short drying time suggests favorable drying conditions and the use of wood species that dry quickly.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is related to firewood moisture content, stacking methods, wood species, and weather conditions. Optimizing stacking methods and choosing faster-drying wood species can significantly reduce drying time.
Practical Example: I experimented with different stacking methods to determine which one resulted in the fastest drying time. I found that stacking the wood in single rows with ample spacing between rows significantly reduced drying time compared to stacking it in large, tightly packed piles.

9. Sales Price per Unit Volume

Definition: This metric represents the price at which you sell your wood products or firewood per unit volume (e.g., dollars per cord, dollars per board foot).
Why It’s Important: This is a critical metric for determining your profitability and competitiveness in the market. It allows you to track your revenue and assess the impact of pricing changes on your sales volume.
How to Interpret It: A high sales price per unit volume may indicate a strong demand for your products, a premium quality, or a successful branding strategy. However, it may also result in lower sales volume if your prices are too high compared to your competitors. A low sales price per unit volume may indicate a need to increase your prices, improve your product quality, or reduce your production costs.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is directly related to raw material cost per unit volume, labor cost per unit volume, and other production expenses. Your sales price needs to cover your costs and provide a reasonable profit margin. It also needs to be competitive with other suppliers in your area.
Practical Example: I regularly monitor the prices of firewood sold by other suppliers in my area. This helps me determine a competitive price point for my own firewood while still ensuring a healthy profit margin. I also adjust my prices based on the quality of my firewood (e.g., lower prices for mixed hardwood, higher prices for premium hardwoods).

10. Customer Satisfaction Rate

Definition: This metric measures the level of satisfaction among your customers. It can be measured through surveys, reviews, or direct feedback. It’s often expressed as a percentage of satisfied customers.
Why It’s Important: Customer satisfaction is essential for building a loyal customer base and generating repeat business. Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your products or services to others, leading to increased sales and positive word-of-mouth marketing.
How to Interpret It: A high customer satisfaction rate indicates that you are meeting or exceeding your customers’ expectations. A low customer satisfaction rate suggests that you need to improve your product quality, customer service, or pricing.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is related to firewood moisture content, sales price per unit volume, and delivery service. Providing high-quality, properly seasoned firewood at a competitive price and delivering it promptly and courteously will contribute to higher customer satisfaction.
Practical Example: I implemented a customer feedback survey to gather information about customer satisfaction with my firewood. I asked questions about the quality of the wood, the ease of lighting, the amount of smoke produced, and the overall value for the price. The feedback I received helped me identify areas where I could improve my product and service.

11. Cord Production per Day

Definition: This metric measures the number of cords of firewood produced in a single day.
Why It’s Important: This is a direct measure of productivity. Tracking this allows you to identify bottlenecks in your process and measure the impact of changes you make to your workflow or equipment.
How to Interpret It: A low number indicates inefficiencies. This could be due to equipment issues, lack of manpower, or an inefficient process. A high number shows you are operating efficiently.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Closely tied to labor cost, equipment downtime, and processing time. If your production is low, examine these metrics to see where the problem lies.
Practical Example: Initially, my team was producing 1.5 cords a day. By reorganizing the workflow and investing in a better log lift, we increased production to 2.5 cords per day.

12. Average Chain Sharpening Frequency

Definition: The average number of times a chainsaw chain needs sharpening per cord of wood cut, or per hour of operation.
Why It’s Important: Frequent sharpening indicates hard wood, dirty wood, or poor chain maintenance habits. Reduced sharpening frequency saves time and extends the life of your chains.
How to Interpret It: High frequency means you are likely cutting dirty wood, hitting rocks, or not maintaining your chain properly. Low frequency means you are cutting clean wood and maintaining your chain well.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric impacts fuel consumption and processing time. A dull chain increases both.
Practical Example: I found I was sharpening my chain almost every tank of gas when cutting near the ground. By being more careful and raising the log off the ground, I reduced sharpening to every other tank.

13. Log Diameter Utilization Rate

Definition: This is the percentage of the log’s diameter that is actually converted into usable product (firewood, lumber, etc.) versus waste.
Why It’s Important: Maximizing the utilization of each log is key to profitability and resource efficiency.
How to Interpret It: A low rate means you are leaving a lot of usable wood on the ground or in the waste pile. A high rate means you are efficiently extracting value from each log.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly impacts wood waste percentage and raw material cost per unit volume.
Practical Example: By adjusting my splitting technique to create smaller pieces from the outer edges of the log, I significantly increased my diameter utilization rate and reduced waste.

14. Number of Cuts Per Cord

Definition: The average number of chainsaw cuts required to produce one cord of firewood.
Why It’s Important: This indicates the efficiency of your cutting strategy. Reducing the number of cuts saves time and fuel.
How to Interpret It: A high number means you are cutting unnecessarily. A low number indicates an efficient cutting plan.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Impacts processing time and fuel consumption.
Practical Example: I realized I was making too many small cuts. By optimizing my bucking strategy to maximize the length of each piece, I reduced the number of cuts per cord and saved significant time.

15. Equipment Maintenance Cost per Operating Hour

Definition: The total cost of maintaining equipment (parts, labor, etc.) divided by the number of hours the equipment is used.
Why It’s Important: This metric helps you understand the true cost of owning and operating your equipment.
How to Interpret It: A high cost indicates either poorly maintained equipment, overuse, or the use of low-quality parts. A low cost reflects good maintenance practices and appropriate equipment usage.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly impacts equipment downtime percentage and processing time.
Practical Example: By switching to higher quality chainsaw chains and performing regular maintenance, I reduced my maintenance cost per operating hour and extended the life of my chainsaws.

16. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

Definition: The total cost of acquiring a new customer (marketing, advertising, sales efforts) divided by the number of new customers acquired.
Why It’s Important: Understanding how much it costs to acquire a customer helps you optimize your marketing efforts and ensure a positive return on investment.
How to Interpret It: A high CAC indicates inefficient marketing strategies or a lack of customer demand. A low CAC suggests effective marketing and strong customer demand.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is related to sales price per unit volume and customer lifetime value. You need to ensure that the revenue generated from a customer exceeds the cost of acquiring them.
Practical Example: I experimented with different marketing channels, including online advertising, local newspaper ads, and word-of-mouth referrals. I found that word-of-mouth referrals had the lowest CAC, so I focused my efforts on encouraging existing customers to refer new customers.

17. Average Order Value (AOV)

Definition: The average amount of money spent by each customer per order. It’s calculated as (Total Revenue / Number of Orders).
Why It’s Important: Increasing the AOV can significantly boost your revenue without necessarily acquiring more customers.
How to Interpret It: A low AOV may indicate that customers are only purchasing small quantities of firewood or that you are not effectively upselling or cross-selling. A high AOV suggests that customers are purchasing larger quantities or that you are successfully upselling or cross-selling.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is related to sales price per unit volume and customer satisfaction. Offering a variety of firewood options at different price points and providing excellent customer service can encourage customers to purchase larger quantities.
Practical Example: I started offering discounts for customers who purchased multiple cords of firewood. This increased my AOV and boosted my overall revenue.

18. Return on Investment (ROI) for Equipment Upgrades

Definition: This metric measures the profitability of an investment in new equipment. It’s calculated as ((Gain from Investment – Cost of Investment) / Cost of Investment) * 100.
Why It’s Important: ROI helps you make informed decisions about whether to invest in new equipment or stick with your existing tools.
How to Interpret It: A positive ROI indicates that the investment is profitable. A negative ROI suggests that the investment is not generating enough revenue to justify the cost.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is related to equipment downtime percentage, processing time per unit volume, and fuel consumption per unit volume. Investing in more efficient equipment can reduce downtime, improve processing speed, and lower fuel consumption, leading to a higher ROI.
Practical Example: I considered investing in a new hydraulic wood splitter. I calculated the potential ROI based on the expected increase in production, the reduction in labor costs, and the cost of the splitter. The ROI was positive, so I decided to make the investment.

19. Percentage of On-Time Deliveries

Definition: The percentage of firewood deliveries that are made on or before the agreed-upon delivery date and time.
Why It’s Important: On-time deliveries are crucial for customer satisfaction and building a positive reputation.
How to Interpret It: A low percentage indicates logistical problems, poor planning, or unreliable transportation. A high percentage suggests efficient operations and reliable service.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is related to customer satisfaction rate and customer retention. Consistently delivering firewood on time will lead to higher customer satisfaction and increased customer loyalty.
Practical Example: I implemented a delivery scheduling system that allowed customers to choose a specific delivery date and time. This improved my on-time delivery rate and reduced customer complaints.

20. Customer Retention Rate

Definition: The percentage of customers who continue to purchase firewood from you over a specific period (e.g., annually).
Why It’s Important: Retaining existing customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones.
How to Interpret It: A low retention rate suggests that customers are not satisfied with your product or service and are switching to other suppliers. A high retention rate indicates that you are providing a valuable product and excellent service.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is related to customer satisfaction rate, sales price per unit volume, and on-time deliveries. Providing high-quality firewood at a competitive price, delivering it on time, and offering excellent customer service will contribute to higher customer retention.
Practical Example: I implemented a loyalty program that rewarded repeat customers with discounts and special offers. This increased my customer retention rate and generated more repeat business.

21. Firewood Stack Density

Definition: The amount of firewood that can be stacked into a given volume. It is measured in cords per cubic foot or cords per cubic meter.
Why It’s Important: Maximizing stack density allows you to store more firewood in a smaller space, reducing storage costs and improving efficiency.
How to Interpret It: A low stack density indicates inefficient stacking methods or the use of irregularly shaped pieces of firewood. A high stack density suggests efficient stacking and the use of uniformly sized pieces.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is related to wood waste percentage and processing time per unit volume. Reducing wood waste and optimizing your cutting techniques can result in more uniformly sized pieces of firewood, leading to a higher stack density.
Practical Example: I experimented with different stacking patterns to determine which one resulted in the highest stack density. I found that tightly packing the firewood in alternating rows, with the ends of the pieces facing outwards, maximized the use of space.

22. Species-Specific Drying Rate

Definition: The rate at which different wood species dry under similar conditions. This is typically measured as the percentage of moisture lost per week or month.
Why It’s Important: Understanding the drying rates of different wood species allows you to plan your firewood production schedule more effectively and ensure that you have a consistent supply of properly seasoned wood.
How to Interpret It: Some wood species, such as ash and birch, dry relatively quickly, while others, such as oak and maple, dry more slowly. Knowing these differences allows you to prioritize your processing and storage accordingly.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: This metric is related to drying time to target moisture content and firewood moisture content. By understanding the drying rates of different wood species, you can predict how long it will take for your firewood to reach the desired moisture content.
Practical Example: I created a chart that listed the drying rates of the different wood species that I commonly process. This allowed me to prioritize the faster-drying species for immediate sale and store the slower-drying species for later use.

23. Number of Injuries per Operating Hour

Definition: The number of workplace injuries sustained per hour of operation.
Why It’s Important: Safety is paramount. Tracking this metric helps identify dangerous practices and allows you to improve safety protocols.
How to Interpret It: A high number indicates unsafe working conditions or inadequate training. A low number indicates a safe working environment.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: It has an impact on productivity and labor costs. Injuries lead to downtime and lost productivity.
Practical Example: After noticing a spike in minor cuts, I implemented mandatory glove use and provided better training on chainsaw safety. This significantly reduced the number of injuries.

24. Number of Near Misses Reported

Definition: The number of incidents where an accident was narrowly avoided.
Why It’s Important: Near misses are warning signs. Tracking them allows you to proactively address potential hazards before they cause an actual injury.
How to Interpret It: A high number indicates underlying safety issues that need to be addressed.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: A proactive measure to prevent injuries and reduce downtime.
Practical Example: After several near misses involving falling branches, I implemented a stricter tree felling protocol and required all workers to wear hard hats.

25. Volume of Wood Sold per Marketing Dollar Spent

Definition: For every dollar spent on marketing, what is the volume of wood that is sold?
Why It’s Important: It shows the efficiency of marketing campaigns.
How to Interpret It: Track trends and experiment with different marketing channels.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Helps determine the best marketing approach.
Practical Example: I found that Social media campaigns generated higher sales volume than the newspaper ads.

Applying These Metrics to Improve Future Projects

Now that we’ve covered the key metrics, the next step is to put them into practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply these metrics to improve your future wood processing or firewood preparation projects:

Choose Your Metrics: Start by selecting the metrics that are most relevant to your specific goals and objectives. Don’t try to track everything at once. Focus on a few key KPIs that will provide the most valuable insights.
Establish a Baseline: Before making any changes, establish a baseline for each of your chosen metrics. This will allow you to track your progress and measure the impact of your improvements.
Collect Data: Implement a system for collecting data on your chosen metrics. This could involve using spreadsheets, specialized software, or even just a notebook and pen. The key is to be consistent and accurate.
Analyze the Data: Regularly analyze the data you collect to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement. Look for correlations between different metrics and try to understand the underlying causes of any issues.
Implement Changes: Based on your analysis, implement changes to your processes, equipment, or training. This could involve optimizing your workflow, investing in new equipment, or providing additional training to your employees.
Monitor Results: After implementing changes, continue to monitor your metrics to track the impact of your improvements. Make adjustments as needed to fine-tune your operations and achieve your desired results.
Regularly Review and Adjust: The wood processing and firewood preparation industry is constantly evolving. New technologies, changing market conditions, and fluctuating raw material prices can all impact your operations. Regularly review your metrics and adjust your strategies accordingly to stay ahead of the curve.

By consistently tracking and analyzing these metrics, you can transform your wood processing and firewood preparation projects from chaotic guesswork into finely-tuned, efficient operations, fueled by data and driven by measurable results. This will not only improve your profitability and productivity but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible approach to resource management.