Substitution of fossils reducers by charcoal from woody biomass is one of the most suitable option to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of metallurgical industries. The main problem involved in fossils reducers replacement is the lack of mechanical strength of charcoal. Aim of this study is to investigate the impact of pyrolysis parameters, such as temperature and solid residence time, on the mechanical properties of charcoal. Charcoal was produced from two woody biomasses, Eucalyptus globulus and Picea abies (Spruce), in a pilot scale fixed bed rector; with three temperatures (500, 650 and 800 °C) and two solid residence times (0 and 90 min). The particle sizes used were close to those in the industry. Charcoals were characterized by proximale and ultimate analysis, apparent density, friability and compressive strength. Results show an increase in charcoal mechanical strength with increasing pyrolysis temperature. On the other hand solid residence time has a little influence on the mechanical properties. Eucalyptus has a higher density than Spruce, but Eucalyptus charcoal shows a lower mechanical stability than Spruce charcoal independently of the pyrolysis conditions.