What features of a UT are superior to a CUT in a rough, hilly, forest setting

[Horridfiber]

Trying to understand what the specific features of a UT that are preferred in a rough, hilly, forest setting.

Traction- I gather from more weight.
Safety- the cab would be more rigid than a CUT ?
Stability ? I would have thought that a UT, being larger and higher, would have a higher center of gravity and be more unstable ?

 

[murph1]

Re: .

??????

 

[DT86]

Think of the difference in width, that plays a factor in stability on side slopes.

 

[Horridfiber]

I appreciate that DT
Increasing the area of the base will also increase the stability of an object, the bigger the area the more stable the object providing the center of gravity hasn't been raised higher.
That's what I wonder about a larger format Utility tractor.
Any gains in width will be offset by the increased height as the CoG extends outside the width.
I'm a physics guy not a tractor guy. CoG. Center of gravity divided by mass.

Anyone have photo's of a UT on a sidehill ?
Are they better or worse than an ATV on a sidehill or the same angle can be driven safely ?

 

[woodchipper]

Your wheel track is crucial. The wider, the better. But other factors should be considered, like loader width, and how your bucket is loaded. If using a grapple, the weight of the materiel beeing carried, and how balanced a load is, as well as its own center of gravity(how high will your bucket/grapple be while on the move?).
One thing to help you much, is to have all four tires loaded. Loaded tires do make a huge difference overall. Tire pressure has to be on the low end of recommended pressure as well. Makes your tractor less bouncy over rough terrain, and decreases a tad your center of gravity.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Trying to understand what the specific features of a UT that are preferred in a rough, hilly, forest setting.

Traction- I gather from more weight.
Safety- the cab would be more rigid than a CUT ?
Stability ? I would have thought that a UT, being larger and higher, would have a higher center of gravity and be more unstable ?

Stability will be about the same, height of CG offsetting greater stance. The ride will be smoother due to larger wheels/tires. UT not as maneuverable, but ability to climb over or move obstacles will be increased.

 

[KiwiBro]

Also depends on why the tractor is in the "rough, hilly, forest setting." Presumably clearing trees?

How rough is rough? How hilly is hilly? What sort of forest? What sort or trails/landings/roads/cutting does it have or need and what other gear is there to achieve that?

Nobody really knows how long the piece of string is at this stage ;-)

 

[redman135]

What size of gap between the trees ie plantation or self sown?
Consider dual wheels especially for the smaller (narrower ) tractors.width = stability, also the extra rubber means you stick to the hillside better.
What hp are you considering?
We do need some specifics to make good recommendations.

 

[tcartwri]

Front axle and frame in general will be much stronger.

 

[brown40]

Bigger machines usually offer more hydraulic and pulling power--also increased clearance and travel on the ground. A larger track gives better stability as mentioned.

Small machines offer maneuverability, and ability to get into tighter spots.

I know people that use their cabbed UT/CUT harvesting wood--cabs in thick woods lead to cracked and broken glass and plastic. If you plan on harvesting wood you'll have many repetitions from seat--winch--tree--winch--seat, etc. A door adds another step in the process.

Nicer cabs have cloth and carpet--thick woods offer plenty of black mud to bring into the cab as you line up for pulls.

If you plan on getting in really tight spots, having a cab demands the operator have extremely good spatial awareness--ala garage door scenarios all day long.

If I didn't harvest wood--I'd definitely have a cab. Windows won't forgive..