Experimental studies of a wheeled propulsion system flotation of a forest vehicle operating on a slope

The article presents the methodology and results of laboratory experimental studies performed to verify a previously developed mathematical model for a comprehensive assessment of a wheeled propulsion system maneuverability of a forest vehicle operating on a slope and rough terrain. These theoretical and experimental studies were aimed at studying the operational and environmental efficiency of roller-skidding-processing machines of the Austrian family company Konrad Forsttechnik GmbH. The authors determined the permissible pressure of the propulsion system and the soil bearing capacity, taking into account the slope angle, and compared the results with the previously obtained theoretical estimates. The downward bias of the theoretical estimates from the experimental results has been established as acceptable, taking into account the statistical assessment of the error distribution and measurement accuracy. It is shown that computational models update will allow refining the theory of forest machines movement in rough terrain, which is especially important in the context of further developments to substantiate the parameters of equipment for rough terrain conditions.