I wouldn't think it would work well in the forest. In the plains it's pretty easy to find a reasonable path, and the bushes are the biggest obstacles. I don't much effect from weight.

When I made it I had litle hope it would work, so I purposely thew all my metal in it to prove my point, and then it proved me wrong.

I would still use a boat if at all possible. I always try to build my bases near water mostly for that purpose, but, in this case I'm not allowing myself to use a boat, and many game days spent running through the plains didn't seem like a good solution.

I'm even able to swat deathsquitos and fuling without disengaging, which is nice, but I think it's also part of the reason for the breakdowns. I've hit it with my sword more than once!