The study was commissioned to test the durability, productivity and fuel consumption of different nylons used on brush cutters. Two nylons were identified, paired (by diameter) and tested in one trial (per nylon diameter) fitted randomly to two brush cutters. The operators of the brush cutters were trained and had similar operating styles. The trial compared a Stihl 3.0mm nylon with a contractor brand 3.5mm nylon.
Results show a decreased nylon wear for the Stihl 3.0 mm as opposed to the contractor 3.5 mm nylon. These results were not statistically significantly different. Productivity was lower in S2 as opposed to the C3 nylon, and fuel consumption lower in S2 as opposed to the C3 nylon, although not statistically significant.
However even though the results were not statistically significantly different, there were still differences in mean values reported. These results were combined into a cost calculator taking into account nylon wear, productivity and fuel consumption. These results showed on R/PMH and R/ha that Stihl 3.0 mm was cheaper to apply than Contractor 3.5 mm.
