Polyurethane star screening buckets are becoming an increasingly common sight on jobsites around the world, as operators begin to recognise the benefits these versatile attachments offer.
In 2010, we launched our first screening bucket, and since then, Gyru-Star has been leading the way in polyurethane star screening technology.
Despite the growing popularity of poly-star screening buckets, we still regularly receive questions from operators concerned about the durability of the stars. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions and explain what makes our poly-stars different from anything else on the market.
Why Do Gyru-Star Screening Buckets Use Polyurethane Stars?
Firstly, why do we use polyurethane stars in our screening buckets?
Our screening buckets are renowned for their ability to screen almost any material without crushing or shredding — a process we call True Screening®. This allows our buckets to do far more than just separate material; they can also mix, blend, and aerate.
Poly-star screening systems are also much more effective in wet conditions compared to other methods, thanks to the rolling action created by the stars. Additionally, all Gyru-Star screening buckets feature stainless steel non-stick floors, which help to screen wet material more efficiently.
How Durable Are Polyurethane Stars?
It’s a common misconception that polyurethane stars are only suitable for screening soft, light materials, such as soil and compost. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
While their non-destructive screening capability makes them ideal for more delicate materials, they are still more than capable of screening tougher materials.
How Long Do Polyurethane Stars Last?
“How long will the stars last?” – This is one of the most common questions we get asked, and the answer is that it really depends.
There are two main factors that affect the lifespan of the stars: the material you’re screening and how the bucket is operated.
Firstly, the material. Highly abrasive materials such as crusher run and aggregate will cause the stars to wear faster than softer materials like topsoil or mulch. This is the same for any screening bucket, regardless of whether it uses polyurethane stars or steel rotors.
However, the way the bucket is used has a much bigger impact on the lifespan of the stars than the material itself. Operators unfamiliar with screening buckets often overfill them, preventing the stars from creating a rolling action, which leads to premature wear.
As a general rule, if there is a rolling action inside the bucket, then there will be very little wear on the stars — regardless of the material you’re screening.
To demonstrate this better, let’s look at some real-world examples.
Last year, we refurbished a screening bucket for a local groundworks contractor here in Gloucestershire. They purchased the bucket four years ago to screen topsoil, and despite heavy use in that time, they were still using the original polyurethane stars.
As you can see from the photos, our team only needed to replace a handful of stars, as most of them showed minimal wear.
A few years ago, nine Gyru-Star screening buckets were delivered to a utilities contractor in Sweden, where they were used daily to create padding material for underground cables. These buckets operated all day, every day, for two years before any of the stars required replacement.
In less intensive applications, some buckets have been in use for over ten years before the stars needed to be replaced.
What Materials Can Polyurethane Stars Screen?
Polyurethane star screening buckets can screen almost any material. Our Gyru-Star screening buckets are used worldwide in a variety of applications, from mixing and aerating compost to cable and pipe padding and waste management.
The stars can also handle tough, abrasive materials, including aggregates, crusher run, asphalt, natural rock, and concrete.
What’s Different About Gyru-Star’s Polyurethane Stars?
The polyurethane stars we use in our Gyru-Star screening buckets are entirely different from anything else on the market. We use a proprietary polyurethane formula, developed in partnership with one of the UK’s leading polymer moulding specialists. This material is only used in Gyru-Star screening buckets.
Our unique polyurethane formula enhances the flexibility of the stars without sacrificing durability. It’s also considerably softer than the material traditionally used in poly-star screening buckets. Through extensive testing over the last 15 years, we’ve found that a softer material is far more resistant to wear.
Additionally, the softer material doesn’t crumble as it wears, unlike harder polymers. This reduces the risk of contaminating your screened material with plastic fragments.
Another unique feature of our polyurethane stars is their increased power transfer capability. Our design allows for four times more torque to be applied through the shaft without the stars slipping, compared to traditional designs.
So Why Choose Gyru-Star?
There’s more to Gyru-Star screening buckets than just the poly-stars. Here are five reasons why we’re the number one choice for screening attachments:
1. Fast, Efficient Screening on Any Carrier
We offer the largest range of polyurethane star screening buckets on the market. The Gyru-Star range consists of 31 models across six series, with models suitable for:
1-30 ton excavators
1-15 ton loaders
1-9 ton skid steers
Each model is optimised for a specific carrier weight range, ensuring maximum efficiency and performance.
2. Industry-Leading Features as Standard
All Gyru-Star screening buckets come equipped with a range of industry-leading features as standard, including:
Multi-layer monocoque shell reinforced with HB400 wear-resistant steel
Self-tensioning carbon belt drive for quiet and reliable operation
Sealed driveline cavities for even weight distribution
Powder-coated finish for long-lasting corrosion resistance
Stainless steel non-stick floor for screening in wet conditions
3. Ultra-Low Maintenance
Gyru-Star screening buckets use self-tensioning carbon belt drives, eliminating the need for lubrication. Additionally, we use sealed bearings throughout, removing the need for daily greasing.
4. Dedicated to Quality and Innovation
Quality and innovation drive every decision we make. We work closely with our global network of distributors and customers to understand their needs and continually improve our products.
As a result, our products are constantly evolving to meet the changing demands of the modern jobsite.
5. Made in Britain
All our products are designed and manufactured in Great Britain at our production facilities in Gloucestershire. We manufacture almost everything in-house, allowing us to maintain strict quality control, rapidly innovate, and ensure spare parts are readily available.
Experience the Capabilities of True Screening®
Want to experience the benefits of True Screening® for yourself? Contact your local Gyru-Star dealer for more information or to arrange a demonstration.
You can locate your nearest dealer using the ‘Dealer Finder’ tool on our website, linked below. If you have any questions or need help finding a dealer, feel free to contact our team by phone or email.
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