NorthStar Portable Generator 5,500 Surge Watts, 4,500 Rated Watts, EPA and CARB-Compliant
Item# 165601
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"NorthStar Portable Generator - 5,500 Surge Watts, 4,500 Rated Watts, EPA and CARB-Compliant"
14
14
So Far, So Good
The generator appears to be everything I need. I added oil and gasoline and it started right up and the generator needle went right where I expected. I've not used it yet, and, frankly, hope I never need it, but if I do, I'm confident it will give me what I need.
July 12, 2015
Capacitor issues
I originally bought my first northern honda 5200 in 1999. In 16 years I only had to replace a governor spring. After 14 years of use, I decided to buy another one (northern honda 5500). Within 8 months, it stopped putting out the proper voltage. Northern could not fix within 4 weeks, so they gave me a new one. 12 months later, same problem. Seems they have a capacitor issue. Northern needs to return to using quality generator heads / parts. My old one still works great, just uses oil after MANY hours.
June 2, 2015
Very good generator
I purchased this generator as a back-up power source for my home and it works great. I have used other generators in the past and have had issues getting them started. With the Honda engine on this generator it has always started on the second pull of the rope.
January 3, 2015
Northstar 5500
I own a small marine construction company. This is our third purchase of this model generator. They seem to last forever. This new unit is used on a barge in close proximity to my crew. It is extremely quite and runs like a champ. It's also smaller than the previous models. We have tried other brands and they just do not hold up. Although a little pricey, you get what you pay for. If you have a need for a generator that will be used daily, I'm not sure of any model that could top this unit. Save yourself the aggravation and spend the $ up front and be done.
October 5, 2014
Honda Generator
This is a good companion for my 2000 watt Honda generator. During power outages when I need 220 volts to run the well or air conditioner this will
do the job for me. you need to determine how much power you need in an emergency situation and size your unit accordingly. It boils down to how much fuel are you willing to use, versus power management.
February 5, 2014
TOP QUALITY GENERATOR
This is the second NorthStar Generator that I owen. I have a 8500 Surge Watts NorthStar Generator with the Honda motor that is used just for my home in Ivoryton Ct. This is the 3rd big storm (SANDY) in 14 months in Ct and the North Star Generator perform excellent for 4 days.
They are built to last for a long time.They are wort all the money that I paid for them. GREAT JOB NORTHERN TOOL+EQUIPMENT.
November 1, 2012
Off-Grid back-up
I purchased this generator two years ago to replace a smaller 800 watt Honda that couldn't power my washing machine or charge my battery bank efficiently. I live off grid in a remote area of northern Maine. I use this generator primarily in winter to charge my battery bank when the sun doesn't shine long enough (or at all) for days at a time. It is kept in an unheated shed and has ALWAYS started for me even at minus 30 degrees F. It charges my battery bank quickly (through my Xantrex inverter) and I run my washing machine at the same time, plenty of power to spare. You will know when it's running, it isn't whisper quiet, and it uses quite a bit more fuel than the little Honda but when it's running (in winter it runs an average of one hour a day) it's really working so I can't begrudge the gas.
October 15, 2012
Works Great
I would give this a 5 star rating except for the fact it has to run at 1/4 choke (or it runs erratically) and always shuts down before the tanks is close to being empty. I have washed the tank with hot water and soap, let air dry and blown compressed air into the tank, yet the condition continues to exist. I blame the CARB specs for the 1/4 choke, and I'm sure I don't get the full efficiency because of it. Other than than that, this is a sweet little unit. I purchased the wheel kit at the time (mine is 5 years old now) and although it hasn't run a lot (50hrs), it saved the day on several occasions. I simply back fed a breaker (after shutting off the main breaker) and found this to keep up with our electric oven, the boiler, a deep well pump, several lights and a TV.
Mine has a Vanguard 9HP (not a Honda) but I believe either mfr. is a good choice, and the low tone muffler makes it bearable running close to the back of the house at night. A good investment to be sure.
October 15, 2012
sometimes less is more
Operation at the 30 hour mark is flawless. Honda recommends 100 hours for break-in before using synthetic oil.
Purchased the 5500 watt to replace a 3500 watt Honda that has worked well for years to power essential house circuits via a 30 amp plug. A floor of lights, flat screen, pellet stove, two refrigerators and a bored well pump. The 3500 just barely limped along. The Northstar does not have a problem. The key with a smaller generator is to switch all circuits off and cascade the breakers to be powered on one at a time rather than all at once. Once everything is running, future surge is also spread over time. The payoff is a reduced cost of unit and a significantly more efficient use of fuel. Fifteen gallons of stored fuel go a long way when the power is out or roads aren't passable.
September 27, 2012
Great mid-size generator
Bought this generator last year to drive my 2½ hp well-pump to fill a 2,000-galon cistern, about 1,870 watts while running (operating mode). Well pumps are known for high surge-draw at start-up (inrush current), which can be 600% or more of operational current needs. This generator has no problem getting the pump started, and after the pump is running I plug in several battery chargers for my cordless tools, lanterns, etc. Handy. Ran it about 40 hours last summer/fall, no problems. Honda motor runs smooth and reliable, starts on first or second pull. It's not too noisy (a bit quieter than my other generators). When I drained my entire water system at freeze-up last November, I used the gas shut off to run the carb dry, filled the tank to avoid condensation, and added 3 oz of Sea Foam to stabilize the gas. After sitting 5 months, I turned on the gas and it started, second pull. Can't ask for more than that.
May 14, 2012
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NorthStar Portable Generator 5,500 Surge Watts, 4,500 Rated Watts, EPA and CARB-Compliant
Item# 165601
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|
Surge Watts
|
9,375 | 5,500 | 8,000 | 10,000 | 26,250 |
|
Rated Watts
|
7,500 | 4,500 | 6,600 | 8,500 | 17,500 |
|
Start Type
|
Electric w/recoil backup | Recoil | Electric w/recoil backup | Electric | Electric |
|
Engine
|
Generac OHV | Honda GX270 | Honda GX390 OHV | Honda GX630 OHV | Generac OHVI |
| HP | - | - | 11.7 | - | - |
|
Engine Displacement (cc)
|
420 | - | 389 | - | 990 |
|
Run Time
|
10 hrs. @ 1/2 load | 14.5 hrs. at 1/2 load | 10 hrs. at 1/2 load | 11 hrs. @ 1/2 load | 10 hrs. at 1/2 load |
| Receptacles (qty.) | 5 | Eight 120V, 20A outlets; one 120/240V, 30A locking outlet; one 12VDC outlet | 10 | Eight 120V, 20A outlets; one 120/240V, 50A outlet, one 120/240V, 30A locking outlet; one 120V, 30A locking outlet | 8 |
| Noise Level (dB) | - | 73 | 74.5 | 79 | - |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline |
|
Fuel Capacity (gal.)
|
6.7 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 11 | 16 |
|
Low Oil Shutdown
|
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gross Torque | - | - | 19.5 ft.-lbs. at 2,500 RPM | - | - |
| Battery Included | Yes | - | No | No | Yes |
| Battery Required | Yes | - | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Dimensions L x W x H (in.)
|
30 x 24 x 26 1/2 | 25 3/4 x 21 1/4 x 22 1/4 | 25 3/4 x 21 1/4 x 22 1/4 | 32 3/8 x 24 3/8 x 26 7/8 | 48 1/2 x 31 x 39 1/2 |























