Great General Purpose Generator,
June 15, 2007
By farmerwannabee from Rural Pennsylvania
"This is the third portable generator that I've owned and I believe that I've finally gotten it right. The first was small, light, and extremely handy and reliable but didn't supply the 240 vac that my home water pump required. I bought this one when a seven day power outage (a result of tornado damage) showed me three major limitations to my second generator. 1: fueling after each 6 - 8 hour tankfull gets old after a couple of days. 2: pulling on a recoil starter three times a day in the rain proves depressing. 3: my wife's gentle reminder several times daily that she couldn't use her computer because of its requirement for "clean" power.
I didn't realize how much peace of mind results from filling the generator before I go to work knowing that the 13+ hour fuel supply won't run out and leave my wife in the dark until I get back home. She operates the house normally except for the electric water heater the electric range and the heat pump. We heat with a wood stove if we lose power in the winter.
This generator also provides general purpose electricity away from the shop. I frequently put it into the bucket of my loader and carry it and my Handler 280 mig welder to neighboring farms to repair farm equipment (literally) in the field.
I really can't ask for more in a portable. It starts easily and effortlessly and requires essentially no service. I have had to make no repairs and the only service requirement has been oil changes and air filters."
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional
Northstar 9HP, 5500 Watt,
July 20, 2009
By Toolman66 from Columbus, OH
"I purchased two of these units last year for a planned power outage at our plant. We used both units for several days and have used them on several occasions in the past year. These units are easy to start, run quiet, do not consume an excessive amount of fuel and generally seem to be very reliable. I purchased this model mainly because of the Honda engine and I have not been disappointed. I have owned several generators over the years with Briggs or Tecumseh engines. This model does not have any of the shortcomings that I have come to expect with Briggs or Tecumseh engines such as hard starting, fuel problems or rough running.
I would strongly recommend this model to anyone looking for a reliable midsize generator."
Great Generator for a reasonable price,
March 23, 2009
By Jojo1966 from Lapeer, MI
"I bought this generator 10 years ago. I have used it to build a few homes, and frequently to supply power during power outages. It has never let me down. The battery eventually died, and I have not replaced it because the Honda engine starts so easy-usually on the second pull.
All in all, like I said, great generator for a reasonable price."
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional
Northstat 5500 watt generator,
November 18, 2008
By BKF3954 from Maurice, Louisiana
"I recently purchased a 5500 watt generator for my dad. I was looking for a reliable generator at a reasonable price. The Northstar/Honda package was just what I was looking for. The unit is very quiet and with the wheel unit package is very easy for my dad to move around and store. Price wise, we shopped locally but found this generator with the Honda engine a much better buy for the price. I'm very pleased with my purchase."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
Very dependable generator,
October 2, 2008
By DandyRacing from Baytown, TX
"I used the generator during Hurricane Ike. I was without power for 12 days. This generator ran, except for refueling, nonstop. It logged 280 hours on the hour meter. I typically got 14 hours on a tank of gas and it would always have some left in the tank. I continually ran a 110 volt, 5000 BTU air conditioner, and switched back and forth between a freezer and refrigerator, as well as numerous lights, TV, etc. It has electric start and always started right away and ran flawlessly. This is a quality generator and I would recommend it to anyone. I believe you get what you pay for."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
Dependable Portable Power,
August 21, 2008
By cts13c24 from Pennsylvania
"A good generator for the price. A motor mount was damage during the direct shipping but a replacement was sent out at no cost. With the large tank you can run it over half a day without refuling it repeatedly. The wheel and handle kit is a must given the units weight if you plan to use it at more than one location. I have not found the noise level to be a problem but I use the generator at the cabin and have a well ventilated generator shed. I have used the generator for a few years now during countless hors at the cabin with no problems. The honda engine has proven to be very reliable."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
Northstar generator 9 HP 5500 Watt,
April 21, 2008
By Dullpower from Virginia Beach
"I bought one of these 4 years ago to use as an emergency generator. It has always started great (monthly run to keep generator from building up moisture and to stir the fuel). Hooked into the house power panel with break before make MBT switches, it powers majority of services in the house. Due to the voltage dip when Air Conditioner compressor kicks in, it will not run the A/C to cool the house (even though there is enough power when A/C is normally running); however, all the ceiling fans and refrigerators (2) and stove top work well. Consider upgrading to a more powerful generator if you really need that A/C unit. Note: generator runs fine, it's the low voltage trip on the compressor that is the problem. By turning off all other loads, it will even warm up the hot water heater; just make sure you trip its breaker before you turn the rest of the house back on. A truly solid unit. As luck would have it, there have been no hurricanes through here since I bought it."
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional
Satisfied,
January 21, 2008
By hickory7 from Dobson, NC
"Very happy with the quality of this unit, well built and reliable. Would give it 5 stars if it were a bit quieter.......but Honda engines are not as noisy as most even at that. Great unit for home power outages, but not recommended for family camping trips, a bit noisy."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
good working starts always,
October 29, 2007
By dawn from Alexandria, mn
"I like everything about it but the noise, when camping I have had many people complain
about having a loud generator"