The NorthStar 157122 is a gas-powered pressure washer offering a maximum water pressure of 3100 PSI and flow of 2.5 GPM. (Read full specs)
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eBay | Price history for the NorthStar 157122 | |
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Since: December 2, 2021 |
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Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Gas-Powered |
|---|---|
| Handling | Wheelbarrow |
| Water | Cold (140°F max.) |
| PSI | 3100 |
| GPM | 2.5 |
| Cleaning Units | 7750 |
| Engine | 163 cc 4.8 HP Honda GX160 OHV 4-stroke |
| Pump | Comet DWD Triplex |
| Frame | Steel tubing |
|---|---|
| Soap injection | Via siphon hose |
| Soap dilution | 15:1 |
| Nozzles | 15°, 25°, 40°, Soap |
| Quick connect nozzles | Yes |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Hose | 50 ft |
| Hose storage | Hooks |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | Approx. 40.3 x 26 x 23.8 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 95 lbs |
| Pressure control | Valve |
| Wheels | 2 wheels, ⌀10", never flat |
| Included accessories | Wand, spray gun, high pressure hose, soap hose, 4 nozzles |
| Security | Low oil, trigger lock and thermal relief valve |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
Description
Zoom on the NorthStar 157122
In a nutshell, the NorthStar 157122 is a heavy duty, commercial pressure washer, which not only offers an all-around versatile cleaning experience, but that also allows:
- thorough cleaning of hard, paint-free surfaces
- cleaning of painted or delicate surfaces
- applying detergent and cleaning solutions
Its power characteristics and design, its main features and all its additional features are presented ahead.
Power
The NorthStar 157122
Using a 163 cc (4.8 hp) engine, its triplex pump delivers a pressure of up to 3100 PSI (roughly 52 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 2.5 GPM (values claimed by the manufacturer). Together, the values result in a cleaning power of 7750 Cleaning Units.
This gas-powered pressure washer’s Honda GX160 engine is started by a traditional pull-start mechanism.
Gasoline is stored in a steel fuel tank with a maximum capacity of 0.83 gallon.
Design & Handling
The wheelbarrow design of the NorthStar 157122 grants mobility and stability to the unit. The robust and sturdy steel tubing frame offers longevity to the assembly. The handle adds to the 157122 convenience of transport.
The device weighs 95 lbs and thus, is far from lightweight. Transporting and manually lifting it may therefore pose a challenge. A key role in its final weight is played by its 163 cc Honda GX160 engine, the triplex pump and steel tubing frame. However, the device’s two 10" never-flat wheels play a key role in its maneuverability, as they allow it to be manipulated smoothly.
Main Features
The NorthStar 157122
Along with the NorthStar 157122 itself, the package also includes a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose, 4 nozzles and a detergent injection feature, which are discussed in further detail below.
- Soap injection: While the device doesn't feature a soap tank, detergent supply is ensured by a siphon hose. The automatic soap dilution mechanism of the NorthStar 157122 will dilute the detergent with a 15:1 ratio. Whenever a soap nozzle is connected, the detergent is automatically added to the water.
- Pressure hose: Using a set of convenient hooks, the included 50 ft high-pressure hose can be easily stored on the unit when it is not running.
- Spray gun and wand: Both the classic ergonomic spray gun and its wand may be conveniently stored in a side hook.
- Nozzles: The table below shows you the 4 included nozzles, as well as the surfaces they're the most appropriate for.
15° | 25° | 40° | Soap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete, brick, masonry | Suitable | Suitable | Suitable | Suitable |
| Siding, gutters, house | Use with caution | Use with caution | Suitable | Suitable |
| Fencing, deck, patio | Use with caution | Use with caution | Suitable | Suitable |
| Lawn equipment, boat, RV | Use with caution | Use with caution | Use with caution | Suitable |
Note: The shape of the nozzles above is for illustration purposes only and may differ.
Red cross: Not recommended. Green check: Suitable. Orange check: Use with caution.
Other Features
Some of the included accessories
- Onboard storage: The NorthStar 157122 features a handy storage area, which allows you to neatly store nozzles and accessories and be always prepared by having everything needed at hand.
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation), a low oil protection and a thermal relief valve (which helps to prevent internal pump damage).
- Accessories: The NorthStar 157122 comes with an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and some basic documentation to get you quickly started. On top of that, you also get wand, soap hose, spray gun and pressure hose.
- Emissions: The NorthStar 157122 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this pressure washer is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Product Video
The NorthStar 157122's performance versus other pressure washers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how the key specs of the NorthStar 157122 compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- The NorthStar 157122 with its 3100 PSI achieves a lower pressure value, compared to other gas-powered pressure washers in the $700-800 price range. As for the device with the most powerful water stream, in this price range, one of the top products is the A-iPower PWF4200SH with 4200 PSI.
- In comparison to other devices in the above-mentioned price range, this washer and its 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute), has one of the lower GPM values. If you’re after the highest rinsing efficiency, one of the units with the highest water flow in the current price range is the A-iPower PWF4200SH, that can deliver up to 4 GPM.
- The 157122's Cleaning Units, 7750 CU (PSI X GPM), fall into the lower end when compared to gas-powered devices of similar price. If you consider the highest overall cleaning power as a really important factor, the A-iPower PWF4200SH and its 16800 Cleaning Units has one of the highest cleaning efficiency of all the similarly priced units.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other gas-powered washers between 7500 and 8000 Cleaning Units, the NorthStar 157122 is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its cleaning power range, purchasing it could most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Triplex pump
- Honda engine
- Designed to be stable
- Good range of nozzles included
- Automatic detergent dilution
- Onboard storage
- Several security features
- CARB-compliant
- 10 year (limited) warranty
- On the expensive side
- No soap tank
- Low PSI for the price
- Low GPM for the price
- Low CU for the price
About NorthStar
The NorthStar brand of outdoor power equipment is owned and distributed by the Northern Tool company, which was founded in 1981 in Minnesota, USA. The brand includes log splitters, generators, pressure washers, and air compressors. Though many of the components are manufactured in Northern Tool’s factory in China, NorthStar pressure washers are engineered, assembled, and tested in America, and powered by Honda engines. They include hot water, cold water, and soft-wash systems, along with many accessories. NorthStar brand products make up a large percentage of Northern Tool's product line.
Warranty Information
The NorthStar 157122 is covered under a warranty for up to 10 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the unit.
For more information about the warranty of NorthStar pressure washers, please contact the NorthStar Customer Support: 1-800-270-0810.
