The NorthStar 1571221 is a gas-powered pressure washer offering a maximum water pressure of 3100 PSI and flow of 2.5 GPM. (Read full specs)
Northern Tool 
Amazon | Price history for the NorthStar 1571221 | |
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| Latest updates:
Since: October 16, 2022 |
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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 | 177cc KOHLER CH255 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, ⌀3/8 |
| 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 1571221
The NorthStar 1571221 is a heavy duty, commercial pressure washer, that provides its users with an all-around versatile cleaning experience, and enables:
- intense cleaning of tough, paintless surfaces
- cleaning of painted or delicate surfaces
- application of detergent and cleaning solutions
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics and design, its main features and all the additional features it has to offer.
Power
Its triplex pump, which utilizes a 177 cc engine, may deliver a pressure of up to 3100 PSI (almost 52 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 2.5 GPM. These values correspond to a cleaning power of 7750 Cleaning Units.
A classic pull-start mechanism is responsible for starting the gas-powered pressure washer’s KOHLER CH255 engine.
A steel fuel tank with a maximum capacity of 0.78 gallon is used to store gasoline.
Design & Handling
The wheelbarrow design of the NorthStar 1571221 grants mobility and stability to the unit. The strong steel tubing frame assures assembly longevity. The handle adds to the 1571221 convenience of transport.
The unit's weight of 95 lbs renders its carrying and transportation challenging, as it is far from lightweight. Its 177 cc KOHLER CH255 engine, the triplex pump and steel tubing frame are mainly responsible for its heavy weight. However, the unit’s two 10" never-flat wheels are crucial to its maneuverability, since they provide a smooth method of manipulation on the job.
Main Features
The NorthStar 1571221's package includes a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose, 4 nozzles and a detergent injection feature, with a more detailed description below.
- Soap injection: Even though the device doesn't have a soap tank, detergent is supplied by a siphon hose. The detergent is diluted with a 15:1 ratio by the NorthStar 1571221's automatic soap dilution mechanism. The detergent will be added automatically to the water when a soap nozzle is attached.
- Pressure hose: Using a set of convenient hooks, the included 50 ft ⌀3/8" 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 4 nozzles included with the device, and the respective surfaces which they’re the most suitable for, are shown in the following table.
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
- Onboard storage: The NorthStar 1571221's handy storage area lets you store nozzles and accessories, and thus, you’ll be always prepared and have everything necessary for the job at hand.
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation), a thermal relief valve (which helps to prevent internal pump damage) and a low oil protection.
- Accessories: Included with the NorthStar 1571221 are also the owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and some basic documentation to get you promptly started, along with several accessories, such as pressure hose, soap hose, wand and spray gun.
- Emissions: The NorthStar 1571221 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. And so, this pressure washer is available for sale and purchase in any of the 50 states, including California.
The NorthStar 1571221's performance versus other pressure washers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how the key specs of the NorthStar 1571221 compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- The NorthStar 1571221, which can achieve a PSI of up to 3100, falls behind the other gas-powered pressure washers in the $700 to $800 price range. In case you are looking for a device with the highest possible power of its water stream, one of the top achievers in this price range is the DeWalt DXPW4035 with a PSI of 4000.
- When compared to devices in the above-mentioned price range, this washer and its 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute), is on the lower end of the achievable water flow. If maximum rinsing efficiency is your top priority, one of the devices with the highest water flow in the same price range is the DeWalt DXPW4035, with a GPM of 3.5.
- The 1571221's Cleaning Units, 7750 CU (PSI X GPM), fall into the lower end when compared to gas-powered devices of similar price. If you are after the highest overall cleaning power, the DeWalt DXPW4035 with its 14000 Cleaning Units is one of the products that can achieve the highest cleaning efficiency in this price range.
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 1571221 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
- 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 1571221 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.
