NorthStar Trifuel Generator packs 8000 surge watts and 6600 continuous watts! Switches effortlessly from gasoline to dry fuel without powering off and starts fast and easy in all weather. Cast iron sleeve. Rubber isolation mounts dampen vibration for smooth operation. Easy access control and outlet panel. Control panel has “push to reset” circuit breakers. Long-term storage fuel-drain valve quickly drains fuel for storage.
Excellent Generator,
April 24, 2008
By fuzzyfacefrom Bristol, VA
"We purchased this generator for a power outage backup. It has performed flawlessly on gasoline and propane. It switches between fuels without a hitch while running for uninterrupted power when we need it!! We could not ask for better service. Thanks Northern Tool!"
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Lifesaver,
April 21, 2008
By Contentfrom Freeland, WA
"In the spring of 2006 we moved from Hawaii to the Pacific Northwest to a brand new home on large acreage surrounded by trees. The home was outfitted, at our request, to accept an external generator in case of power outages. The Pacific Northwest is prone to strong winter wind storms, heavy rains, and periodic snow. In November 2006, shortly after receiving our Northern Tool Tri-fuel generator, we received the ultimate in heavy wind and snow with downed trees and power outages for extended periods of time. The ability to connect the generator to our home propane tanks and the ease of start-up made us the envy of the neighborhood. We not only had power, we didn't have to worry if the gas stations were functioning. Our septic pump pumped; our sump pump pumped; our furnace fan ran; our lights lit; and life was relatively normal for us - aside from the neighbors who came for hot showers and home-cooked meals. We have "sold" 2 generators already and have friends moving to the area who plan to purchase the same model we did."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Beginner
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Great generator,
January 24, 2008
By mverleyfrom NW Oregon
"I have owned this unit for a few months now; it is used as a backup for my entire house during power outages (frequent where I live). Recently it ran for 7 days straight after a large storm with no problems. I have an interlocked transfer breaker in my load center, so it powers my entire house. I would recommend this method to anybody installing a generator over a prewired transfer panel. I have found that it will power all of my normal loads, and one major appliance (I can't run my electric dryer and my oven at the same time, but it runs each one separately without difficulty). I read one previous review that stated that it only starts on gasoline. This hasn't been my experience; it starts perfectly in all weather on propane. To get it to start, however, you must press the full pressure button on the Garretson regulator while the engine is cranking over. I did not buy the wheel kit; the generator will rarely move from it's enclosure. It is quite heavy and difficult for 2 people to carry. All in all it is a great machine and I would recommend it to anybody."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
generator,
October 31, 2007
By Anonymous Reviewerfrom Maryland
"This generator is awesome. I bought it for work and home use and it is very dependable and used quite often, being you can use it for 3 types of fuel especially natural or Lp gas I have a line at my home just for lp gas and it is great because I never have to fill it up when the power goes down"
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
Overall Rating:
4
/ 5
Northstar 8KW generator,
October 30, 2007
By Hydrologistfrom Raleigh, NC
"I bought this to provide backup power for our new house and have had it one year. In that time we've not had an outage, so I have run it only monthly to keep it up. I initially ran it on gas, but have since installed a 100 gallon LP tank. It runs well on both fuels. It starts easily, which is one reason I bought a generator having a Honda engine. I like the multi-fuel capability as it provides flexibility for an extended outage. I did not get the wheel kit. The generator is in a large plastic storage container next to the outdoor power receptical. I open the box, plug it in, turn the key, and we can power the critical items at our house. It is connected to the main panel with a 6-circuit Reliance transfer switch (model 31406CRK). Two of the circuits are used for the 220 volt well pump, two for house lighting circuits, one for the refrigerator and one for the freezer. I wish I had bought a switch with more circuits though. With proper load management, this generator will also power my water heater. This was my first generator, and I bought the transfer switch the Northern Tool salesman recommended. I don't think he was much more knowledgable about generators than I was, so do your homework and know exactly what you want to run. The generator is fine, though, and that's the main thing you want to get right."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
Overall Rating:
4
/ 5
Versitile A-Z product,
October 29, 2007
By wizbrodonfrom Upstate, NY
"I bought this generator 4 yrs ago to run power tools and lighting while building my new home. For this job I ran gasoline in the unit. When the home was complete, I cleaned out all the gasoline and hooked up a transfer switch and ,quick coupling, propane connection outside my basement door. When power goes out I have 500 gals of propane to run off and I never have to worry about stale gasoline. The unit powers all my pump, furnace (2) freezers, refrigerator, and basic lights in the house with no problems. It has never failed me and I lose power up to 8 times per year out in the country where I live. It's a bit more noisy than some generators or I would have given it a 5 Star rating."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Trifuel advantage,
May 12, 2007
By Dieseldocfrom South Carolina
"I have used this generator since 2001. It has run on gasoline, natural gas and now on LP. The power is good but rpm's need to adjusted from time to time (easy to do) I guess from vibration. It also only starts from gasoline then can be switched to NG or LP with the push of the button. The fuel lines for NG or LP need to be 1/2' or 3/8" minimum. 1/2" did better for the NG. The tires are easier to change after drilling the axle and using cotter pins. The beauty of this unit is the triple fuel option and Honda motor that works great as expected. The frame is very solid and well built."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
Overall Rating:
3
/ 5
BIG and HEAVY,
May 2, 2007
By ratio411from Pensacola, FL
"The only reason I would not recommend this generator to another professional is the extreme bulk of the product. Compared to other generators, this one is excessively large. The frame is big and heavy, but the engine and generator take up much less space. The extra bulk of the oversize frame takes away from important 'real estate' in our company trucks. I can look at the generator and see how the frame could be 6" shorter in every direction.
That said, functionally these things are great. They haven't given a single hiccup of problem in 3 years of HARD service in our fleet. All of our small engines are Honda, with very good reason.
If you are a homeowner and need a low cost and reliable generator, go NorthStar. If you are a pro working from a truck with limited space, get something with a smaller frame.
DO NOT GET THE WHEEL KIT! The handles don't fold, adding to the space problem, and the tires are always flat. Also, the tires are held on with a round keeper, rather than a cotter pin like most, so the tires are very hard to change.
NorthStar: Please add an idle down control for free load conditions. Will save fuel."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Great Trifuel Generator,
November 16, 2006
By Ziggyfrom Holland, Vermont
"I have owned the NorthStar 8,000 watt Trifuel generator for three years and am extremely satisfied with it's performance. It is installed in a hybrid solar electric system and has performed flawlessly.The unit is used as an auto-start charging source providing up to 30 amps. @ 220 volts A.C. for extended periods of time. The unit has provided continual, solid electrical energy to my battery charger without fail.
Even though the winter temperatures in our area dip below zero for significant portions of the season, this generator has never failed to start. The unit is presently running on propane and works great, but it performed equally as well on gasoline. Fuel changeover is quick and simple, at the flip of a switch. The Honda engine has been reliable and easy to start either by the electric star or pull cord.
For anyone who needs solid, reliable 110 or 220 volts A.C., this unit is the one to buy. Great features and reasonably priced."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
5 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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