5.5 HP Single-Direction Plate
Compactors
Owner’s Manual
Item 49159 Item 49161,
With Water Tank
WARNING: Read and understand all instructions, warnings, and cautions before
using this product. Failure to follow the instructions, warnings, and cautions may result in
serious personal injury and/or property damage.
Items # 49159 & 49161
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you very much for choosing a Northstar product!
For future reference, please complete the owner’s record below:
Item Number:
______________________________________________
Serial Number/Lot Date Code:
________________________________
Purchase Date:
____________________________________________
Save the receipt, warranty, and this manual.
These plate compactors are designed for certain applications
only. The distributor cannot be responsible for issues arising from
modification or use of this product in an application for which it
was not designed. We strongly recommend that this product not
be modified and/or used for any application other than that for
which it was designed.
For technical questions, please call 1-800-222-5381.
Page 2 of 25
Table of Contents
Intended Use .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Technical Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 4
Important Safety Information ............................................................................................................... 5
Specific Operation Warnings ............................................................................................................... 8
Main Parts of Plate Compactor .......................................................................................................... 10
Before Each Use .................................................................................................................................. 11
Operating Instructions ........................................................................................................................ 12
Starting the Engine ......................................................................................................................... 12
Operation ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Stopping the Engine ....................................................................................................................... 13
After Each Use ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Lifting and Transporting the Compactor .......................................................................................... 13
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Changing the V-belt ........................................................................................................................ 15
Parts Diagram ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Base Plate ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Engine Base Plate .......................................................................................................................... 17
Engine Frame ................................................................................................................................. 18
Vibratory Housing Assembly .......................................................................................................... 19
Clutch and Belt ............................................................................................................................... 20
Handle ............................................................................................................................................ 21
Water System ................................................................................................................................. 22
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 23
Replacement Parts .............................................................................................................................. 23
Limited Warranty ................................................................................................................................. 24
Page 3 of 25
Intended Use
Compactor
Weight – 49159
152.1 lbs. (69 kg)
Weight - 49161
176.3 lbs. (80 kg)
Centrifugal Force
2270.8 lbf. (1030 kgf)
Vibration Frequency
96.7 Hz (5800 VPM)
Travel Speed (depending on soil)
82 ft./min (25 m/min)
Grade Ability
20%
Compacted Area (depending on soil)
6054.7 ft2/hr (562.5 m2/hr)
Power Take-Off
Centrifugal Clutch & V-Belt
Engine
Engine Maker
HONDA
Engine Model
GX 160
Output Power(max)
5.5 Hp. (4.0 Kw)
Spark Plug
BPR6ES(NGK)
W20EPR-U(DENSO)
Spark Plug Gap
0.028-0.031 in. (0.7-0.8 mm)
Engine Speed - Full Load
3,600±100 RPM
Engine Speed - Idle
1,400±100 RPM
Air Cleaner Type
Dual Element
Engine Oil Type
SAE 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity
20 oz. (600 ml)
Fuel Type
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity
3.8 qt. (3.6 l)
These compactors are designed to compact loose or granular soils, gravel, paving stones and asphalt.
They are powerful compacting tools capable of applying a tremendous force in consecutive high
frequency vibrations to a soil surface. Its applications include compacting for road, embankments and
reservoirs as well as backfilling for gas pipelines, water pipelines and cable installation work.
Both compactors are intended to be used in confined areas or areas next to structures such as walls,
curbs, and foundations. They are not recommended for compacting cohesive soils with a heavy clay
content. For cohesive soil, use a vibratory rammer or sheeps-foot roller.
One of the compactors includes a built-in water tank and sprinkler set so it can provide water to a
work site with dust or cool properly on hot asphalt. Too much watering however makes either
compactor move forward slowly.
Power Source. The compactors are powered by a gasoline engine.
Supplies Required. Normal operation will require you to supply:
Gasoline
Engine oil
Personal Protection Equipment
See “Specifications” section of this manual or Engine Manual for more detail.
Site Location. Intended for outdoor use only.
Technical Specifications
Page 4 of 25
Important Safety Information
The warnings, cautions, and instructions in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions or
situations that could occur. Exercise common sense and caution when using this tool. Always be
aware of the environment and ensure that the tool is used in a safe and responsible manner.
DO NOT allow persons to assemble or operate this product until they have read this manual and
have developed a thorough understanding of how the product works.
Use the right tool for the job. DO NOT attempt to force small equipment to do the work of larger
industrial equipment. There are certain applications for which this equipment was designed. It will
do the job better and more safely at the capacity for which it was intended. DO NOT use this
equipment for a purpose for which it was not intended.
Industrial or commercial applications must follow OSHA requirements.
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities
contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
- lead from lead-based paints,
- crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
- arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To
reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well-ventilated area, and work with approved
safety equipment, such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic
particles.
WORK AREA SAFETY
Inspect the work area before each use. Keep the work area clean, dry, free of clutter, and well lit.
Cluttered, wet, or dark work areas can result in injury.
Do not use the tool where there is a risk of causing a fire or an explosion; e.g., in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or dust. The tool can create sparks, which may ignite the flammable
liquids, gases, or dust.
Do not allow the tool to come into contact with an electrical source. The tool is not insulated and
contact will cause electrical shock.
Keep children and bystanders away from the work area while operating the tool. Do not allow
children to handle the tool.
Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes, and other mechanical hazards in your
work area. Some of these hazards may be hidden from your view and may cause personal injury
and/or property damage if contacted.
Page 5 of 25
PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating the tool. Do not
use the tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects, or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing
and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving
parts.
Use ANSI Z87.1-approved safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields, or when needed, a
face shield. Use a dust mask in dusty work conditions. Also use non-skid safety shoes, hardhat,
gloves, dust collection systems, and hearing protection when appropriate. This applies to all
persons in the work area.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Remove keys or wrenches before connecting the tool to the power supply or turning on the tool. A
wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may cause personal injury.
No smoking, matches, or open flames around . Fuel is flammable.
Do not touch hot surfaces.
Equipment can tip over when moving, causing injury.
Persons not operating should be at least 10 feet away while equipment is in use.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is a poison you cannot see or smell. NEVER use
in doors.
Do not operate without guards in place.
Page 6 of 25
COMPACTOR USE AND CARE
Do not force the product. Products do a better and safer job when used in the manner for which
they are designed. Plan your work, and use the correct product for the job.
Check for damaged parts before each use. Carefully check that the product will operate properly
and perform its intended function. Replace damaged or worn parts immediately. Never operate
the product with a damaged part.
Put the power switch in the locked or off position before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the
tool accidentally.
Store the product when it is not in use. Store it in a dry, secure place out of the reach of children.
Inspect the product for good working condition prior to storage and before re-use.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for use with your product.
Accessories that may be suitable for one product may create a risk of injury when used with
another product.
Keep guards in place and in working order. Never operate the product without the guards in
place.
Do not leave the product running unattended.
Shut off the fuel valve when the engine is not in use.
Only use the recommended fuel to avoid damaging the equipment.
Oil does not come with the machine. Add oil to engine before the first use.
Check oil levels before operating the machine.
DO NOT refuel the engine while it is still hot. Fuel is flammable.
DO NOT service engine while it is still hot.
Page 7 of 25
Specific Operation Warnings
To avoid fatal accident
Stop the engine before refueling and be careful not to spill fuel. Spilled fuel may ignite.
Do not refuel the engine near flammable objects to avoid fire.
Do not run the engine in enclosed areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
To protect the operator
When fatigued from operation, stop the machine and take break.
Hearing protection is required as this machine creates a noise emission level of about
104 dB while 1 m (3 feet) away from the equipment.
To avoid injury or damage
The compactors are only operated by authorized persons who:
- are at least 18 years of age.
- are physically and mentally able to operate the plate compactor.
- are properly trained in the operation and the maintenance of the plate compactor by
the owner or its authorized representative.
- are assessed to be able to carry out their duties reliably.
Do not operate the compactor when any condition endangers the safety of the operator.
Correct the condition before operating the compactor.
Do not operate the compactor while under the influence of medication or alcohol.
The operator must monitor the immediate area all the times. Do not operate the
compactor if a person is in the immediate area because cracked and bounced rock may
cause injury. Also monitor other objects within 20m in case of lighting.
The compactor can only be operated under adequately stable conditions.
The operator must turn off the compactor completely as described in this manual before
leaving the operating position. Also, the compactor must be secured against
unauthorized use.
The engine must be turned off and secured against re-starting by pulling out the spark
plug before maintenance and servicing.
The compactor has to be inspected by an authorized service technician on a regular
basis (at least once a year). The compactor generates mechanical heat so do not touch
the engine, muffler or other parts during the operation, which may cause a burn. Please
wait until the compactor cools down before inspecting components.
The operator must be fully equipped with safety equipment including a helmet, safety
gloves, safety shoes, safety glasses, a mask, and hearing protection before operating
the compactor.
Do not insert a hand or finger between the pulley cover and engine during operation as it
will break the hand or finger.
Sprinkle the water on the working area to avoid dust before operating but NEVER
operate the compactor if the working area is too wet because it may damage the life
cycle of the product.
Lift the plate compactor by the curve in the top center of the frame using a proper lifting
crane. Lifting the compactor by hand may cause personal injury due to its heavy weight.
Securely fasten the compactor for transportation. Insecure fastening of the compactor
Page 8 of 25
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