NorthStar 21-gal tow-behind sprayer

The 21-gallon tow-behind for spraying the lawn. When it stops pushing fluid it's nearly always the 12-volt diaphragm pump — so this is the pump's spec, the exact replacement part numbers, and the one cheap check to run before you buy one.

Unit: NorthStar 21-gal tow-behind · item 282780D
Serial · year: 03202482 · 2020
Capacity: 21 gal — 21.3 kg dry / 97.5 kg full
Pump: NSQ-series 12 VDC on-demand diaphragm
Pressure · flow: 70 PSI (4.8 bar) · 2.2 GPM (8.3 LPM) open
Draw · speed: 8.0 A max · 2600 RPM · IPX1

NorthStar unit label: item 282780D, 21 gallon, year 2020, RPM 2600, serial 03202482, barcode — **Left:** the unit label — item, serial, year, and the 1-800-270-0810 support line. **Right:** the pump spec plate — pressure, flow, 12 VDC, and the max-amp draw. Photograph these before ordering; the item number is what pins the right pump.

NorthStar pump spec label: max pressure 70 PSI, open flow 2.2 GPM, 12 VDC, max amp 8.0, warning text — **Left:** the unit label — item, serial, year, and the 1-800-270-0810 support line. **Right:** the pump spec plate — pressure, flow, 12 VDC, and the max-amp draw. Photograph these before ordering; the item number is what pins the right pump.

01Before you condemn the pump

The cheapest fix is the one you check first — a clogged filter looks exactly like a dead pump.

Check and clean the inline filter first.A blocked strainer starves the pump and mimics failure — no flow, straining motor. Clean it before you spend a cent. Running the pump without an inline filter voids the warranty and is what kills these pumps in the first place, so make sure one's fitted.
Confirm 12 V is actually reaching the pump.Battery, fuse, and connector corrosion fake a dead pump too. Check for 12 VDC at the pump leads before blaming the pump itself.
Then diagnose the pump.If filter and power are good and it still won't prime or hold pressure, it's the pump — and usually the diaphragm or valves, not the motor (which is why the pump-head-only part exists, below).

02The replacement pump — part numbers

Match the port style on your unit first: quick-connect vs. threaded NPT.

Part & fit

Rough cost

NorthStar 2682272

Full pump — 3/4" quick-connect portsNorthern Tool, or Amazon B00BJ2GZ7A. The common fit.

~$100–120

NorthStar 2682271

Full pump — 3/8" NPT (threaded) portsThe same pump with threaded ports instead of quick-connect.

~$100–120

A2682272

Pump head only — motor reusedRoughly half price. The right call when the motor still runs and it's the diaphragm/valves that failed (the usual fault).

~½ of full

Which port do I have?

Quick-connect = plastic collars/clips you squeeze to release the hose. NPT = threaded fittings you unscrew. Check the pump's ports before ordering — it's the one thing that gets the wrong part sent.

Before any maintenance

Relieve system pressure before opening the pump or lines. Do not pump flammable fluids, and don't run the pump in an enclosed/explosive environment. Read the owner's manual before service.

Support / parts: 1-800-270-0810 · NorthernTool.com. Have the item number 282780D and serial 03202482 to hand.

landscape.gf.cx · tools · northstar-sprayer · filed 2026-07-23 · spec & the part number, kept where you'll find it