Quick Used Treadmill Test - Do Before Buying!!

Mar 06, 2022

So you found a "sweet deal" on a Sole Fitness Treadmill on Facebook Marketplace, egh??  Buyer Beware.  Do this test!

The advancement and the innovations of the modern age have brought so much ease to us and our routines and lifestyles have changed a lot. The busyness and tight schedules have confined us to our domains and these are machines that help us to do our chores. Fitness machines are widely used because of their efficiency and effectiveness. The treadmill is considered the most important and popular piece of fitness equipment, due to its usage and impacts on health and fitness. It is extensively used not only in health clubs and gyms but also in homes

Since treadmills, due to their extensive parts and intricate engineering, are expensive, most of the time people try to have used treadmill machines. Since used machines cannot function well due to old parts and maximum usage, buyers get serious types of problems, from the very initial days of the purchase. It is very important for buyers that they should always closely examine the machine and its parts.

The most common problem that is reported is shut down during use, over-heating, or blowing breakers, and sometimes machines don’t start anymore. We should know that buying a used treadmill can be a great bargain, but it must be noted that the seller is giving you a problem unit that needs costly repairs. It might work fine on initial startup, and you would be happy at that snip but once you get it home and give it a proper test run, the problem rears its ugly head and what seemed like a sweet deal is now going to cost you much more.

Here are some very simple tips and procedures for some very common problems and issues that come with a typical treadmill with DC motors. The most common problem that users faces come from a worn-out running belt. Since most of the users don’t know the very inner details of the machines and parts, the wear is not always visible to everyone and a simple visual check is not sufficient to determine belt/deck condition. To determine the condition of the belt and deck on a treadmill, this test is very fundamental

Test #1 The Push test

If a treadmill fails this test then the belt/deck is worn and should be replaced to avoid costly damage to the motor or controller. Replacing the belt/deck with labor can run anywhere from $250 to $1000 depending on the model. So what is the Belt/deck "Push Test"

It is a simple test normally conducted on the typical treadmill with a DC motor to find out if there is any issue in Belt/Deck. If the treadmill still works, turn it on and run the incline to the maximum. Now turn off the machine and stand on it just as you would for your workout. Grab onto the handlebar directly in front of you. By this, you are going to push the treadmill belt on your power by placing the feet near the outer edges of the belt which is rarely used. That outer edge should have very low friction. Now walk like this for 10-15 seconds to gauge the resistance or friction you feel between belt and deck. Now repeat the same push exercise but with your feet planting directly in the center of the belt. Repeat alternating stance until you are sure.

Now comes the most important point, if you found any noticeable difference in friction/resistance, then there is considerable wear on the belt/deck already. If the difference is very slight/minor, It may work for a while, but if the difference is quite noticeable or easy to discern, then the belt or deck are worn and must be replaced.

Check #2: Inspect the deck

This is an exclusive test for the deck and it is the simple one. Lift the treadmill belt and run your fingertips across the middle cross-section of the deck, it should feel smooth as glass. If you can feel any scratches, scoring, cracks, raised sections, blistering, or exposed wood fiber - it is worn and must be replaced. Every machine gets old and worn out with the passage of time and usage but there are some very simple techniques by which we can ensure their longest lives.

As far as the treadmills there are three fundamental tips in this regard, Treadmills must be kept clean. If a treadmill is very dirty, don’t buy it. Use lubricants to improve the work efficiency of belts Tracking and tension should be adjusted per the owner’s manual - if the belt wanders too far to one side or slips easily the belt may become damaged.