Buying a USED TREADMILL? 
Here are essential checks to avoid getting ripped off!   (Belt/Deck push test)

 

 

I get so many service calls from people who just bought a used treadmill, and find big problems once they get it home.

 

Buying a used treadmill can sometimes be a great score, but often the seller is unloading a problem unit that needs costly repairs. It might work fine on initial startup, but once you get it home and really give it a proper test run, the problem rears its ugly head.... and now it shuts down during use, or over heating, or blowing breakers, or just wont start anymore....and what seemed like a sweet deal is now going to cost you far more than you paid for it.

 

The root of the problem with so many used treadmills is a worn out belt and deck, resulting in high friction, which means the motor and "controller" board are using far too much current, resulting in greatly increased heat, wear, and damage.  The wear is not usually visible to the naked eye, so a visual check is not sufficient to determine belt/deck condition.

 

The best way to check it is with a Digital multimeter with a min/max setting, to test the amp draw....but most people have no idea how to do this, don't have the equipment, and most sellers would find it unreasonable to test during a viewing.

 

There is another way to test the belt/deck which requires no tools or disassembly, it is quick and easy, and will usually point out any significant wear on the treadmill belt and deck. 

 

Do this test & check to determine the condition of the belt and deck on a treadmill.

 

Test #1 The Push test

 

If a treadmill fails this test then the belt/deck are 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.

 

Belt/deck "Push Test"

 

Turn the treadmill on and increase the incline to maximum.  
(if the treadmill is not running, that's ok, you can still do this test if the deck is flat, it's just easier if inclined).

 

Now turn the treadmill power off.

 

Stand on the treadmill just as you would for your workout.

 

Grab onto the handlebar directly in front of you.

 

You are going to push the treadmill belt on your own power with your feet. Start with a wide stance, so that your foot fall is near the outer edges of the belt - this is where the belt and deck surface are generally never used, and should have very low friction (should glide smoothly without much effort). Walk (no need to run) like this with a wide stance for 10-15 seconds - enough so you get a feel for and can gauge the resistance or friction you feel between belt and deck.   To give you an idea how low the friction should be - on most new treadmills a light push off should allow gravity to carry you and the belt all the way to the rear roller.

 

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 you can detect the presence or lack of any difference in friction. 

 

If there is a noticeable difference in friction/resistance, then there is considerable wear on the belt/deck already. If the difference is very slight/minor, It may have some life left on it, but I would expect a good discount to cover the cost of eventual replacement. If the difference in friction is quite noticeable or easy to discern, then the belt (and possibly the deck) are worn and must be replaced.

 

notes: this test is for a typical treadmill with a DC motor. If you have some rather uncommon commercial treadmill with an AC motor &/or a CVT transmission, this test may not be appropriate, as they are too difficult to push -  those kind of treadmills are rare though.

If treadmill was used by a VERY large person with a very wide stance, it is possible for the belt/deck to be worn more near the outer edges than in the center. This is very rare...and I would also recommend never buy a used treadmill from a very large individual - it is likely in rough shape.)

 

Check #2: inspect the deck

 

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 fibre - it is worn and must be replaced.

 

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There are 3 points to remember to ensure the longest life of your treadmill:

 

1. Treadmills must be kept clean - dirt & dust WILL GREATLY accelerate wear.

 

2. Most belts require lubrication (but not all). Check your owners manual for the specified Lube. Never mix lubricants or use the wrong type. (Wax and Oil do not mix!)

 

3. Tracking and tension should be adjusted per owners manual - if belt wanders too far to one side or slips easily the belt may become damaged.

 

NOTE: for any Icon/Ifit brand including Nordictrack/ Proform/ Weslo/ Freemotion /Epic /Healthrider /Reebok /Image you MUST use only Ifit/Icon Factory OEM lube. It is not Silicone oil. Using silicone oil on those brands WILL void your warranty, increase friction, and contaminate your belt - according to Ifit service department. 

Throw it in the gutter, and go buy another: Environmental waste in the fitness industry rampant.

 

A client asked me to repair their NordicTrack brand treadmill. It was only 6 years old and needed a new motor control board, belt & deck.  Manufacturer came back saying parts no longer available.

 

The treadmill now must go to landfill - such a waste. 

 

I encounter situations like this almost on a weekly basis.  Another big reason a treadmill cannot be repaired is due to parts prices being too high, making a repair not financially worth doing.   This is intentional, manufacturers do not really want users to repair their machines.  On a recent trip to my City landfill, I saw no less than 3 treadmills in the steel scrap heap. 2 of them were less than 10 years old. People expect a longer lifespan, and rightly so. These machines are almost always repairable, if parts were available or sold at reasonable prices.

 

Here in Canada, the majority of these parts must come from the USA. These parts orders incur hefty brokerage and import fees along with the exchange rate. often the total cost to the client in parts alone is $600-$1000 CAD.  Add labor + GST and you are often looking at a $800-$1200 cost to repair a $1000 -$1500 treadmill.  It makes zero financial sense to repair these machines, so they go to landfill.  For these reasons, I always advise clients to avoid brands sold in department/big box stores, and stick to ones that offer long warranties. 

 

Purchasing a new treadmill vs repair results in significantly much more environmental waste - more plastic, more toxic non-recyclable packaging, more fuel spent in transporting, etc...so much waste.  

 

Simple changes such as committing to 10 year parts inventories, slowing down the release of new models, and offering a fair price for parts would go a long way to reducing the environmental impact, literally thousands of treadmills, bikes, and elliptical trainers could be repaired instead of thrown away. 

 

I want to put the industry on notice - what are you doing to combat environmental waste with your products?  Are you willing to commit to parts availability for 10 years Minimum?  What are you doing to reduce the incredible amount of garbage created from the packaging & disposal of your products?