Information
THE MOTOR
The motor will be AC or DC. It is important that you have at least a basic understanding of differences between the two.
AC MOTOR TREADMILL
These are always the cheaper machines on the market. The motor only goes at one speed........flat out full speed. The treadmill belt speed is changed by a pulley on the motor which acts like a gear box. The treadmill has a winding handle that changes where the belt runs on the pulley's circumference. If the belt is running on the outer section of the pulley, the treadmill will travel fast. Think of it as like being on a merry-go-round. If you are on the outer edge you're going fast, as you move toward the middle you will go slower and slower until you get near the centre, where you are hardly moving at all.
AC MOTOR ADVANTAGES
The AC motor is very reliable. It is very rare that a motor would ever need replacing. As mentioned above these units are inexpensive.
AC MOTOR DISADVANTAGES
The main problem is the speed range; it is very limited. These machines will not start at a very low walking speed nor increase to a fast running pace. The AC speed variation is usually a minimum of 3km/hr to a maximum of 10km/hr. The handle must be wound quite a few turns to change the motor speed which is quite inconvenient compared to the push of a button or twist of a dial on the DC treadmills. Computer programmed speed changes are not available on AC machines. They are also noisier than DC motorised treadmills because the motor is always running at top speed.
DC MOTOR TREADMILLS
The DC motor operates from zero rpm through to high speed. Where the AC motor treadmill has its speed changed by mechanical means, the DC motor has its speed varied by electrical controls. This is similar to your variable speed mixer or drill but with a much larger motor. The DC motor receives its electrical power through a complex circuit board that divides the electrical current into small packets of electricity that tell the motor how fast to go.
DC MOTOR ADVANTAGES
The speed range starts at zero whereas an AC treadmill's speed usually starts between 3 and 5km/hr. The DC motor speed can be varied by very small increases from 1km/hr all the way up to 16km/hr or more depending on the model. Because the speed is varied electronically, programs can be run to change the speed during a workout. These programs are called variable speed preset programs. Most DC motorised treadmills have these preset programs to enable the user to select a variable speed workout that suits their ability.
The DC motor runs much more efficiently and quietly than an AC motor because at a slow speed the motor is turning more slowly whereas the AC motor is still going full speed even at low walking speeds.
Please note: Byrne's Electric Treadmills only hire and sell quality DC motorised treadmills. Speedent Treadmills for Sale
BELT AND DECK
Walking and running width is usually not more than the width of your shoes. A 320mm wide belt is most common up to 400mm on more expensive treadmills.
SUSPENSION DECK SYSTEMS
There are many and varied systems used to cushion the deck so impact jarring is kept to a minimum. All the systems used work very well. If you have an old treadmill already without a suspension deck, you can cheat by putting some dense rubber under the treadmill on the floor. To purchase a rubber mat, click on Accessories for sale.
INCLINES AND MECHANISMS
There are 5 types of incline.
1. A permanent slight incline, that is non-adjustable.
2. Pin adjusters where the treadmill must be raised or tilted to pull a pin and re-insert at the new incline.
3. Hand operated ratchet incline. This mechanism works like a beach chair back and will click through a range of settings to select the height.
4. A hydraulic incline where a foot button or hand lever changes the height.
5. Electronically operated, motorised incline controlled by the push of a button.
FOLD UP TREADMILLS
These are a great idea and have been around for only the past few years. After use, the treadmill deck can be folded or flipped up for convenient storage. All quality treadmills have a gas assisted air cylinder for easy folding.
MAINTENANCE AND HANDY TIPS
Important for maintenance:
Remove the electric power cord from the wall and loosely knot it to the frame where it can be seen before doing maintenance of any description!
Important when using the treadmill:
Don't hang onto the rails! It is alright to hang on when starting out so that you can get your balance, but let go and walk naturally as soon as possible. Why? It can be bad for you because you are not striding naturally and if there is any weakness in your ankles, knees or back you will find them out quickly. It is also bad for the treadmill because it may be made to work harder than it should. This could affect the motor and can also have adverse effects on the electronics. If you are walking a little off-line, the walking belt can be forced out of alignment. This may cause irreparable damage.
Walking belt, deck lubrication and cleaning:
Silicone Spray is the best lubricant to use on the deck to enable the walking belt to run smoothly. Pull the centre of the belt up and spray underneath a few seconds each side once a month. To keep treadmill clean, use a mild detergent and wipe over with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasives or solvents.
Expect the life of the belt and deck for a domestic treadmill (home use) to never wear out if correctly maintained.
Walking belt alignment and tension:
Belt tension can be adjusted by 2 screws at the rear roller. The belt tension is correct when you can comfortably lift each side about 50mm to spray the lubricant. If the belt is too tight it will wear out the motor, motor control board, roller bearings and belt. If the walking belt is too loose, it will slip on the front roller and the treadmill will jerk when walking or running.
If the belt is running closer to one side of the rear roller, tighten that screw a 1/4 turn clockwise and let the treadmill run for 20-30 secs at 6km/hr. Check the belt. If it has not returned to the centre, repeat the process until it has centred.
Adjustment method: Belt running to left, adjust left screw 1/4 turn clockwise. Belt running to the right, adjust right screw 1/4 turn clockwise. (right and left are facing as you would walk on the treadmill)