How To Choose The Best Treadmill Motors
Treadmill motors are arguably the most important consideration in choosing a
model that will be virtually maintenance free. Make sure the one you purchase is
at least a 2.5 horse power. If you are an avid runner, look for a model with the
most horsepower you can afford. Cheap treadmills have inferior parts and the
motors / belts don’t last nearly as long as the ones used in a higher quality
treadmill.
One of the reasons the motor is so important is it is more expensive to replace
than other treadmill belts and parts. Taking the time to find a model with a
good motor will save you repairing or replacing it later. If you buy a cheap
motorized treadmill, you will end up having to replace it within a year or two,
especially if it gets a lot of use.
There are two ways to rate parts such as motors for treadmills, continuous duty
and peak duty. Continuous duty is the horsepower that is constantly delivered
from the motor to the belt. Peak duty is the maximum horsepower motors can put
out. Usually, this can’t be maintained for long. Peak duty is usually about
double the continuous duty rating.
Be careful when you are comparing treadmills. Having to replace parts such as
the motor and belt is a cumbersome procedure, even if covered by a warranty.
Make sure you are using the same rating system for your comparisons. Looking at
two 2.5 HP treadmills can be deceiving, if one is rated continuous and the other
peak. You could end up with a 1.5 HP when you thought you had purchased a 2.5 HP
motor. This won’t be enough horsepower for your workout if you do anything more
than light walking.
Runners need higher horsepower partly because of the heavy usage their treadmill
get. The minimum continuous duty horsepower you should look for is 2 HP if you
are an avid runner. Inferior parts such as weak motors won’t give you enough
challenge and the motor won’t be able to move the belt along.
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