You may not pay too much mind to exercise equipment that’s running smoothly. Whether you are overseeing a physical rehabilitation facility or running a local gym, you’ve got plenty on your plate, and the squeakiest wheels simply get the grease. However, our technicians know that staying on top of maintenance for all of your equipment — namely, your treadmills — is crucial in getting the most out of your investment.
One day, a treadmill may simply not turn on, barely be able to keep up with the controls or grind to a halt when someone is using it. No scenario is good — and if you don’t know what to look for, each one can be puzzling. Here, we’ll go over the most common reasons why a treadmill breaks down — and how partnering with the right specialists can make all the difference between faulty and reliable equipment.
Breaking a sweat and treadmills go hand-in-hand; however, while it may be a sign of a good workout, sweat can take a toll on your treadmill over time. Perspiration has acidic properties that can do a number on the belt of the treadmill. Dried sweat allows dirt, dust, and rust to take hold of moving and lubricated components.
If not cleaned up, sweat will also make the belt slippery and, therefore, more dangerous for a subsequent user. When someone’s more likely to have an accident on a treadmill, the higher the chances of a breakdown.
If you flip on the switch to a treadmill and nothing happens, your belt could be the culprit. A too-tight belt can cause enough tension that the motor cannot turn the belt. This is likely if you recently adjusted the belt tension due to slippage. Additionally, over time, a treadmill belt can shift to the right or left; if it shifts enough, it could cause the belt to stop moving altogether.
You may need to have the console wiring inspected if your belt doesn’t move. The console wire connects to the main wire that runs along the inside of the treadmill upright to the motor board. A pinched or twisted wire may be a cause of an apparent breakdown.
Another huge contributor to treadmill breakdowns comes from overuse; a treadmill in the back corner, perhaps not near a television, fan, or other fitness equipment will most likely have a longer lifespan than one that’s situated by high-traffic areas or surrounded by favorable amenities. It’s a wise idea to switch the equipment around every so often to prevent a handful of treadmills from bearing the brunt of your facility visitation.
For more information about how to extend the life of your gym’s treadmills or our treadmill repair services, get in touch with us today!
