What Are Treadmill Motor Considerations?

Treadmills are seldom the same, and one of the ways they differ is in the motor with which they are outfitted. This does not mean a treadmill motor is the sole element you should consider when buying a treadmill, but it certainly is a factor you should consider a good deal.

Continuous Duty Type of Motor

If you’ve done any treadmill research, you’ve probably come to discover that buying a treadmill with a continuous duty motor is pretty important. What exactly does is a continuous duty motor? A continuous duty motor is runs continuously without getting damaged. An intermittent motor, on the other hand, must stop to cool, and most can only run for a duration of 5 to 60 seconds. You wouldn’t want to stop working out on a treadmill only after a few minutes, which is why a continuous duty motor is the right kind of motor for a treadmill.

How Much Horsepower?

Typically, motors on treadmills generate somewhere between two and four horsepower. The horsepower you need will depend on how you will use your treadmill. If you’ll only be walking, then a two horsepower motor will be sufficient. If you like to run hard, however, you’ll need three to four horsepower. 3.0 horsepower motors will provide plenty of power for a strong runner. Any amount above 3.0 horsepower is a bonus.

What Type of Warranty Should You Expect?

I seldom pay much attention to a product’s because I don’t plan on items I buy breaking down (perhaps a little shortsighted on my part). However, one method to determine the quality of a treadmill motor is by checking the warranty. There are many types of treadmill warranties. The best motor warranty is a lifetime warranty. While you might not ever need to replace the motor, the simple fact that a treadmill manufacturer is offering a lifetime warranty is a a very good sign the treadmill motor is high quality.

What’s the Difference Between AC and DC Treadmill Motors?

Direct current (DC) motors run quieter than their alternating current (AC) counterparts. Treadmill motors can be loud, but the pounding of feet can be loud as well. This means you might want to choose a treadmill with one of the quieter DC motors if your treadmill will be located where others might hear it. A quieter treadmill is also a benefit if you watch TV and/or listen to music while exercising.

Most of the treadmills you can buy for use in the home utilize AC treadmill motors. I realize that carefully examining treadmill specifications won’t be much fun because you’ll need to learn some unfamiliar concepts and terminology, but it can be time very well spent before you make your purchase. It only takes a few minutes to read about the characteristics of quality treadmill motors, and even more importantly, to determine the type of motor that will be best for your needs.

Next, read about one of the best running treadmills. Or read this Yowza Smyrna Treadmill review.