Commercial Treadmills

So you’ve decided to buy a treadmill and you want something that will stand up for years. Or, perhaps your boss has given you the task of purchasing a treadmill for the workout room at your office.

In either case, you want a commercial treadmill because they provide greater longevity, less maintenance and more features than a home model. And, you won’t waste money or let down your boss by purchasing a unit that’s not truly a commercial treadmill. So how do you know what’s a commercial treadmill and what’s not?

Components

In general commercial treadmills are built from sturdier, higher-grade components than home treadmills. But what are higher-grade components? For example, many commercial treadmills use four-ply treadbelts as opposed to the two-ply used in home treadmills. Thicker belts last longer, tend to break down at a slower rate and in general hold up better to the constant pounding that commercial treadmills take.

Motors

Commercial treadmills have larger motors with horsepower ratings of over 2.0 for continuous duty. Continuous duty ratings are the horsepower a motor will run at with a constant load (you) for an extended period of time. Continuous duty ratings are important in a commercial setting because the commercial treadmill may run almost continually for several hours.

Commercial treadmills typically have direct current (DC) motors while home treadmills often are run by alternating current (AC). DC motors on commercial treadmills are slower starting and stopping. This makes commercial treadmills safer than some cheaper, home models.

Rollers

The rollers in a commercial treadmill usually are larger than in a home model. Two-inch diameter and larger rollers are common in commercial treadmills. Larger rollers in commercial treadmills mean more surface contact with the belt. Therefore, less belt tension is required. With less tension, the bearings heat up less and cause less wear yielding longer life. Warranties on rollers should be over two years in commercial treadmills.

Dimensions & lubrication

Commercial treadmills will generally have longer and wider treadbelts and decks. Widths of 20 inches or more and 60 inches in length are common in commercial treadmills. The commercial treadbelt and deck should require less lubricant to reduce friction. Consequently commercial treadmills require less maintenance. Deck and belt warranties should be greater than two years.

Weight

These heavier, more durable components make commercial treadmills, well, heavier. Some models can top 600 pounds and in general commercial treadmills do not fold, so make sure your strongest friends or co-workers are around if your commercial treadmill is going to be delivered that day.

More information on treadmills