Main causes of treadmill malfunctions

In this article we intend to address the main causes of treadmill malfunctions. First of all, it is important to realize that most of the time a treadmill does not break down by itself. It usually malfunctions as a consequence of a problem caused by the user(s). Whether directly, due to overloading of weight, for example, or indirectly, due to excess humidity in the location where the equipment is located. What is certain is that if we are not properly careful, the equipment always ends up giving way.

Main causes of malfunctions:

• On the equipment:
  • Lack of lubrication;
  • Missing maintenance;
  • Running belt with problems;
  • Deck with problems;
• In use:
  • Excess weight of the user;
  • Exaggerated usage time;
  • Speeds not recommended;
• In the space of use:
  • Excess humidity;
  • Excess heat;
  • Direct exposure to sunlight;
  • Excess dust or small particles in the air or on the floor;

We will now explain in detail how these causes can greatly influence the useful life of the entire equipment.

Lack of lubrication

The lack of lubrication is undoubtedly the main problem found in most equipment, but with greater incidence in treadmills.

Lubricating a treadmill running belt should be carried out at short intervals, for example every month, for average use. You can find in the following article how to maintain your treadmill.

It is important to note that regardless of use, the lubricant dries over time. In other words, if the equipment has been stopped for a year, it will be completely dry and an “extra dose” of lubricant will be needed before training begins again.

The lack of lubrication causes friction between the various mechanical parts to increase and thus forces the entire system to exert greater effort, which generates more heat and can subsequently lead to breakdowns.

Missing maintenance

Having a treadmill that is always ready to use and with up-to-date maintenance is really important. This way we avoid problems and especially unnecessary expenses because sometimes they can be high expenses. More in-depth and time-consuming maintenance can be carried out by a specialized technician, however basic and frequent maintenance must be carried out by the user of the equipment. It’s the user who understands when to lubricate the treadmill or thin the running belt – You can learn more at Maintenance of your treadmill

Running belt with problems

The running belt is a wearing component and is directly in contact with the user, so it is the one that requires the most attention. You should clean and lubricate regularly, fine-tune if necessary and wear appropriate footwear for exercise. It is important to regularly check the running belt for cracks, as well as ensuring that the part that comes into contact with the board is in good condition. If you notice something different, you should replace it. We must avoid straining the motor, so that it does not overheat and burn.

If you need to change the running belt on your treadmill, we advise you to read the following article: How to measure the treadmill running belt.

Deck with problems

Decks are also a wearing part. They normally break or become deformed due to high effort or poor conditioning of the treadmill. If the user weighs more than the recommended maximum, the deck will break quickly. Another harmful situation for treadmills and decks in particular is humidity. If the treadmills are in damp places, it is guaranteed that the decks will deform and possibly break within a short time.

If you need to change the deck of your treadmill, we advise you to read the following article: How to take the measurements of your treadmill deck.

Excess weight of the user

When we use a treadmill that was not prepared and built to work with a certain weight, it does not mean that it will not work. It means that it will quickly stop working! In other words, the investment made quickly goes to waste. When a treadmill is built for a certain weight, its entire structure and parts are taken into account for this purpose, so when there is an overload of weight, the parts and structure initially appear to be fine because they are new, but they quickly fail: they tear, break or burn depending on the part we are referring to (running belt, deck, motor,…).

Exaggerated usage time

When we use the treadmill excessively in terms of usage time, the probability of damage is much greater. It can lead to overheating of the motor and/or electronic board, or even complete damage to these parts – they may burn out and require replacement. It can also lead to early wear and tear of the running belt and deck and consequent replacement.

We must consult the user manual that comes with the equipment and understand the manufacturer’s recommendations in this regard. We must also develop a training plan that saves time, resources, equipment and user.

Speeds not recommended

When we use the treadmill excessively in terms of training speeds, the likelihood of breakdowns is much greater. It can lead to overheating of the motor and/or electronic board, or even complete damage to these parts – they may burn out and require replacement. It can also lead to early wear and tear of the running belt and deck and consequent replacement.

We must consult the user manual that comes with the equipment and understand the manufacturer’s recommendations in this regard. We must also develop a training plan that saves time, resources, equipment and user.

Excess humidity

Humidity is not a friend to treadmills, neither in the form of sweat nor in its most common form – water.

You should pay special attention to where you are going to place your treadmill. It shouldn’t be a damp location. Moisture over time ends up penetrating electrical and electronic components and we could be putting the equipment at risk of failure.

Sweat is very corrosive, it wears down the paintwork of structures, eventually damaging them and creating small cracks, so at the end of each training session you should clean and dry your equipment.

Excess heat

When we use the treadmill excessively we cause the equipment to heat up excessively and the likelihood of breakdowns is much greater, both electrically, electronically and mechanically. If we cause the motor and/or board to overheat, we can burn these parts and require replacement. Overheating also causes damage to the running belt, expanding the material, requiring more frequent adjustments, meaning replacement will also be quicker.

We must consult the user manual that comes with the equipment and understand the manufacturer’s recommendations in this regard. We must also develop a training plan that saves time, resources, equipment and user.

Direct exposure to sunlight

You should pay special attention to where you are going to place your treadmill. It should not be a place with direct exposure to sunlight. Sunlight over time ends up damaging/drying out plastics, electrical and electronic components and we could be putting the equipment at risk of failure.

Excess dust or small particles in the air or on the floor

The equipment should be cleaned regularly. It is important that it does not accumulate dust or small particles that circulate in the air or on the floor. Typically, this dirt accumulates on the motor and board and when the treadmill is in operation the effort becomes greater, leading to overheating and consequent damage, i.e., the motor and board are burned. For more information see: maintenance of your treadmill.

If you have purchased any of these parts from our company and want to know more about this subject, you can find more information in: Installation of motor and board and Installation of deck and running belt on your treadmill.

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