Learn About Treadmill Motors Before You Buy a Treadmill

One of the most important ways some treadmills might be more suitable than others is the differences in their motors.  Although treadmill motors are not the only thing you should consider when you're purchasing a treadmill, they definitely are a factor you should investigate.  Before you buy a treadmill, read the following information about treadmill motors.

Continuous Duty Motors are Preferable

If you've been doing your research, you've probably read that buying a model that uses a continuous duty motor is important.  I can clarify this if you're a bit uncertain about what it means.  Most intermittent motors can only run somewhere between five minutes and an hour before they need to be shut down to cool off.  A continuous duty motor can run continuously without being damaged.  You won't want to stop your workout after only a few minutes to cool off your treadmill, so continuous duty motors are better.

Horsepower (hp)

Treadmill motor horsepower usually ranges between 2.0 and 4.0 hp.  How much horsepower you will need depends on how you will use your treadmill.  A 2.0 horsepower motor will be plenty if you will only walk on your treadmill, but you'll need something stronger if you will use your treadmill to run hard.  My investigations indicate that even for a strong runner, a treadmill motor that produces 3.0 horsepower will be more than sufficient.

Warranty

I usually don't spend much time when it comes to looking at warranties, simply because I don't plan on my purchases breaking down and needing to be shipped back to the manufacturer.  However, you can get an idea of the quality of a treadmill motor by looking at its warranty.  Manufacturers usually give different warranties for different parts of their treadmills.  The Smooth Fitness 6.75 Folding Treadmill is an example of an excellent treadmill warranty.  Its warranty reads:  "Lifetime on frame and motor, 5 years all parts & electronics and 2 years of in-home service."  Yowza Fitness is another manufacturer that offers a lifetime warranty on its treadmill motors.  You might not plan on needing to replace the motor, but the simple fact that a manufacturer feels confident enough in its treadmill motors to provide a lifetime warranty is a signal that those motors are durable and high quality.

Is AC or DC Better?

While both are available, AC (alternating current) treadmill motors are louder than DC (direct current) motors.  The Treadmill Buying Guide suggests that buyers be aware of the loudness of treadmills in general; the sound of feet pounding can be loud in addition to the motors themselves.  If your treadmill will be located where others could hear it, you might want to opt for a model featuring a quieter DC treadmill motor.  A motor that's quieter will also be nice if you enjoy listening to music and/or watching television while on your treadmill.  Most models for home use have AC treadmill motors.  I know it's not fun looking at treadmill specifications because the terminology and concepts will be unfamiliar, but it's well worth examining them before you buy.  Take a few minutes before buying to learn about what makes a treadmill motor high quality and to determine which type of motor would best suit your needs.