Manual treadmills are operated by foot power. Automatic treadmills use a control panel to adjust the speed of a motor that turns the rollers and moves the running belt. To convert a manual treadmill into an automatic treadmill, it's necessary to replace the front roller and flywheel assembly with one that's compatible with a particular treadmill motor. A console and control panel assembly is installed at the front of the treadmill. Depending on the manual treadmill, it may be necessary to replace the running deck and belt. However, a clever retro-fit could negate the need for additional accessory parts.
Step 1
Obtain instruction manuals for the treadmill motor and control panel console. Note the compatibility of the motor with certain types of front rollers. Obtain the recommended front rollers. Obtain the proper mounting brackets for the roller, motor and control panel console.
Step 2
Remove the bolts that secure the handrails to the frame of the manual treadmill using a hex wrench. Use an Allen wrench to remove the hub covers at each side of the front roller and flywheel assembly. Loosen the running belt adjustment bolts on the rear roller with a hex wrench.
Step 3
Use an Allen wrench to remove the bolts that secure the left side rail to the treadmill frame and remove the rail. Slide the running belt off the front and rear rollers and set it aside. Use a hex wrench to remove the nuts that secure the front roller to the treadmill frame. Remove the roller and flywheel assembly.
Step 4
Place the new front roller in the treadmill frame temporarily. Position the new motor inside the front of the treadmill frame. Make sure the motor pulley is aligned with the pulley on the new roller. It may be necessary to remove and replace the running deck if the motor will not position correctly in the treadmill frame.
Step 5
Lift the new front rollers out of the frame. Use the recommended mounting bracket and provided bolts to install the motor in the treadmill frame. Install the console and control panel assembly at the front of the treadmill frame per the installation instructions.
Step 6
Connect the black and white wire leads at the base of the console to the black and white leads on the motor. Use the provided clips to secure the AC power cord to the frame rails. Lay the end of the power cord with the molded plug to the side of the treadmill.
Step 7
Place the new front roller in the treadmill frame. Install the V-belt on the motor pulley and front roller pulley. Put the provided washers and nuts on each end of the roller and tighten the nuts with a hex wrench. Loosen the adjustment bolts on the motor bracket and adjust the V-belt to the recommended tension.
Step 8
Slide the running belt on the front and rear rollers. Replace the side rail on the treadmill frame and tighten the bolts that hold it in place. Position the new motor cover at the front of the treadmill frame. Use the provided attachment bolts or clips to secure the cover in place.
Step 9
Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet. Straddle the running belt and insert the safety key in the control panel. Follow the instructions for starting the automatic treadmill. Select the slowest speed. Move to the rear of the treadmill and observe the alignment of the running belt. Use the adjustment bolts to align the running belt and adjust the tension.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult a treadmill technician or owner's manual for the procedure to align and adjust the running belt.
Things You'll Need
- Hex wrenches
- Allen wrenches
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