Looking for a Treadmill to Purchase for Home (Read 726 times)

I too have a NordicTrak. Had it about 5 years.

If you're not handy with fixing things, buy a service plan to go with your tmill whatever brand you buy.

I have had to replace the drive belt - the small belt that connects the motor to the treadbelt roller - several times. The belts aren't cheap - $37, but they are easy to replace once you get the hang of it. I found a similar, heavier duty belt at the local industrial supply shop that cost just $11. I have also had to replace the treadbelt board - the thick piece of particle board that you run on under the belt. This was a big job. It split down the middle one night while running on it. I'm a bigger runner though - 185lbs - and have given the thing quite a pounding through the years.

Waiting to replace the treadbelt as it is getting worn and has a rip or two along the edges. The electronics have been fine. The service department at NordicTrak is good. They have helped me several times when I have had to fix things on my mill. Overall I think it has been a good purchase.

I have a Horizon CST 4.  It was on sale for about $1000 and I purchased in January 2005.

I've had to replace 2 decks and belts.   This cost 300-400.   The other night I heard a snap and a ping which resulted in no more inclines (one of the supports broke).  Recently also I am constantly adjusting the belt.  It goes to one side or the other pretty much every run when before I could go months without having to adjust.  I have taken care of it, except last year some dust from home renovations got in there and shorted out one of the circuit boards. 

It is a 2.25 HP treadmill and I weigh nearly 200 pounds.  From many accounts I need more horsepower and a thicker deck.  I put over 2000 miles on it in 5 years.  For lighter use this was a good treadmill, but probably not ideal for 200 pounds running 7 miles at 7:45 pace.

Right now I don't have the $$$ for another one so I joined my wife's gym which is less than a quarter mile from my work so I can do lunchtime runs and use theirs for $20/month. 

Hope this helps!

Whichever treadmill you decide to get, the most important thing is to get a high quality unit.

People who spend a little less and think they will be ok with it usually end up not using it in a rather short period of time due to the fact that it feels junky. I have so many friends who have gone out and bought treadmills which could not endure the work load and they ended up not using them for very long.

I've had a near top of the line Life Fitness treadmill since 2000 and it has had almost daily use from my wife who runs almost all of her miles on the thing and I run on it when the weather is bad. We've had to replace the belt and the board under the belt once over all of these years.

One nice thing about the Bodyguards is their warranties.  Before buying, you should find out how the service works in case you need repairs.  I had repair guys at my house several times for the True I used to have and once for the Bodyguard.  Ideally, the repair people will be able to get to you without too much hassle.

I too had a Nordic track...I killed it

I loved it while it was still alive, but too many miles over a 3 years expand killed my buddy. I should have purchased that extended warranty .  Ohh well. Now I am obligated to run outside and just love it.

Good luck with your purchase. Do let us know what you got.