Treadmill lubricant. Lubrication and other stages of machine care

In order for the simulator to serve for many years without problems and not threaten the safety of the owner, the mechanism must be looked after.

Typically, the treadmill is shipped to the customer properly lubricated at the factory. However, prolonged use of the device requires additional use of lubricant.

You must select it strictly according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer - buy substances recommended for a specific model of the track.

However, the manufacturer does not always provide detailed recommendations regarding the maintenance of the cardio equipment. In this case, the following tips may come in handy.

What kind of lubricant should I use in my treadmill?

Here are some desirable composition qualities:

1. Silicone base. Most modern products of this type are silicone gels or sprays; other types of lubricants for treadmills are much less common.
2. Simultaneously performs the functions of a separating agent and a lubricant (read the label, if it says so, good).
3. Sold in the form of an aerosol can for ease of application (this is not a prerequisite, but it is much easier to apply the product by simply spraying it, because this ensures even distribution).

The composition of the lubricant in a treadmill is generally quite simple. It includes:

• silicone oil;
• hydrocarbon propellant.

Which brand to choose is up to you. The main thing is to carefully read the information about proper use on the back of the can. For example, let’s name well-proven brands Efele, Sil-X, Molykote Separator Spray.

This is useful to know

It is not recommended to use regular technical oil (unless, of course, specific instructions state otherwise). It’s much better to buy a branded product and lubricate the exercise machine with it.

In some cases, the use of fatty oils can render an excellent cardio machine completely unusable due to impregnation of the running belt and deterioration of grip.

What is the price of special lubricants? Quite feasible - a few hundred rubles for a reusable can, which can be stored for two years.

Note that mechanical, magnetic, and electrical tracks need to be lubricated, but the last two types are generally more durable and less capricious.

In most cases, either for a magnetic structure or for an electric track, the same composition is suitable.

With proper care of the treadmill - including mechanical ones - its normal service life is at least 4 years (with daily, but not too long use, say, when training for an hour a day).

Try to closely monitor the condition of your iron friend! Use lubricant as soon as you notice that the running belt turns stiffly and squeaks.

Never exercise on faulty equipment. Remember: your health is at stake, and it is priceless.

Maintenance of the running belt - 4 steps

You should first study the instructions, which describe the placement of tension bolts specifically in your model. It may also indicate how to properly tension and level the running belt so that it does not move out. It is necessary to maintain the machine regardless of the type of treadmill.

It won’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the material on how to use a treadmill if you are not yet knowledgeable about this issue.

Pull-up

In general, the process of tightening the canvas is very simple:

1. turn on the track at a speed of less than 4 km/h;
2. Find out from the instructions where the tension bolts are located on the back of the blade;
3. use a special key that is included with the simulator;
4. for minimal tightening you need to make a quarter turn clockwise;
5. you need to tighten both bolts by an identical number of turns;
6. if you want to loosen the blade, turn the keys in a different direction.

Important! You should correctly determine the tension of the belt; here you need to not overtighten: excessive tension can break the front rollers of the track. Therefore, you always need to correct it smoothly and evenly.

Alignment

In fact, this process is not significantly different from the previous one : you just need to rotate the keys in different directions.

So, first you need to get off the track and turn on the speed of about 5 km/h, after that:

1. look at which direction the canvas is shifted;
2. shift to the left side - turn the left bolt to the right side a quarter turn, then turn the right bolt to the left side a quarter turn;
3. shift to the right side - do the opposite: that is, rotate the right bolt clockwise, a quarter turn, and rotate the left bolt counterclockwise, a quarter turn;
4. check the alignment of the blade, you can do this at increased speed;
5. if the blade needs to be trimmed, reduce the speed and repeat the steps for using the keys, trim smoothly a quarter turn on each side.

This algorithm will help you level the canvas. Typically, allen keys are used for treadmills.

For proper alignment and tension, use a simple visual method . The track surface should be raised approximately in the middle. The optimal gap is from 5 to 7 centimeters: if less, you need to loosen the tension, if more, tighten it.

Heating, wear and replacement of the blade

If the running belt gets hot, the problem may be excessive friction and need for lubrication. Should the canvas be heated? We’ll talk about this in more detail later.

The running belt will wear out over time and you will need to replace this element. Timely replacement of the running belt will increase the service life of the treadmill deck and avoid frequent repairs. To find out when to change the blade, you should use a simple feeling method.

Note! The canvas rises in the center, and you feel the inside with your hand. If you observe something like a torn surface, then it needs to be changed. This fact should be checked every 10-12 weeks. The condition of the special orthopedic fabric should be checked even more often

In addition, you may feel wear on the blade: slipping or periodic slowdown when increasing speed or stepping on the blade. Also, worn-out fabric accumulates static electricity on the simulator. If you feel static discharges, then the problem is either static in the fabric or in the processor on the control unit board.

As a rule, the width of the running belt in diameter is 40 or 51 centimeters, and the length is from 110 to 150 centimeters. One way or another, you can always find out the size of your canvas in the instructions.

To correctly change the canvas, you will need special experience and skills. Therefore, we will not advise you how to replace the blade yourself for the first time . In many stores that sell treadmills, you can order the services of treadmill maintenance technicians. Hire such a specialist and watch how a professional changes and adjusts the canvas.

In the future, you can try to perform this process yourself, but it is better to use the services of specialists. Moreover, this process will require about an hour of your time, and improper installation will result in a decrease in performance characteristics.

Lubrication

To reduce wear on parts and extend the service life, the track will need to be lubricated regularly . The lubricant creates a layer between the blade and the deck, due to which the belts and engine wear out less, the coefficient of friction is reduced and, accordingly, the load is reduced.

Each treadmill has different lubrication needs, and it is best to focus on the intensity of use. For example, some manufacturers advise updating the lubricant every 300 kilometers of use or every 30 hours of use . If the treadmill squeaks when you run, you need to lubricate it urgently and show it to a specialist.

However, there is a more accurate method for determining how often to lubricate. To do this, follow these steps:

1. stop the track;
2. lift the canvas;
3. slide your finger under the canvas;
4. dry blade – lubrication is needed;
5. feels like silicone grease - no lubrication required.

Attention! Mechanical tracks require even more frequent lubrication, since they have a greater load on the belt. Nevertheless, you should not neglect the lubrication of the electric and magnetic tracks.

Now you need to decide on the type of lubricant, and here you should strongly advise against using unprofessional mixtures . For example, if you do not want to purchase a new exercise machine, the thought of using industrial oil or a similar mixture should be completely discarded. The best option is always oil-free silicone lubricants in the form of a spray, which perform two main tasks :

• lubricant;
• separating agent.

As a rule, both of these functions are indicated on a can of normal mixture, and these are the options you should prefer. If you don’t know what to lubricate, pay attention to the manufacturers Hasttings and Efele, which have proven themselves to be excellent. You can also take a closer look at Molykote Separator Spray.

One way or another, you will need an option with a silicone base, which may contain a hydrocarbon propellant. Now the most convenient form of release is aerosol lubricants, but there may be other options.

The actual process consists of the following steps :

1. disabling the track;
2. raising the canvas on one side;
3. applying lubricant - between the deck and the seal, apply small splashes of lubricant over the entire surface;
4. raising the canvas on the other side;
5. applying lubricant;
6. turn on the treadmill for 3-5 minutes at low speed;
7. race walking at low speed;
8. After this, the lubricant will be evenly distributed over the surface.

Attention! Find out if the deck of your simulator does not use a paraffin layer, then lubrication with silicone mixtures is not required.

How to lubricate a treadmill?

The lifespan of a treadmill directly depends on how well the machine is maintained. Maintenance means not only cleaning the treadmill from dust and dirt, but also lubricating the treadmill belt on time.

This is interesting: Children's sizes US to Russian table

Initially, the treadmill has a lubricant applied, but as it is used, the lubricant evaporates and it becomes necessary to reapply it.

How to apply lubricant

To properly lubricate the exercise machine at home, you need to follow simple rules.

— First of all, unplug the machine from the outlet.

— You need to loosen the running belt. To do this, unscrew the adjusting bolts on both sides. The number of revolutions must be the same.

— The canvas needs to be raised a little in the center. In this position it is best to apply lubricant to the deck. The product is distributed parallel to the motor casing. Across the entire width of the deck.

— Then we tighten the bolts. There should be as many turns as you turned when loosening.

We turn on the simulator and set the speed to low - no more than 5 km/h. To control the speed, a special device is provided, which is located on the control and monitoring panel. A few minutes will be enough to work in this mode. Then the lubricant can be evenly distributed over the surfaces being treated.

Check blade alignment. If inaccuracies are identified, make adjustments.

IMPORTANT! Sometimes lubricant residues appear along the edges of the track. The easiest way to remove them is with a lint-free cloth.

Don't start your workout straight away with running. At first you need to walk along the canvas slowly, taking calm steps.

Lubrication procedure:

1. Unplug the treadmill.
2. Loosen the tension on the running belt by turning the adjusting bolts on both sides the same number of times.
3. Raise the walking belt approximately halfway along its length and apply lubricant to the full width of the deck, across the running belt (parallel to the motor housing).
4. Tighten the adjusting bolts the same number of turns as when loosening.
5. Run the treadmill at low speed (3-5 km/h) for a couple of minutes to distribute the lubricant evenly throughout the running belt, and check the alignment of the running belt (adjust if necessary).
6. Wipe the edges of the treadmill to remove excess grease with a lint-free cloth.
7. Walk on the surface for a few minutes before starting to run.

Location of the simulator

At first glance, it seems that the treadmill can be placed anywhere. However, several factors must be taken into account.

One of the most important is to install it near an outlet, so as to avoid connecting the exercise machine through extension cords.

Firstly, this is contrary to safety regulations, and secondly, it will be inconvenient for the user himself.

When installing the treadmill, try to move 15-20 cm away from the walls. Considering that the length of the average treadmill is 180 cm and the width is about 60 cm, then you will need to find a free space in the apartment that is 2 meters long and a little less than a meter wide.

If there is no such space in the apartment itself, then you can put a treadmill on the loggia, but then it should be insulated. It is better not to operate the treadmill at temperatures less than 10 degrees Celsius. The electronic components of the simulator are sensitive to low temperatures, which may shorten its service life.

For people who do not have a suitable place to install a stationary exercise machine, folding models are suitable. They allow you to put the treadmill away when not in use. The rating of the most compact treadmills can be seen here. Below you can see examples of folding exercise machines with prices.

Choose a flat place away from doors, because a lot of dust always accumulates near them.

The following factor may not be so important when installing a treadmill, but it can still help you have a more enjoyable workout.

Place the exercise machine near the TV so that you can watch your favorite channels while running.

Some will say that you can easily get by with a tablet or phone. This is quite suitable for novice users, but then you get tired of constantly looking at the small screen and want to watch your favorite series on the big screen without straining your eyes.

How often and with what should you lubricate your treadmill?

The frequency of lubrication directly depends on the intensity of use of the machine and is specified in the instructions for the treadmill. For example, manufacturers of Torneo treadmills recommend applying lubricant after 30 hours of use of the machine or after 300 km of running the treadmill. Other treadmill instructions may have different recommendations, but you can always tell when your treadmill needs lubrication.

To do this, you need to lift the canvas and run your finger under it: if the presence of silicone grease is felt, the track does not need to be lubricated, if the canvas is dry, the track needs lubrication.

There are treadmills equipped with a special indicator that reminds you of the need for lubrication. For example, on the Sole F63 treadmill, the indicator on the console lights up after 180 hours of use.

Running belt parameters

the more layers the fabric has, the longer it will last. When choosing a treadmill, pay attention to the technical characteristics of the moving element, since the comfort and effectiveness of the workout depends on this.

Running belts consist of one, two, three, four layers. The more layers, the longer it will last. And if the tape is double-sided, then over time it turns over to continue studying.

There are exercise machines with orthopedic fabric that soften the impact and protect against injury. To enhance the orthopedic effect, choose sports shoes specifically for exercising in the gym.

And thanks to special shock absorbers, the load is removed from the joints, as the impact of the foot on the track is softened.

Another parameter is the speed of the running belt. Elderly, disabled people, and patients during rehabilitation should exercise at a minimum speed - from 500 to 800 m/hour. The maximum speed for the standard model is 15 km/h , and for the professional model it is 23 km/h.

When starting or stopping, the moving element must move smoothly.

The intensity of the load depends on the speed, the angle of inclination of the running belt, the greater it is, the more training options: imitation of climbing a mountain, running or walking over rough terrain. In standard models, this parameter is adjusted manually, and in electric models using a special button on the mini-computer monitor (without interrupting the workout).

Caring for a treadmill: what to lubricate, procedure

The availability of home sports has grown rapidly in recent years, and now no one will be surprised by the Torneo exercise machine, peacefully adjacent to, say, the sofa. But when buying it, you should never forget that, like any equipment, it also needs systematic care.

For example, a popular treadmill requires lubrication and prefers silicone over all others. It is important to know this at the purchase stage, so that the projectile does not fail after six months of active use.

Model classification

Electric treadmills are the most complex type of equipment of this kind; they can be equipped with a double-sided inclined belt with different levels of shock absorption. Models may have a number of advanced functions - for example, the ability to transfer data to a tablet, track heart rate, and change the intensity of training.

Mechanical treadmills are good because they are started and moved solely by the muscular power of the athlete. The most common run rotates the canvas at a speed comfortable for a person. You can slow down or speed up at any moment, but if you have problems with your knee joints, veins and ankles, it is better to refrain from purchasing such a model.

Magnetic treadmills are usually considered a type of mechanical treadmill. They also move due to muscular efforts, and the difference will be a smoother movement of the belt. But you don’t need to waste electricity, such a projectile costs less than an electric one, it is convenient and ergonomic, and takes up little space.

Folding treadmills for home are designed for those who want the treadmill to take up as little space as possible. Usually they are placed in small apartments, on loggias, on terraces. When folded, they are compact and easily stored in the pantry or under the bed, they are easy to assemble and disassemble, and in terms of the number of functions they are not inferior to their stationary counterparts.

How to lubricate a manual treadmill

The experts at Miss Clean magazine recommend using only 100% silicone lubricant for all types of treadmills. All others are absolutely not suitable for them. Petroleum-based lubricants and mineral oils are especially dangerous for such simulators. Therefore, there can be no question of any machine oil or WD-40.

The simplest, most reliable and safe option is specialized products for treadmills. They are not expensive, they are easy to find, and instructions for use are included on the package.

This is interesting: DIY bead bracelets

Most commonly recommended lubricants:

• EFELE (exclusively for treadmills)
• Molykote Separator Spray (more universal and extremely convenient to use, but also more expensive).

Also, for the purpose of tough and not entirely rational savings, you can replace specialized products with other options for silicone lubricants, but the mschistota.ru portal does not recommend doing this on an ongoing basis. Due to their ineffectiveness and the need for more thorough and frequent treatment with them.

Mechanical

In this type, the canvas moves due to the efforts of a person running along it.

Running along such a path is the same as running in an open area. Mechanical has the following advantages: no dependence on the electrical network, safety, lightness, the ability to create the required pace with your own efforts, low price. It also has some disadvantages: there are few special sensors on it that show the level of load, etc., and there are contraindications for people with leg problems. Repairing a mechanical treadmill does not require large expenses and frequent calls to a technician. Many problems can be fixed on your own.

How to Lubricate a Manual Treadmill

First of all, you should read the instructions for the treadmill. Most often there is all the necessary information on how to do it and how often. And only after that you can start lubrication.

1. Loosen the screws that regulate the tension of the canvas.
2. Remember the number of turns by which the screws were loosened.
3. Spray silicone lubricant evenly under the blade.
4. Distribute the lubricant onto the deck.
5. Adjust the blade to the center if necessary.
6. Tighten the screws exactly the same number of turns by which they were loosened.
7. Slowly rotate the blade several times to distribute the lubricant.
8. Wipe off any grease that has come out around the edges with a lint-free cloth/cloth.

Experts also recommend that before you start running on a newly lubricated track, walk quietly for a while to evaluate whether everything was done correctly and to get used to the new path of the track.

Buying exercise equipment is not difficult or particularly expensive, nor is basic care for them. And there is nothing extraordinary about lubricating a treadmill at home either. The frequency of the procedure depends on how intensively the device is used. This is the key to long service life of the simulator and its surface.

Preventative work

Lubricant for treadmills - not any composition is suitable

In order to effectively take care of the condition of his body, a person buys sports equipment. How to take care of the condition of the simulator?

This is a normal mechanism that requires maintenance. Modern sports equipment can be quite complex, especially for cycling and running loads.

The new equipment also comes with preventive lubricant for treadmills, but it will only be enough for one or two services. Considering the load on the rotation and friction mechanisms, wear can be very intense. And then it’s not far from a serious breakdown.

After exhausting the stock of the “factory” bottle, you need to look for a replacement.

How to choose the right lubricant, read our material.

Tools you'll need for repairs

• Hex key
• crosshead screwdriver
• Allon key
• Voltage meter
• Compressed air
• Clean rags

Step 1

Unplug the power cord from the outlet. If the treadmill is folded, raise the console until it is fully upright. Use a special wrench to release the tension on the moving belt by turning the adjustment bolts on the back of the treadmill counterclockwise.

Remove the left side cover at the base of the device. This will open the running belt on one side of the machine.

Step 2

Remove the walking belt from the front and rear rollers for inspection. Cracks or dark spots on the inside of the belt indicate that it needs to be replaced. Wear on one or both edges of the belt usually indicates that the belt is not aligned. Use a hex wrench to remove the bolts holding the work deck in place.

Step 3

Locate the machine screws or bolts that secure the engine cover and remove them using a Phillips screwdriver or hex wrench.

Lift the motor cover and remove the treadmill. Trace the wires (usually black and white) on the treadmill motor to the connecting pins on the circuit board near the treadmill frame.

Step 4

Pull the connectors from the rack and use a voltage meter to check the continuity of the motor wiring. If the meter does not read, have a qualified technician diagnose the electrical circuits. If the meter reads, you can reattach the engine cover.

Step 5

Clean the boards, motor and near-motor areas (ideally with compressed air). Turn the working deck and assess its condition. Sometimes it requires replacement. If it is in good condition, then wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.

Step 6

Install an existing or new running belt onto the front and rear rollers. Attach the treadmill side panel and end cover. Tighten the belt adjustment bolts to medium tension. Read the manual for adjusting belt tension and equalizing belt tension. Do not use the machine until the belt tension and alignment are correct.

As a result of a simple analysis, you can find out about problems with the wiring to the electric motor, wear of the canvas or deck.

Why can't you use car oils?

From the point of view of technical compatibility, there are no special problems. The lubrication points of the simulator are not much different from car ones:

• rolling bearings;
• friction bearings;
• bushings;
• sliding surfaces.

That is, any paste-like lubricant can easily cope with this task. However, “Litols” and “Solidols” are not considered as care products for sports equipment.

1. Petroleum products and animal fat compounds have an unpleasant odor. Most treadmills are located at home: using mechanisms lubricated with Solidol is at least uncomfortable.
2. Any modern lubricant meets environmental standards. However, not all compounds are approved for use in the food or medical fields. The home environment is a similar environment. Banal chemical safety. In addition, there are small children or animals in the house that could be harmed by petroleum products.
3. Hygiene: Blue lithium grease stains can be difficult to remove from carpet.

This is interesting: New Year's socks for gifts

Security measures

When performing maintenance on sports equipment, it is important to avoid contact with the eyes. If liquid gets into your eyes, rinse them with water.

The room in which servicing is carried out must be ventilated or ventilated. This will reduce the risk of the drug entering the body through the respiratory system. In small quantities, lubricant will not cause harm, but in large quantities it can cause poor health, nausea, and headaches. If you experience any symptoms of illness, you should consult a doctor.

The secret is simple: you need to use silicone lubricant

Advantages of this material:

• release form - liquid, paste, aerosol;

• silicone has outstanding anti-friction properties;
• can cover the surface with a durable hard film, which is especially important for processing the substrate under a moving belt;
• Silicone treadmill lubricant is universal: suitable for bearings, bushings and friction surfaces;
• environmental and hygienic safety;
• Silicone cannot be used to stain clothing or flooring.

There are also disadvantages:

• the cost is higher than that of petroleum-based and especially synthetic-based oils (compensated by low consumption)
• Silicone grease does not withstand high speeds and critical temperatures (in the case of a treadmill this is not relevant)

Storage conditions

Shelf life of materials is 2 years from the date of manufacture.

It is indicated on the packaging. Liquid lubricant is in a cylinder under pressure and belongs to the class of flammable substances. There are increased requirements for its storage conditions:

1. The room should be well ventilated.
2. Air temperature - do not exceed +30 degrees.
3. Storage location: away from direct sunlight, heaters and open flame sources.
4. Avoid dropping aerosol from a height of 50 cm or higher.

Popular lubricants for treadmills

1. Efele treadmill lubricant. Available in cans, applied to parts and surfaces using an aerosol. Includes a thin tube to deliver lubricant to limited areas of the structure.

   
   This lubricant is convenient for covering large areas: for example, under a moving belt. In addition to its main task: lubrication, this composition is a kind of conditioner. The track dries out less and lasts longer. The smooth silicone layer reduces friction noise for comfortable use. The manufacturer claims that the lubricant is universal and is suitable for all types of tracks: electrical, mechanical, magnetic.

2. Silicone lubricant for Daytona treadmills.
   The release form is similar: a convenient spray can, only without a tube. Long service life: lubrication is carried out after 150-200 virtual kilometers. The primary use is the supporting surface and the treadmill itself. After application, it releases a pungent odor that quickly dissipates to a comfortable feeling.
3. Molykote Separator Spray is an aerosol with a tubular applicator.
   Has food approval. On the one hand, this makes the product more expensive, on the other hand, it ensures complete safety for home use. Completely neutral towards rubber and plastic.
4. Silicone grease SIL-X. The main advantage is low cost. It copes with its tasks, but there are serious shortcomings. The strong smell does not allow the use of lubricant at home; area of ​​application: gyms. Before use, materials should be checked for compatibility.

Review of popular lubricants for treadmills - video

Rating of the best lubricants

1. Universal lubricant under the SIL-X brand is produced on the basis of silicone. It is best suited for servicing exercise machines with a treadmill belt. The lubricant has found wide application.

- reduce the impact of friction; - minimize the likelihood that parts will jam; - eliminate extraneous sounds during operation; - improve the appearance of treated surfaces; - reduce the rate of aging of parts; - protect from moisture.

The only drawback is the unpleasant smell.

2. Efele lubricant is a spray. It contains a release agent and a lubricant. This product was specially developed to care for running belts and extend their service life. The volume of the cylinder is 405 ml.

IMPORTANT! The design of the cylinder is such that it is very convenient to use. Thanks to the tubes, even those places that are difficult to reach can be treated. Suitable for any type of path. The product is odorless.

3. Under the brand name Molykote Separator Spray, silicone oil is produced, which has the form of an aerosol. The bottle contains 400 ml of lubricant. This is a long-acting remedy. Due to this, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which lubricant is applied. Molykote Separator Spray is colorless and odorless. It is applied in an even layer using tubes.

Error codes and how to understand them

The first assistant in all your problems is the display; each model has its own error codes. But it also happens that the code does not coincide with the breakdown at all. In this case, you will need to use the manual for the simulator.

If you see the value “E1” on the display, this means that the problem lies in the meter. You need to wait about a minute for the device to reset and start it again.

When the code “E6” or “E7” appears, the breakdown must be looked for in the track motor. In this case, you must also use the reset method.

If resetting the system does not lead to a positive result, try the following steps.