Treadmill Belts

The treadbelt provides the area on which you walk or run. When choosing a treadmill be very clear as to what you'll be using it for and who will be using it.

The dimensions of the running area are important. The belt size of treadmills varies considerably, with higher end machines normally having bigger belts and running areas.

Runners and tall people should go for a longer, wider belt.

Lower end treadmills go from as little as 40-45 inches long. However, a belt length of 50 to 60 inches is really the ideal, with 55" really being the minimum for runners.

We would suggest you don't consider a treadmill with a running area less than 52" x 18".

However, do ensure that the treadmill motor is powerful enough to handle a larger belt.

Treadbelts are made of one or more layers of composite materials and range from 1 ply up to 4 ply on some more expensive and commercial machines.

2 ply is good for residential treadmills and typically consists of two layers of rubber with a nylon backing to ease the travel of the belt over the rollers.

The layers add to the the belts strength and help to resist stretching, which along with friction is a major cause of treadbelt wear.

As treadbelts stretch they tend to slip, and can be tightened by moving the rear roller back slightly by way of tensioning screws.

However, an overstretched treadbelt will need replacing eventually.

Friction between the belt and rollers can be countered by the application of a treadbelt lubricant. Do follow the manufacturer's instructions, though before doing so as different treadmill belts may need a different maintenance regime and some don't need lubrication at all.

So there you have it - not that hard to look after your belt, is it?

And when the belt does need replacing, try your manufacturer's treadmill belts first to make absolutely sure that the replacement treadbelt will be suitable.

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