Most of the motor control boards can be repaired. These boards send the control the speed of your treadmill. If you ever “Start” your treadmill and the display shows it’s working, but the belt isn’t moving, then your control board most likely failed. Most of these can be repaired. Be prepared for down some if it needs to be sent out. Once sent for repair, it’s out of my hands to the repair company. Depending on how busy they are, it could be a week and half, and lately I’ve had up to 4 weeks before I get it back. I will check status of the repair with the companies. Some are faster than others. Depending on your treadmill brand, a rebuilt board may be available to purchase, and may save both time and money.

This also applies to consoles sent for repair. The only consoles that really cannot be repaired if they completely fail are the residential ones (Nordic Track, ProForm). I haven’t found anyone that can actually fix these, especially the newer ones with the tablet screens. There are some things I can try and have been successful with depending on the symptom. Buttons beeping, but not responding, and the screen stuck in a loop are a couple of them. Most commercial consoles can be repaired.

I just want to give some words of advice regarding purchasing a new treadmill. I’m familiar with most of the machines out there, but I’ve recently run across other cheap ones people have bought through Amazon that have names I’ve never heard.

When buying a treadmill, check the warranty. Many have parts warranties from 2-5 years, some up to 10, and Landice offers a lifetime warranty (except for the display). Most have a separate warranty for the motor and/or deck. Nordic Track, Proform, Sole, and Horizon usually have a lifetime motor warranty. I’ve helped hundreds of customers get motors under warranty over the years. Peloton, now I know many love the bikes, but the treadmill offers only 1 year on parts, 3 on the motor. Personally, I feel you should be getting a better warranty for the amount of money it costs. It’s also a nightmare to work on. Pay attention to the warranty for parts. Horizon and Sole belts do not last long! I’ve changed a couple with well under 1000 miles on them. I suggest ordering a new belt under warranty before it runs out.

Check the treadmills weight capacity. Many people buy machines that are underpowered. You want more than 2.5hp. Most will come with that or more.

A word about these small $300 treadmills from Amazing mentioned above. I’ve had 3 instances where customers have bought one of these and they didn’t work. When I looked at them, all 3 had metal pieces in the motor preventing it from turning. Many of the ones I’ve seen only measured speed in kilometers per hour. These treadmills weren’t made for running. Another thing is that it is difficult to get parts for them.

So, to recap, check the warranty, horsepower of the motor, weight capacity, and I would stay away from the cheap small treadmills on Amazon.

Best customer service for treadmill companies would be Landice, Life Fitness, and Precor, and Sole.

I was recently informed of price increases for motor control boards for certain models the following brands:

Horizon Fitness, Vision Fitness – Up to $439, I will know based on the model treadmill you own.

Sole Fitness $289.99

The board can be repaired less expensively, however it needs to be shipped out for repair. Lead time could be 2 to 4 weeks for repair. One company I use will expedite the repair for an extra $50 (once they receive it, it goes to the front of the line for repair).

Winter is usually the busiest time of year. This past year has been extremely busy with the addition of CoVid. Right now I am booked 2 weeks out due to high demand. Please be patient.

If you ordered a treadmill and need assembly, call ahead to plan around your delivery date.

I have heard that any services provided at your personal residence are able to continue with work. I am also considering treadmill repair to be operating as a ‘health equipment maintenance’ service, which I have also heard is exempt, as all gyms are closed at this point in time. I have many customers that need their treadmills operating for medical reasons. If you are okay with me coming out to work on your machine during this time, I will do so.

With the lazy days of summer approaching, many will not want to run outside in that wonderful humidity we get here in Connecticut.  Make sure to have your treadmill checked. The good thing for you is that it gets a little slower on my end compared to the winter, so I will probably be able to get out to you sooner. Call today before you may be forced to run in the heat. 860-384-3269

I’m just kidding!  The days are getting shorter, and we’re going to get cold weather soon!  If you haven’t used your treadmill all summer because you’ve been running outdoors, make sure to get it serviced for the colder months ahead.  Your treadmill will thank you!

It’s that time of year where the weather changes and more people will be moving indoors to do their walking and running.  It’s also that time of year when treadmills will need maintenance for their longer and more often use.  Get on the ball and schedule your general maintenance tune-up.  My days fill up fast during the fall and winter months.  Happy walking and running! 😉

860-384-3269

I first heard this story for the first time from Tony Robbins. I’m not sure if it actually was FedEx because I’ve heard other familiar stories since, but that’s the company he named.

The story goes like this:
FedEx operations shut down one day, a mechanical failure in one of the shipping operations. All the machines for packages had halted. They didn’t know how to fix the problem so the manager of the plant called in their service guy. He showed up, looked around for a few minutes, then took out his screw driver and turned one screw on a column 1/4 of a turn. The machines fired back up and everything was running smoothly again.

The manager of the plant was very grateful and asked, “How much do I owe you?”

Technician: “$10,000”

Manager: “$10,000?!? You were here for 3 minutes and turned one screw!”

Technician: “Would you like an itemized bill? I can write one up for you right now.”

Manager: “Yes, please! I have to see this.”

So the technician writes up a bill and hands it to him.

He looks at it, agrees to the bill pricing, and tells his assistant to pay the tech.

Here’s how the bill was itemized:

Labor ….. $1.00

Knowing which screw to turn …… $9,999.00

It had nothing to do with his time. He was being paid for his knowledge and expertise.