General Maintenance Guidelines

Before performing any maintenance on your machine, be sure to remove the machine from its power source (unplug the machine or remove the batteries). If you are working on a treadmill or incline trainer, remove the safety key from the console as well.

It is important to perform maintenance on your machine as you use it and as it grows older. The following guide gives several recommended practices that are applicable to most machines, including treadmills, incline trainers, bikes, ellipticals, and FreeStriders, as well as practices that are unique to each machine. These guidelines will help to prevent potential damage and thus extend the life of your machine.

For treadmills and incline trainers, a maintenance kit that includes guidelines for general maintenance, belt cleaner, lubricant, and replacement safety keys is also available.

For bike and elliptical users, there are two maintenance kits: the first kit includes a transformer that eliminates the need for batteries in battery-operated machines; the second kit includes a surge protector. Both kits include guidelines for general maintenance, machine cleaner, grease, and additional Allen wrenches.

General Maintenance for All Exercise Machines

Cleaning

Over time, the machine will accumulate buildup from sweat. Sweat buildup may damage the machine’s electronic components. After each workout, use a soft cloth and moderate amounts of a non-abrasive cleaner or water and wipe down the machine, paying particular attention to the console. Avoid spraying anything directly on the console—instead, spray the cloth, and then use the cloth to wipe off the console.

Hardware

Vibrations caused during normal use of the machine can loosen the machine’s hardware. In time, this may cause abnormal noises or it may damage components. Regularly check to see if the hardware is secure by repeating the assembly steps in your owner’s manual that specify tightening any hardware, such as screws, nuts, bolts, etc. It is recommended that you tighten any other visible hardware as well. Be cautious not to over tighten anything. It is also highly advised that you do not use power tools to maintain the machine.

Storing Your Equipment

When storing your equipment, be sure to place it in an inside location with stable temperature control. It is also recommended that when you store your machine that you do not leave it plugged in if the machine is not in use.

Do not place your machine in any outside location. Avoid places that are damp, exposed to extreme temperatures, or exposed to the elements. These conditions may cause damage to your machine.

If your machine has been stored in a cold location such as a garage or shed, move the machine to a warm location before using it again. Allow the machine to adjust to room temperature before turning it on. If the machine has been in a cold location and you turn it on, the cold electronics warming up can create condensation and cause damage to the electronic components.

Specific Maintenance for Treadmills and Incline Trainers

Cleaning

Over time, the machine will accumulate buildup from sweat and dust.

Sweat buildup may damage the machine’s electronic components. After each workout, use a soft cloth and moderate amounts of a non-abrasive cleaner or water and wipe down the machine, paying particular attention to the console and walking belt. Avoid spraying anything directly on the console—instead, spray the cloth, and then use the cloth to wipe off the console.

Likewise, if dust is allowed to accumulate in the motor area, it will retain heat that is generated from the machine. Overheating can cause the machine to shut off mid workout or it may even cause damage to the machine’s electronic components. Keeping the machine free of dust buildup will extend the life of the machine’s electronics, belts, and motor.

Remember to disconnect the machine from its power source (outlets or batteries) and to remove the safety key before cleaning around the motor area or around any electronic components. When you are dusting electronic parts or around the motor, be careful to avoid creating static electricity and touching the electronic components. You should also avoid using any damp cloth or spray. For non-electronic parts, a damp cloth is best. A vacuum cleaner is also sufficient to remove dust from the rest of the machine.

Centering the Walking Belt

It is not uncommon for treadmill walking belts to shift from side to side as the machine is used. The machine will not be damaged even if the walking belt is not perfectly centered on the walking board. However, if the walking belt has drifted far enough to either side to drag against the deck rails, it is recommended that you center the walking belt. A simple video guide is available that will walk you through the process.

Adjusting the Tension on a Walking Belt

Walking belts for treadmills and incline trainers will stretch over time.

If the walking belt is not properly tensioned, the belt can slip, stick, or shift during a workout. Step-by-step video guides are available for adjusting the tension on treadmills and incline trainers.

Lubrication and Walking Belt Wear

It is important to check the walking belt for lubrication and wear as the machine is used.

Our treadmills use a unique lubricant on the underside of the walking belt to reduce wear. This lubricant, supplied by iFIT Health & Fitness Australia Pty Ltd, is specifically designed for the high levels of heat produced by the friction of the walking belt during use. As the treadmill is used, this lubrication may dry up. If the belt is not properly lubricated, the belt may stick or slip while using the machine. In addition, lack of lubrication may cause the drive motor to overheat and shut the machine down mid-workout. It is important to check the walking belt for lubrication to avoid these problems.

Likewise, it is also important to check the walking belt for wear. Over time, the textured underside of the walking belt will become smooth. When this happens, it is recommended that the walking belt be replaced.

Before checking for lubrication and wear, remember to remove the machine from its power source (outlet or batteries) and to remove the safety key from the console. To inspect the walking belt for wear and lubrication, lift up the edge of the belt and slide your hand underneath it. Reach towards the center of the belt (the area where the user’s feet will fall while using the machine) and feel the underside. Make note of the texture of the belt. A properly functioning walking belt will feel like the underside of a carpet, though not as course. A worn walking belt will feel smooth.

After feeling the underside, pull your hand out from beneath the belt and rub your fingers together. If the belt is properly lubricated, your fingers should feel greasy—similar to the feeling of applying lotion or having candle wax on your fingers. If the belt is not lubricated, your fingers will be dry.

If the walking belt has lost its lubrication, replacement lubrication kits can be ordered to remedy the problem. It is highly advised that you only purchase the lubrication produced by iFIT Health & Fitness Australia Pty Ltd. Off-brand lubrication may not be designed for the high levels of friction that treadmills generate and it could cause further problems for the machine. Lubrication is available in 1-Tube and 3-Tube kits. Both kits include instructions on how to apply lubrication to the walking belt. A step-by-step video guide on applying lubrication can also be found here.

If the underside of the walking belt is smooth, you may need a new belt. To order a replacement belt, you will need to know the model number of your machine. This can be found on the front cover of the owner’s manual for your machine. Once you know the model number of your machine, please visit our parts and manuals page to order a replacement. The new belt will come pre-lubricated and will include instructions on how to install it. A step-by-step video guide on replacing a walking belt can also be found here.

Specific Maintenance for Bikes, Ellipticals, and FreeStriders

Tightening the Machine’s Drive Belt

Over time, the machine’s drive belt will stretch. If the drive belt is not properly tensioned, you may experience a slipping motion while using the machine.

Instructions for accessing the drive belt and tightening it are found in the owner’s manual for the machine.