How to Change an Electric Treadmill to a Manual Treadmill
If you are wanting to convert your electric treadmill to a manual one, then you will need to do a fairly simple task of removing the motor, pulley and belt system. However, it is possible for many electric treadmills to have users rotate the belts simply by walking on them. One of the caveats of converting an electric treadmill to a manual machine is that the treadmill user must have a solid handrail on which to lean while developing the initial momentum and speed required to sustain walking on a manual treadmill.
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Socket wrench set
- Mechanic's gloves
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Soldering iron
Instructions
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1
Inspect your treadmill's casing to figure out the best way to access the motor, which is usually located near the front part of the treadmill's base platform. Treadmills usually incorporate Phillips head screws or a bolt and nut assembly to secure the plastic casing components to cover the motor. You may also need to flip the treadmill onto its side to inspect the entire casing.
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2
Unscrew or unbolt the casing to locate the motor. Use a pry bar to remove the belt from the motor's drive shaft gear if you cannot remove the belt using your hands. You will need to completely remove the belt from the lower belt pulley found on the lower part of the treadmill's main belt. Depending on the model of treadmill, you may need to remove additional plastic casing.
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3
Unscrew the motor from the treadmill's inner motor housing. You will also need to unsolder the motor from its electric terminals where the power is connected from the electric cord. Use a soldering iron to soften the solder. Use a solder wick, which should be heated by the soldering iron for one or two seconds, to suck up the solder. Gently pull the wires from the motor. Tuck the wires into the treadmill's housing.
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4
Reattach the treadmill casing once you have removed the motor and belt. Be sure to store the motor and belt so that you can convert the treadmill back to an electric machine if the manual conversion does not fulfill your expectations.
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Test your treadmill for manual operation. If it is too difficult to turn the belt on your own without the motor, try greasing the roller bar axles.
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Tips & Warnings
It is important to know that a manual treadmill is much harder to operate and to build up fast, consistent speeds.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit man exercising on treadmill 6 image by Ken Hurst from Fotolia.com
