Exercise Machine Repair?

[fidgiegirl]

With winter coming up, and finally with space in the basement to use for this purpose, I am thinking of setting up a home workout area.  We already have a Nordic Track, and I'm not really into stationary bike, but I would like to secure a free treadmill or elliptical from CL.  All the free items seem to be broken, and generally in an unspecified way ("doesn't work.  could be the motor or the belt.  I don't have time to fix, maybe you do.")

_{(Please let's not have a discussion of how much more badass I could be if I just went outside and exercised.  I will ski sometimes and run if it's not icy, but not every night.  I know that about myself already.  Thank you very much.)}

Carrying on!

Is it generally within the realm of possibility to fix these things?  I hate to pick up something and then be stuck with disposal cost if it turns out to be difficult and/or costly.

If I act fast, maybe I can get one that works - this is my first choice.  But in the absence of that opportunity?  Anyone have experience with this kind of thing?

[fidgiegirl]

LOL I did find this good link:

http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/troubleshooting-tests-and-adjustment

Seems like a good place to start . . . advice still appreciated but thought I'd share this one.

[savingtofreedom]

This is intriguing.

I have been really thinking about setting up a Treadmill Desk  (don't own a treadmill yet) - essentially a tall desk that stands atop/to the side of your treadmill so you can use your computer while walking very slowly.  I work from home and this would be good for me as I sit way too much.

Would love to hear if you are able to get one from CL to work.

[fidgiegirl]

savingtofreedom, I have seen several that would be perfect for you since it's just the electronic console that doesn't work - all the rest of the moving parts do.  Will keep you all updated!  Not sure if the right thing will come along - kind of kicking myself for passing up a working one last week.  But there will be another!

[thurston howell iv]

This is just like repairing a car...  All you need to do is find out what the make and model is and do some internet research...
1. find out if parts are available
2. find out if parts are available from more than one source (ebay too)- so you're not at anyone's mercy.
3. do price comparisons on motors, belts, misc. electronics
4. Compare to price of new unit

If you can familiarize your self with common issues and fixes, it should be an easy fix. Treadmill is circuit board with power supply, motor and belt.   Not much.
BTW, a good spinning bike (not the cheap wal-mart crap) is a nice and simple piece of equipment that usually does not have any electronics and is much easier to repair and maintain. I found a sweet deal on one through CL from a personal trainer that was downsizing the studio... Got a $500-600 bike for $75!!! I use it all the time. More than the treadmills.

[JanMN]

Agree with thurston's approach...my treadmill came from a few houses down the road for $20 - we knew we could get the owner's manual on the web, then greased the bearings and replaced the running belt - and presto we have been using it for 3+years now.  Totally worth it.  I'm not saying all can be fixed like this, but with a little advance investigation or backyard repair skills, you can really come out ahead.  My husband has picked up $400+ norditracks by the side of the road and swapped out a few parts - and works fine.