Running Surface Type

There are 2 different running surfaces on residential treadmills: silicone oil OR waxed surface. It is important to know what you are working with to help you understand maintenance and/or when replacements are needed.

Johnson Health Tech, the parent company of Horizon, has 2 different tests used to check if a new deck or belt is needed. Which test you use is based on drive motor type and running surface type. Please use the chart below to determine what test you should follow.

*A technician will need to perform this test. Refer to Online Remedy and view Using Your Multi-meter instruction to see how to perform the test.

Overview

Silicone Surface - silicone oil is applied to the surface of the deck then walked into the belt. Add 20ml silicone oil to deck every 150 miles or 3 months. An additional 10ml could be added after walking in the 20ml if it doesn’t seem smooth. Never apply more than 30ml at one time.

Wax Surface – Some treadmills have decks that can be flipped because they have wax ironed onto both sides whereas decks that are not flipped are not waxed at all and only 1 side of the deck is useable. No matter the deck type, all waxed systems have wax infused into the running belt. Unlike silicone surfaces where it’s recommended to add silicone through the life of the deck/belt, you should never apply anything to a waxed system.

How do you tell if a deck or belt needs to be replaced?

• AC drive motors with waxed running surface – a friction test must be performed to see if replacement is warranted (a technician will need to perform this test)
• DC drive motors with silicone or wax running surface - "look and feel test" (see Running Deck and Belt Condition)