Light Commercial Treadmills vs. Residential Treadmills

I had a call from an individual the other day asking for recommendations on a treadmill for his physical therapy clients.  He wanted to spend between $1,500 - $2,000.  He was considering a Sole F85 treadmill, however there was one problem.  It did not have an option to be warranted for light commercial use.  That meant if he bought the Sole F85 and had any mechanical problems, because it was being utilized in a light commercial setting it voided the warranty.

Light Commercial vs. Commercial Setting

Examples of light commercial usage would be fitness equipment for physical therapist, hospitals, fire departments, hotels, corporate exercise facilities, etc.  Health clubs would be a regular commercial setting.  So how do fitness equipment companies determine what qualifies for residential, light commercial and commercial use? It comes down to the number of hours the equipment will be used.  A residential treadmill would probably be used on a daily basis a couple of hours at the most.  Light commercial treadmills may be used at least twice that amount.  While a commercial treadmill could be used for over 10 hours or more a day. Consequently, for the manufacturer there is considerably more risk of service issues with commercial treadmills.  

Residential vs. Commercial Treadmills

Due to the abuse commercial treadmills endure they are constructed with commercial grade components and are engineered to take abuse.  For example, many residential treadmills will be equipped with moderate size motors, while a commercial grade treadmill will probably have a minimum 3.5 continuous duty HP motor.  Commercial treadmills are also designed to accommodate heavier individuals.   It should be noted that NordicTrack uses the term "commercial" in the names of several of their models.  These are not commercial grade treadmill and they are not warranted for commercial use. 

Residential vs. Commercial Warranties  

Because of the increased risk, commercial warranties are not as extensive as they are for residential treadmills.  For example, the Sole TT8 is considered a light commercial treadmill.  If you buy it for your home you get lifetime motor, 5-year parts, and 2-year labor coverage.  If you buy it for a light commercial setting you get 3-years parts, which includes the motor,  and 1-year labor.

If you are considering buying a treadmill for a commercial setting, be certain the warranty covers other than residential use.  For a light commercial treadmill you will need to spent in excess of $2,000.  For commercial treadmills prices will exceed $3,000.