Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T7860 electric treadmill has an amicable footprint of 59″ x 27.5″ x 49″ in length, width, and height. Its 15 preset programs, BMI indicator, and USB port are some of the features that help it effectively compete with modern-day machines.
Especially, the USB port facility is appreciated by many users as you can charge your mobile or tablet simultaneously during a workout and not worry about draining the device’s charge. Few other mention-worthy conveniences are the tablet holder and accessory tray.
Also, the warranty is impressive with 3 years on frame and 180 days on parts which is pretty decent for home gym machines.
Construction material
The SF-T7860 treadmill by Sunny Health and Fitness comes with a steel tubing frame and several ABS parts integrated into the machine. For instance, the motor cover, the side rail covers, the dashboard which protects the console are all made of ABS material for durability.
The corrosion-resistant paint finish on the steel frame bars protects it from rusting and the adverse effects of the atmosphere. It is painted in gray and has a red sunny logo which gives the machine an elegant finish.
Compared to other treadmills that are huge, the SF-T7860 treadmill does not occupy much space due to its smaller footprint of 59 inches of length and 27.5 inches of width. As it comes with a smaller home-friendly size, you can purchase it even for small apartments.
However, remember to leave a minimum of three feet distance from the wall towards the back of the deck and at least two feet distance on either side of the treadmill.
Deck
SF-T7860 comes with a foldable deck where you can reduce its length from 59 inches to 30 inches when not in use. This feature helps you save some space while the machine is not in use and also helps you in easy vacuuming of the area under the deck.
As the folding process is handled by a hydraulic cylinder mechanism, the machine unfolds with this a soft drop rather than falling to the ground suddenly. Also, it drops by itself without the need for you to guide it or hold it while it lowers itself slowly.
As this machine is made for home use, it comes with a capacity of 220 lbs. Though it is not as high as a commercial unit capacity, it does offer enough support for most home users. It comes with a walking platform that measures approximately 47.2 inches long and 17.7 inches wide.
This size of the deck provides enough space for walking and light jogging. Moreover, the cushioning elements integrated into several places of the deck reduce the impact generated on your back and joints while you work out.
Two visible cushioned areas on either side of the deck, four concealed such areas, two on the rear and two on the front of the deck offer enough impact reduction. The fully-assembled machine weighs up to 101 lbs., which is far less than a commercial machine.
But still, you need two people to assemble the machine or to carry it. The two transport wheels provided on the front base of the machine allow you to move it easily from place to place. It means that after assembly, you can relocate it without any difficulty.
The two adjustable stabilizers made of rubber on its front metallic base help keep the machine stable while you are working out.
Incline and step-up height
The manual incline system provided with this machine comes with two folding feet at the back of the deck. Each foot can be adjusted for three positions, after which you can lock the required position using a pop-pin.
It means that you cannot control the incline from the console, and you need to get off the machine to adjust both feet. Another point to note is, even the maximum incline does not provide you extreme inclination.
However, when they are locked in a completely folded position, you get to enjoy it at a certain height, which adds a bit of challenge to your workouts. You need a ceiling height of at least 15 inches higher in addition to your height, as the height of the deck is 8 inches high.
Drive motor and speed range
This electronic treadmill has a motor that runs on a 110-volt power source. It comes with the U.S. standard plug that has a grounding pin. You can control the speed of the treadmill using the controls provided on the side grips on either side.
However, if you’re using any of the preset programs selected from the console, the walking speed is auto-adjusted according to the selected program. As this treadmill is intended for walking practice, it comes with a light capacity motor.
You can achieve a speed range of 0.5 MPH to 7.5 MPH, incrementable in 0.1 MPH, allowing you to increase the speed precisely as you adapt your pace each time. The quick selection controls present on the console as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 help select the speed with a single touch.
Noise and power consumption
We can consider this treadmill under quietly operating machines as its motor operates noiselessly. The shock absorption elements on both sides of the unit reduce the vibration, meaning it stays quiet even when you work out.
Even when you are walking at maximum speed, you can barely hear any noise. Coming to power consumption, you need not worry about your power bills even if you work out daily as this machine does not consume much power due to its light motor.
Console
You get an LED backlight integrated, 5-inch LCD with the console of this machine. The large-sized display offers better readability even when you are walking. It is capable of showing several metrics at a time by dividing the screen into several subsections.
Tracking of calories burnt, speed, time, pulse, and distance is available on this console. However, this machine displays speed and distance only in imperial units, i.e., in MPH and miles only, and does not have an option for viewing in metric units.
Pulse reading is possible only using the machine’s hand grips as the sensors are built-in into them. It does not have a facility to read your pulse using a wireless transmitter. Since its console does not offer online connectivity, this machine is not compatible with any online fitness apps.
However, the 15 preset programs provided onboard in its database offer various interval setups. These programs auto-adjust the machine’s speed based on the selection. You can also utilize the manual mode, where you can have complete control over the speed during your training.
You can set your goal or perform the body fat test using the console features of this machine. Calculating your body mass index, i.e., BMI based on your gender, age, weight, and height input, is a breeze using the body fat test feature.
This allows you to track and verify your fitness progress effectively. Similarly, the goal-setting function helps you to choose a target for time, calories, and distance where you get a countdown facility.
It works by displaying the remaining value of the selected target on the console as you work out to complete the goal. You can use the USB port to charge your mobile or tablet, but it does not allow the transfer of data related to your workout for using it online.
You get two large accessory trays with a dashboard that can also be used for holding bottles. A small shelf provided under the console display is useful as a tablet holder to place your device handy while you work out.
Assembly and maintenance
Coming to the assembly part, this machine comes almost assembled, and the only part you need to do is, unfold it and attach the bars securely in the right position using several screws. It comes with a basic toolkit required to do this.
Also, the manual comes with step-by-step instructions which are clear enough to complete the task without any hassles in 10 minutes. You get a bottle of lubricant along with the machine for lubricating the belt periodically as recommended for proper maintenance.
The upkeep also includes keeping the belt clean, i.e., free from hair, textile fibers, or dust that can be dragged into the motor. Such foreign objects degrade the life of the motor and reduce its efficiency if you do not maintain the machine.
Advantages
- Built sturdily with durable materials
- Saves space using folding technology
- Wheels allow easy transportation
- Stability due to front base stabilizers with adjustability
- Integrated shock absorption zones
- Three-level manual incline adjustment
- 5 MPH top speed with increments of 0.1 MPH
- 6 quick selection speed settings
- In-built pulse sensors on hand grips
- Speed controls and start-stop facility integrated handlebars
- Less power consumption
- 5-inch LCD with multiwindow display and LED backlight
- BMI calculator and set goal option
- 15 pre-programmed workouts
- Inbuilt bottle holders, tablet holder, USB charging port
- Easy assembly
- Low maintenance
Disadvantages
- Unit’s display is covered when you place a tablet on the tablet holder
- The accuracy of calorie reading is not precise
Conclusion
SF-T7860 is one of the best electronic treadmills by Sunny for home use. It comes with enough features for home users, such as preset workout programs and a folding facility. You can enjoy a top speed of 7.5 MPH, which is more than enough for walking.
It supports weight loss, stamina development, muscle toning, and light to medium intensity workouts at the comfort of your home. The machine unfolds with a soft drop mechanism giving you peace of mind when trying to open it.