Horizon Fitness T303 Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Incline	Motor	Console
Horizon T303 Check Discounted Price	L:75" W:34" H:58"	325 lbs	Automatic, 0%-12%	3.0 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH	8 workout modes, Bluetooth

The Horizon T303 is one of the treadmills released by Horizon Fitness in 2019. It is almost identical to the Horizon T202 that we’ve already reviewed here, but it is equipped with a slightly more powerful motor. Also, its console offers several extra features.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 75L x 34W x 58H inches (190L x 86W x 147H cm)
• Assembled weight: 194 lbs (88 kg)
• Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152L x 51W cm)
• Maximum user weight: 325 lbs (147 kg)
• Motor: 3.0 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH
• Incline: Automatic, 0% – 12%
• Deck cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response
• Console: 8 workout modes, Bluetooth
• Extras: Sound system, cooling fan, USB charging port, tablet holder, accessory trays
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The Horizon Fitness T303 treadmill features a heavy-duty steel frame pretty close to the construction of a light-commercial model. It combines rectangular and oval steel tubes in its construction, as well as several durable thermoplastic parts (such as the side rail covers or the motor cover). Also, as opposed to the other models of the T series, it includes an extra accessory tray that unites its two upright bars.

The fully assembled treadmill is fairly large. It is approx. 75″ (190 cm) long, and 34″ (86 cm) wide. This being said, it may not fit too well in a small room. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the front of the deck, and at least three feet of clearance at the rear of the deck for safe usage.

The machine is quite heavy as well. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 194 lbs (88 kg). This being said, the transport of the packaged unit requires at least two people. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front base frame features transport wheels.

This Horizon Fitness treadmill features a folding design. Its deck can be folded up to save space. It is equipped with the FeatherLight folding mechanism which involves a hydraulic cylinder that slowly lowers the deck when unfolded to prevent floor damage. With the deck folded up, the machine’s footprint is reduced to approx. 1/3 of its total length.

Deck and incline system

The Horizon Fitness T303 is equipped with a heavy-duty deck rated for a maximum user weight limit of 325 lbs (147 kg) which is not bad for a home-use treadmill. The deck features the same 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioned deck as the other treadmills of the T series. The front zone is the impact zone which has more cushioning, to alleviate the shock of each foot strike. The center area offers moderate cushioning for a better transition, while the rear area is slightly harder, in order to promote a better push-off.

The machine offers a large running surface of 60″L x 20″W (152 x 51 cm). This being said, it should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem allowing a complete range of motion. The integrated belt is 2-ply, 1.4 mm with a silicone top layer for an improved grip.

The integrated rollers have a tapered design which helps prolong the lifespan of the belt and deliver superior traction. They are fairly large in diameter. The rear roller is 42 mm (1.65″) while the front roller is 46 mm (1.8″). They integrate high-grade sealed ball bearings for a smooth belt motion.

The Horizon T303 treadmill is equipped with a power incline system. This means that you can adjust the incline while running on the treadmill and that the treadmill can adjust the incline automatically as well. The incline system consists of a small lift integrated under the front part of the deck, and a motor (different from the drive motor). When the incline is adjusted, the motor uses the lift to elevate the front part of the deck.

The machine’s incline range is 0% – 12%. It’s not a super incline range like the incline offered by commercial-grade treadmills, but it can still at a considerable degree of difficulty to your workouts. The adjustment increments are 0.5%. The console features incline controls for gradual adjustment, but also has quick selection incline buttons for the 0%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, and 12% incline.

The deck step-up height is 7 1/4″ (18 cm) when the deck is set to 0% incline. With the incline set to 12%, the front part of the deck is several inches higher above the floor level. Thus, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling height of at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than the height of the tallest user.

Drive motor

The Horizon Fitness T303 treadmill is equipped with a heavy-duty 3.0 CHP motor. This motor is designed to withstand prolonged workout sessions without overheating or losing performance even if used at the highest speed settings. The drive system is designed to recalibrate for each foot strike in order to help you remain in the same rhythm without the feel of surge or lag. Plus, it also integrates a small flywheel which improves the stability of the belt and rotation motion.

Similar to the other machines in the Horizon Fitness T series, this motor offers a speed range between 0.5 and 12 MPH. The speed adjustment increments are 0.1 MPH. This results in a smooth transition from a speed level to another, giving you plenty of time to adjust your pace.

Just as for the incline system, the console makes available controls for gradual and quick adjustment. The “+” and “-” keys on the right offer 0.1 MPH speed adjustment possibilities, while the quick keys allow you to select 2 MPH, 3 MPH, 4 MPH, 5 MPH, 6 MPH, 8 MPH, 10 MPH, or 12 MPH.

Console

The console of the Horizon T303 treadmill offers an impressive range of features. To begin with, it is equipped with two displays, one LCD, one LED. The top, LCD display indicates time, speed, incline, distance, calories, and pulse. It also shows the segment grid of the program in use and the distance as a 1/4 mile race track. The bottom LED display is divided into three sections. The left section shows incline and distance, the middle section shows segment time and total time, and the right section shows speed.

The console has Bluetooth connectivity. This being said, you can sync it with your smartphone or tablet via the AFG Sport app. This app offers the possibility to track your progress online and several other features. The Bluetooth connection also allows the console to communicate with a Bluetooth HR chest strap. This accessory is not included, though.

The treadmill makes available 8 distinct workout modes. Each workout mode has its own quick selection key on the console. These workout modes are Manual, Hill Climb, My First 5K, Fat Burn, Custom, Target Distance, Target Calories, and Target Heart Rate. Some of these workout modes have multiple settings or levels of difficulty. For example, the Fat Burn mode has 10 levels of difficulty with speed settings up to 2.5 MPH for the first level, and up to 8 MPH for the 10th level, while the Target Distance Mode has pre-set distance goals between 1 mile and marathon. The console also makes available three quick keys for interval programs. These are programmable interval buttons designed to help you customize the treadmill to match whatever workout you like to do the most.

Other notable console features are the personal workout fan, the sound system, the device holders, and the USB port. The workout fan is integrated above the safety key section. It has a quick key on the console and provides moderate cooling which may be welcome during a more intense workout. The sound system consists of two large speakers. As we’ve mentioned above, you can sync your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to play your music through these speakers, but the console also has an AUX port and the box includes an AUX cable. The device holders consist of two shelves, one below the LCD display, the other above it. They should be able to support your tablet or smartphone. The USB port only offers the recharging function for your device. You cannot import or export your workout data on a USB stick.

Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s running platform with the two (incline and drive) motors, belt, rollers, cushioning elements, and other parts, comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only need to attach the two upright bars, the extra accessory tray between them, the joint covers, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than an hour of your time. The manual provides clear, step-by-step assembly instructions and diagrams. Also, all the necessary tools for the task are included.

For maintenance, the deck requires periodically and before the first use. A bottle of silicone lubricant is included with the machine. Also, it is recommended to keep the belt clean to prevent any textile fibers or debris to get caught in to the motors or the rollers and periodically inspect the machine to make sure it still functions properly.

The Pros

• Sturdy deck – can support users up to 325 lbs;
• Folding frame, space-saving design;
• FeatherLight soft drop folding mechanism;
• Transport wheels on the machine’s bases;
• 3-Zone Variable Response, deck cushioning;
• Power incline, 0% – 12%;
• 3.0 CHP motor, with auto-calibration;
• Speed range between 0.5 and 12 MPH;
• Speed can be adjusted increments of 0.1 MPH, allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout;
• Quick keys for speed and incline;
• Pulse reading function;
• 8 workout modes;
• Quick interval keys;
• Various amenities such as cooling fan, speakers, tablet holder, and accessory trays;
• Bluetooth connectivity;
• Compatible with the AFG Sport free app for online progress tracking;
• USB charging port;
• One bottle of lubricant included;
• Tools for assembly and belt adjustment are included;
• Quiet operation;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the main display of the console;
• The HR chest strap is not included.

Summary

The Horizon Fitness T303 is a heavy-duty treadmill designed for home use. It is equipped with a 3.0 CHP motor, a power incline (12 levels), a 3-zone cushioned deck, and a console with 8 workout modes. The console also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the AFG fitness app. It’s quite a complete treadmill, great for users of all levels, perfect for light to high-intensity cardio, muscle toning, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss.