| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Incline | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny P8700 Check Discounted Price | L:62" W:25.5" H:50" | 220 lbs | 2.20 HP, 0.5-0.9 MPH | Manual, 3 levels | 9 programs, BMI program |
The Sunny Health & Fitness P8700 treadmill is basically the same model as the SF-T4400. However, it has a pink color theme just like the Sunny P8400 recumbent bike, and the Sunny P8150 indoor cycling bike. It’s one of the cardio training machines released in 2015 (but still available at the moment) and also one of the Sunny Health & Fitness best sellers.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 62L x 25.5W x 50H inches (157L x 65W x 127H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 49L x 15.5W inches (124L x 39W cm)
- Assembled weight: 103 lbs (47 kg)
- Supported weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Motor: 2.20 HP, 0.5 – 9.0 MPH
- Incline: Manual, 3 levels
- Console: 9 programs
- Extras: Device holder, accessory trays
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness P8700 treadmill features a steel frame combining mostly oval and rectangular
tubes in its construction. The only exceptions are the two handrails which are cylindrical. All the steel parts are coated with a rust-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is white, this being the only color available for the P8700 model.
The treadmill also integrates several parts made from thermoplastic material. The most notable ones are the console dashboard, the motor cover, and the side rail covers. All of them are pink, to fit the color theme of the “P” series of Sunny Health & Fitness exercise machines.
The P8700 treadmill is a fitness machine made for home use, so it’s not super large. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 62″ (157 cm) long, and 25.5″ (65 cm) wide, while the top of the console dashboard reaches approx. 50″ (127 cm) above the floor level. It is also recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe usage, and even more than that at the rear of the active area.
The machine has a folding design. The deck can be folded up to save space. With the deck folded up, the treadmill’s footprint becomes 36″L x 25.5″W (91 x 65 cm) while its height reaches 58″ (147 cm). The folding mechanism uses a hydraulic cylinder which lowers the deck slowly when unfolded.
Although it’s a small treadmill, it’s not exactly light. Its net weight is 103 lbs (47 kg), so the transport of the packaged unit requires two people. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front base integrates a set of wheels for this purpose.
Deck construction and incline
The Sunny Health & Fitness P8700 treadmill offers a running surface of 49″L x 15.5″W (124L x 39W cm). This being 
said, it should be able to accommodate users up to 6’2″ (188 cm) with no problem, even for running, allowing a complete range of motion. The whole deck assembly is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 220 lbs (100 kg).
The treadmill’s belt is multi-layered. Its top layer is textured and rubberized in order to provide a superior grip for any type of running shoes, the inner layers add shock absorption, while the bottom layer is designed to stick better to the rollers. The exact diameter of the rollers is not specified, but evidently, they’re not as thick as for a commercial-grade machine. They have crowned design and heavy-duty bearings in order to provide a long lifespan and a smooth motion for the belt.
The unit’s running platform is cushioned. It has two large rubber cushions on each side that are visible, and also six smaller cushions (three on each side) that are concealed by the side rail covers. These considerably reduce the vibration and impact generated by each foot strike, which leads to a more comfortable ride.
The treadmill is equipped with a manual incline system which consists of two foldable feet attached to the rear section of the running platform. Each foot has three adjustment positions and you can lock it in the desired position via a pull-pin. With the pins inserted into the highest positions the deck is not completely horizontal and has an incline of 1.75%, while with the pins on the lowest positions the incline is approx. 6.6%. Also, the deck step-up height is approx. 6.9″ (17.6 cm).
Drive motor
The Sunny Health & Fitness P8700 treadmill is a motorized fitness machine. In other words, you will need to connect 
it to a power source in order to control the speed of the belt. It comes with a power cord featuring a U.S.-type plug. It also has a power switch on the motor casing.
The machine is equipped with a 2.20 HP (peak power) motor. Evidently, it’s not exactly as powerful as the motor of a commercial-grade treadmill but it should perform without overheating or losing speed even if the treadmill is in use for several hours. The manual recommends, though, to pause the machine for 10 minutes after every 2 hours of use.
The motor offers a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 9.0 MPH. The speed adjustment increments are 0.1 MPH so you can easily adjust your pace when changing the speed. The console has controls for gradual speed adjustment and also for pre-set controls for 2 MPH, 4 MPH, and 6 MPH. The right handrail also integrates controls for gradual speed adjustment, while the left one has Start/Stop buttons.
The motor itself is not super loud. However, your cadence can make more or less noise depending on your running technique, weight, footwear, floor type, and other factors. Also, since it’s a 2.2 HP motor, its power consumption should be around 1,600 kW per hour, so even if you will be using it daily, it shouldn’t put more than a few dollars on your electricity bill.
Console
The console of the Sunny P8700 treadmill features an LCD display with blue LED backlight. It is divided into five 
sub-sections in order to show up to five workout metrics at once, so you don’t have to continuously press buttons to select the values you want to view. It tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles; there is no option for setting them to metric units. The pulse reading function is grip only. In order for the console to read your pulse, you have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebars. The console cannot read your pulse from a wireless chest strap.
The console doesn’t have Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity. However, it has 9 pre-set programs in its memory. The can be accessed from the Prog. button. Each one of them has its segment layout marked on the console. The default duration for each program is 10 minutes, but you can adjust it to your convenience. The duration of each workout segment is a 10th of the whole selected program duration.
The console also offers countdown modes for time, distance, and calories. In other words, you can select goals for your workouts. If, for example, you select a 2-mile goal for distance, the console will count down from this selected value until it reaches zero.
Last but not least, the console also has a body mass index program. This can also be accessed from the Prog. button. It will prompt you to input your data such as age, sex, height, weight. Based on your input, it will calculate your BMI score.
Assembly and Maintenance
The treadmill’s running platform with the belt, the roller, the motor, and other parts comes pre-assembled. You only have to connect the two upright bars, the console with the handrails, and several other small parts. This shouldn’t take more than one hour. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the machine clean, especially the running belt, to prevent any textile fibers or debris from being caught in the motor. The belt also requires periodic lubrication, every 2 months if you use it more than 5 hours a week, or every 6 months, if it’s used less than 3 hours a week.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 220 lbs;
- Folding deck, space-saving design;
- Soft-drop unfolding mechanism;
- Transport wheels on the front base frame;
- Pulse sensors and controls integrated into the handrails;
- Deck cushioning;
- Manual incline – 3 levels;
- Speed range between 0.5 and 9.0 MPH;
- Speed adjustment increments of 0.1 MPH;
- Quick selection controls for 2, 4, and 6 MPH;
- 9 pre-set workout programs;
- BMI program;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder integrated into the console;
- Accessory trays moulded into the console dashboard;
- Little assembly required;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- Fairly small running surface;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness P8700 is an electric treadmill made for home use. It is equipped with a 2.2 HP motor, a 49″L x 15.5″W running belt, a 3-level manual incline system, and a console with 9 pre-set programs. It is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 220 lbs. It’s a bit more expensive than other treadmills in this feature range but does come with an excellent warranty.