ProForm 905 CST Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Incline	Motor	Console
ProForm 905 CST Check Discounted Price	L:79" W:37" H:61"	350 lbs	Automatic, 0%-12%	3.0 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH	30 programs, iFit enabled, Telemetric

The ProForm 905 CST treadmill has a similar frame construction and dimensions to the ProForm 705 CST. However, it is equipped with a more powerful motor, has a few extra workout programs, and a slightly higher weight capacity. Although it’s a pretty sturdy machine, it’s not a commercial-grade one; in other words, it doesn’t come with a commercial warranty. Also, for reference, this is the ProForm part number PFTL10916, a model released in 2016.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 79L x 37W x 61H inches (201L x 94W x 155H cm)
• Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152.4L x 51W cm)
• Shipping weight: 224 lbs (101.6 kg)
• Supported weight: 350 lbs (158.7 kg)
• Motor: 3.0 CHP
• Incline: Automatic, 0%-12%
• Deck cushioning: ProShox (3-cell)
• Speed range: 0.5-12 MPH
• Console: 22 workout programs, Bluetooth, and iFit enabled
• Extras: Sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, accessory trays
• Warranty: Frame Lifetime/ Motor lifetime / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year

Frame & deck

The ProForm 905 CST has a heavy-duty steel frame construction with an assembled weight that exceeds 200 lbs. This weight plays quite an important role in its overall stability, which is also enhanced by the adjustable levelers in its front base. Despite its weight, the unit is not too difficult to handle. Its front base frame is equipped with a set of transport wheels which facilitate its relocation.

This ProForm treadmill is not extremely large in comparison to other models. However, it still takes approx. 79″L x 37″W (201 x 94 cm) of floor space. On top of these dimensions, it is recommended to assign a workout surface for it of at least two feet on each side and at least three feet at the rear of the deck, for safe operation.

On the other hand, the ProForm 905 CST features a folding frame. Its deck can be folded up and locked in upright position via the latch on the left console mast. However, as opposed to the Nautilus T618 for example, this machine does not have a hydraulic assist system for unfolding the deck. When unfolding it, you will have to lower it yourself. Also, in case you’re wondering, the machine’s length is reduced by approx. 2/3 when the deck is locked in upright position.

This ProForm treadmill features a highly durable deck; it can support users up to 360 lbs (~159 kg). It uses an industrial-grade rubber belt which provides a 60″L x 20″W (152.4 x 51 cm) running surface which should accommodate comfortably users up to 6’5″ (196 cm), promoting a natural stride and a correct leg extension. The belt rolls over two precision-machined 1.9″ (4.8 cm) crowned rollers. The crowning not only that improves the rollers’ grip on the belt, it also prolongs the lifespan of the belt.

Like other ProForm treadmills, such as the 505 CST model, for example, the ProForm CST 905 has the ProShox™ deck cushioning system. It consists of three pairs of spring cells which can reduce up to 25% of the stress on the joints. This being said, a run or walk on this treadmill results in less workout-related pain and gives you the possibility to exercise for a longer period of time.

The machine’s steel frame is double-coated with a chip-resistant and rust-resistant paint finish. The base of the frame is black, while the console masts are silver, these being the only colors available for this unit. Also, the side rail covers, as well as the motor cover and several other small covers are made of durable ABS material.

Incline & step-up height

The ProForm 905 CST treadmill is equipped with a motorized incline system. This means you can only control the incline from the console, while the unit is connected to a power source. Also, since the console has several onboard programs that use the incline, it can adjust the incline automatically, depending on the program in use.

The incline system consists of a small lift situated under the front section of the deck. As you adjust the incline from the console controls, the lift will slowly elevate the front part of the deck.

The console makes available 12 incline levels and adjustment increments of 1%. There are two types of incline controls on the console, for gradual incline adjustment and quick incline adjustment. The quick incline keys cover all the 0% – 12% settings.

When it comes to the deck’s step-up height, the running surface is situated at approx. 8″ (20 cm) above floor level. Also, by setting the incline to its maximum position the front part will reach a height of approx. 13.5″ (34 cm) above floor level. These being said, it’s recommended to install and use the machine in a room with a ceiling height that is at least 15″ (38 cm) higher than your own height.

Motor

As we’ve mentioned above, the ProForm 905 CST is equipped with a motor of a slightly higher capacity than the 705 CST model that we’ve previously reviewed here. It is an industrial grade, 3.0 CHP motor, designed to support long distance running workouts without overheating or losing performance. It’s also equipped with a small flywheel which is meant to reduce vibration and improves stability, delivering a very smooth motion of the belt.

The motor offers a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. Just as for the incline, the console features controls for gradual speed adjustment and quick speed adjustment (from 1 to 12 MPH). The gradual adjustment keys offer the possibility to adjust the resistance in increments of 0.1 MPH and 0.5 MPH. By pressing one button repeatedly, the speed of the belt will be adjusted in increments of 0.1 MPH, while when pressing and holding the button, the speed adjustment will increase to 0.5 MPH. This is quite a useful feature as you can easily find the most comfortable pace for your workout.

The motor of the 905 CST treadmill is not extremely noisy. For example, it won’t cover the sound of your TV on a moderate volume setting. However, the cadence will be heard, especially if you engage in a more demanding workout.

Console

The ProForm CST 905 console is not much different than the one of the 705 CST. It has a 5″ LCD display with blue LED backlight and large digits for improved readability. The display covers all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, number of vertical feet climbed, speed, incline, calories, and heart rate. It also has an intensity bar which indicates the approximate intensity level of your workout. And of course, the mid-section of the display shows the grid of the workout program in use.

The console offers miles and MPH settings for distance and speed, but they can also be displayed in metric units. Also, for distance, there is an “My Trail” function which shows the distance traveled as a race track of 1/4 miles (400 m) and keeps the count of your fully completed laps.

The console is telemetric. It can track your pulse rate via a Bluetooth HR chest strap transmitter. This accessory is included with the treadmill. However, there also are EKG sensors incorporated into the front handlebars.

The console is iFit enabled. This means you can sync it with any smartphone, tablet or laptop that has the iFit app installed, in order to directly stream your workout data to your iFit account. An iFit membership is not included with the treadmill, though.

There are 30 workout programs on the machine’s control unit. They’re divided into four categories, each category having its own button. The categories are Incline, Speed, Intensity, and Calorie. Each workout program is displayed as a segmented grid. One speed setting and one incline setting are programmed for each segment. During the workout, the profiles on the speed and incline tabs show your progress.

In terms of amenities, the unit’s console integrates a sound system, a cooling fan, a tablet holder and two accessory trays. The sound system consists of two large speakers, one on each side of the unit. The console has an audio jack input so you can connect it to your phone, tablet or MP3 player and listen to your music through the integrates speakers. There are also volume controls available on the console.

The cooling fan is placed at the bottom of the unit. According to various users, this cooling fan is considerably more powerful than for the previous unit. It has several intensity settings.

The tablet holder is located at the top of the console unit. It has a non-slip surface, being large enough to accommodate any tablet. And finally, the two accessory trays are placed one on each side of the console. They’re fairly large so they can store a wide array of hydration bottles, or other small accessories.

Assembly & Maintenance

Most of the treadmill comes pre-assembled. In other words, the deck with its belt, drive and incline motors, cushioning system and other elements, comes completely assembled. All you have to do is attach the console masts and the console. This may take up to an hour, but it’s far from being a difficult task. Plus, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions and a basic toolkit for assembly is included.

Like for most treadmills, the belt requires periodic lubrication. However, it’s pre-lubricated so it shouldn’t need further lubrication for a long period of time. The running belt should be wiped clean with a damp cloth after every workout to prevent any small objects or textile fibers from being dragged into the motor or the rollers.

The Pros

• Sturdy frame construction;
• High weight capacity – can support users up to 350 lbs;
• Space-saving design (the deck folds up);
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the front base;
• ProShox cushioning, with three suspension cells on each side;
• Motorized incline with a range between 0% – 12%;
• 3.0 CHP motor offering speeds up to 12 MPH;
• Speed can be adjusted increments of 0.1 MPH, allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout;
• EGK pulse sensors integrated into handlebars;
• Telemetric console – can read pulse from any Bluetooth Smart HR chest strap transmitter;
• HR chest strap included; 
• Bluetooth and iFit enabled;
• 30 workout programs;
• Sound system included;
• Cooling fan included;
• Tablet holder included;
• Accessory trays included;
• Quiet operation;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No user profile settings;
• The iFit membership is not included.

Final Word

The ProForm 905 CST is a heavy-duty, motorized treadmill, featuring a 3.0 CHP drive motor, 12 levels of automatic incline and 30 programs on the console. It is Bluetooth Smart and iFit enabled, so you can directly stream your workout data online. It also has a folding design. It’s a great trainer for light to intense cardio workouts, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s not the most affordable running machine but does have an excellent price/quality ratio.