| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AFG 7.3AT Check Discounted Price | L:77" W:35" H:64" | 350 lbs | 3.0 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH | 6 workout apps, Livetrack | Frame: Lifetime Motor: Lifetime Parts: 5 years Labor: 2 years |
The AFG 7.3AT is a treadmill with a light-commercial construction and a pretty impressive range of features for a model under $1,300. It’s a machine similar in specs to the TR3000i from LifeSpan, or the 3G Cardio Pro Runner. It has a folding design, motorized incline, and an advanced console with a display similar to a tabled. It’s not a treadmill with online connectivity, but its console pretty much offers everything you need for keeping track of your progress and workout statistics.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 77L x 35W x 64H inches (195L x 90W x 162H cm)
- Assembled weight: 260 lbs (118 kg)
- Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152L x 51W cm)
- Maximum user weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Motor: 3.0 CHP
- Incline: Automatic, 0%-15%
- Deck cushioning: Yes
- Speed levels: 0.5-12 MPH
- Training programs: Manual, Rolling Hills, Fat Burn, Target Heart Rate, 5K Run, Fitness Test (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, PEB, Gerkin)
- Pulse reading: Grip sensors and wireless chest strap (included)
- Amenities: Accessory holders, cooling fan, sound system, reading rack
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 2 years
Frame and deck
The 7.3AT treadmill from Advanced Fitness Group features quite a heavy construction. When fully assembled, the machine weighs 260 lbs (118 kg), which means it offers superior sturdiness, similar to the commercial grade machines. It’s a fairly large machine. Its assembled footprint takes 77″L x 35″W of floor space, which means it’s not exactly a piece of equipment 
designed for small spaces. It also requires at least two feet of clearance on the sides of the deck, and at least three feet of clearance at the rear to prevent any accidents.
The treadmill’s deck features a folding design. It can be folded up. The folding mechanism consists of a foot latch connected to the front part of the frame. But unlike for the Schwinn MY16 830, the folding mechanism doesn’t integrate a hydraulic cylinder. In other words, the latch that holds the deck up won’t soften the drop of the deck when you unfold it, so you will have to hold onto it and lower it yourself. With the deck folded up, the machine’s length is reduced to 46″ (117 cm), while its height becomes 67″ (170 cm).
Needless to say, the base frame of this running machine is made of steel. It’s front part integrates stabilizers and wheels which facilitate its relocation. The rear feet of the deck are also equipped with wheels. The side rails of the deck are made of heavy-duty, thick PVC material. All steel parts of the machine are double coated with anti-corrosion and anti-scratch black paint.
The deck of this AFG treadmill offers a running surface of 60″L x 20″W (152 x 51 cm). It’s definitely a machine made for running workouts not just jogging or walking. It’s solid enough to support users up to 350 lbs (159 kg). The dimensions of the running belt render it able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (195 cm) comfortably.
The deck integrates crowned rollers to supply smooth traction for the belt. The crowned design of the rollers also promotes a longer lifespan for the belt. The belt itself is a 1.4mm, 2-ply heavy-duty belt, resistant to stretching, and easy to adjust in case its required.
Last but not least, the deck integrates a 4-cell cushioning system, consisting in 4 suspension elements on each side of the deck. This means that the running surface of the machine is much forgiving on your joints than a normal run on concrete or asphalt, which evidently leads to longer and safer workouts.
Incline and step-up height
The AFG 7.3AT treadmill integrates a motorized incline system, which offers a 0%-15% incline range. Evidently, incline can only be adjusted from the machine’s console. There are quick controls on the left of the console for the 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,15 incline settings, but incline can also be gradually adjusted in increments of 1% from the controls integrated in the left grip-handle. Also, in case the program you use involves incline, the incline will adjust automatically as you run.
The deck step-up height is approx. 9″ (23 cm), and the incline will add several inches to the total elevation. Therefore, to avoid any ceiling issues, add at least 20″ (51 cm) to your own height and compare the result with the ceiling height in the room where the machine will be in use.
Motor
This AFG treadmill is equipped with a heavy-duty, 3.0 CHP motor, powerful enough to sustain long running sessions, without overheating or losing performance. It’s also equipped with a small flywheel for superior stability, and a steadier motion.
The treadmill’s speed range is 0.5-12 MPH (0.8 – 20 km/h). Speed can be adjusted gradually, from the controls integrated in the right grip, but the console also features quick controls for the 1-12 speed settings. The starting speed point is 0.5 MPH, but up from there, it can be adjusted in 0.1 MPH increments.
The motor itself is fairly quiet, the level of noise produced by it shouldn’t interfere with your TV, the music played through the console, or your personal sound system. Most of the sound that you will hear during your running, is the sound of your cadence.
Console
To begin with, the console unit supplied with the AFG 7.3AT treadmill features a 10″ display, with a touchscreen interface, similar to a tablet. There are several languages available for its 
menus, including English, German, Spanish and Italian. It has clock and calendar application, which evidently can be used in the minutious tracking of your progress. The console doesn’t have online connectivity, but does have its own performance tracking system, given by the Livetrack fitness journal, which recaps your workouts, offering the possibility to continuously adjust your training regimen and improve.
The console unit provides 6 distinctive fitness programs, including Manual, Rolling Hills, Fat Burn, 5K, Fitness Test and Target HR. However, the Fitness Test program has 5 settings for PEB, Marines, Air Force, Navy and Army. The console also offers 4 user profile settings, and goal functions for time, calories and distance. Each workout program interface displays various statistics, including heart rate, distance, time, calories and pace. The level of incline and speed are also indicated on screen.
When it comes to heart rate, the machine can read your pulse via the sensors integrated in the front grips. However, a wireless HR chest strap transmitter accessory is also supplied with the machine.
The console unit of this AFG treadmill integrates several other functions. First of all, it has a sound system compatible with most smartphones, tablets and MP3 players. It consists in two speakers, one on each side of the console. The sound rendered by these speakers fairly decent, considerably superior to the sound supplied by most tablet or smartphone integrated speakers.
The section right under the display integrates an audio-jack port, and a USB port. The USB port however, it’s only there for software updates which you can find on the AFG website. Workout data transfer is not supported by this unit (at least not for now).
The top part of the console integrates a cooling fan. This fan, although not extremely powerful, does supply some cooling if needed. There’s a tablet holder or reading rack integrated in the section right under the display. And finally, the plastic frame of the console features two molded compartments for your water bottle or various other small accessories.
Assembly and Maintenace
Before focusing on the machine’s assembly, there one other aspect that needs to be specified. This machine is quite heavy, therefore its transport and unboxing requires at least two people.
Assembly is a fairly easy and straightforward process. The deck with its motor, incline mechanism, rollers and belt comes fully assembled, and attached to the metallic frame. You only have to add the upright bars, the handle-grips and the console, connecting the wires. The manual provided offers comprehensive, step-by-step instructions in English, French and Spanish. The included assembly tools are a T-wrench and L-wrench, but you’ll need your own Phillips screwdriver.
When it comes to maintenance, the deck requires periodic lubrication. A bottle of silicone lubricant is supplied. Other than this, it’s recommended to periodically check the joints of the machine, and re-tighten the bolts if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame construction, similar to light-commercial models;
- Solid deck, being able to support users up to 350 lbs;
- Folding frame, space-saving design;
- Cushioned deck, reducing some of the running impact;
- Motorized incline, 0% – 15%;
- 3.0 CHP motor, 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 in handlebars;
- Wireless HR chest strap included;
- 10″ LCD display, with backlight and touchscreen technology, similar to a tablet;
- 6 preset workout programs, some of them with several levels and settings;
- Goal setting functions for time, calories and distance;
- 4 user profiles;
- Integrated performance tracking via the Livetrack app;
- Various apps such as clock and calendar;
- Various amenities such as sound system, cooling fan, media holder or reading rack, accessory trays;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- Not a very powerful cooling fan;
- No online connectivity;
- Heavy machine, not exactly easy to carry.
Summary
The AFG 7.3AT is a treadmill with a construction similar to the light-commercial models, offering motorized incline, a 0.5-12 MPH speed range, and a 3.0 CHP motor designed to withstand prolonged runs with no problem. It’s equipped with a touchscreen console, featuring a large display, 6 workouts with several levels, and various other applications such as calendar, clock, the Livetrack progress tracking app etc. It’s a machine for users of all levels, great for cardio, strength, stamina, intervals, weight loss, but also for muscle toning or recovery training. And finally, although it’s not exactly an affordable machine, it’s far from being overpriced. In fact, it comes with an excellent price / value / quality ratio.