Fuel Fitness T4 Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Motor	Incline	Console
Fuel T4 Check Discounted Price	L:82" W:35" H:57"	325 lbs	3.0 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH	Automatic, 0%-15%	10 programs

Although it lacks the online connectivity feature, the Fuel Fitness T4 is a treadmill that can be compared in terms of features to the Schwinn 870. It’s a machine designed for home use but does have a sturdy construction similar to the light-commercial units. So, if you’re looking for a well-built, heavy-duty treadmill for your home gym, the Fuel T4 is definitely one to put on your list.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 82L x 35W x 57H inches (208L x 89W x 145H cm)
• Running surface: 60L x 20W inches (152.4L x 50.8W cm)
• Assembled weight: 254 lbs (115 kg)
• Weight capacity: 325 lbs (147 kg)
• Motor: 3.0 CHP
• Speed range: 0.5 – 12 MPH
• Incline: Automatic, 0% – 15%
• Console: 10 programs, Bluetooth
• Extras: Chest strap, sound system, cooling fans, bottle holders, tablet holder
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Deck 3 years / Electronics 3 years / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year

Frame and deck

The Fuel Fitness T4 treadmill features a durable frame construction with an impressive weight capacity of 325 lbs (147 kg). Needless to say, its frame is made of steel tubing, coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. Of course, the unit also integrates several ABS parts. For example, the motor cover, the dashboard that holds the console, and several other covers are made of tough ABS material.

The fully assembled unit is quite heavy. It weighs approx. 254 lbs (115 kg). Therefore, its transport and assembly require at least two people. However, once the unit is assembled, its relocation can easily be done by one person, as the unit has transport wheels on its front base.

The Fuel F4 treadmill is also pretty large. It is approx. 82″ (208 cm) long, and 35″ (89 cm) wide, plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at least three feet of clearance at the rear for safe usage and ease of access. This being said, it may not fit too well in a small room or apartment. But on the other hand, the deck has a folding design. It can be lifted and locked in an upright position, this way reducing the length of the machine by approx. 60%. Also, it’s important to mention that the folding mechanism involves a hydraulic system; this allows the deck to lower unassisted to prevent injuries or damage to the rear base.

This treadmill offers a standard running surface of 60″L x 20″W (152.4 x 50.8 cm). This means it can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete range of motion and a satisfying stride for users up to this height. It uses a heavy-duty, 2-ply industrial belt which provides superior adherence. Also, the integrated rollers are fairly large, 2.5″ (6.3 cm) in diameter in order to provide excellent traction for the belt and prolong its lifespan. Needless to say, they integrate ball bearings for a smooth belt motion.

The unit’s deck is equipped with a cushioning system. This not only enables it to absorb up to 40% of the running impact on your joints, but it also reduces noise.

Incline and step-up height

The Fuel Fitness T4 treadmill integrates an automatic incline system. This means you can adjust the incline while you are running on the machine; you don’t have to stop the treadmill and step down from it as for the units with a manual incline, such as the XTERRA TR150. Also, some of the preset programs on the console will adjust the incline automatically.

The incline system consists of an extra motor and a small lift, both situated at the front of the deck. Thus, when the incline is adjusted, the lift slowly elevates the front of the deck.

The treadmill offers 15% of incline. The increments are 1%. The incline can be adjusted gradually from the controls on the left handgrip, but the console also has quick incline adjustment controls for the 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 14, and 15 levels.

The deck step-up height is approx. 8″ (20 cm) when the incline is set at 0%. Conversely, with the incline set to the highest level, the front of the deck gains a few inches in height. Therefore, in order to avoid any ceiling height issues, make sure that the ceiling height in the room where you’ll be using the machine is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.

Drive motor

The Fuel F4 treadmill is equipped with a 3.0 CHP drive motor which is designed to provide continuous performance for prolonged workouts even at the maximum speed. It delivers a smooth and steady motion for the belt even if the user is close to the 325 lbs (147 kg) weight capacity. It also integrates a small flywheel for improved stability and to minimize belt vibration.

The motor provides a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. The speed adjustment increments are 0.1 MPH which is quite a plus, as you can easily find the best pace for your workout. The gradual speed adjustment controls are integrated into the right handgrip of the machine. However, just as for the incline, the console provides gradual speed adjustment controls for the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 12 speed settings.

Since it’s a motorized treadmill, the Fuel T4 requires to be connected to a 120V AC power source. It cable with a US plug is included with the machine. The connector for it is at the front part of the deck, as well as the On/Off switch.

The unit’s motor is pretty silent and the deck’s cushioning system does absorb some of the noise generated by your cadence. However, if you will be running at a high speed, your cadence will definitely be heard.

Console

As we’ve mentioned above, the Fuel Fitness T4 treadmill does not have online connectivity like other machines in this price range. However, it does have plenty of programs and features to keep you motivated in order to achieve your fitness goals. First of all, its console has a 6.5″ LCD display with LED backlight and large digits for superior readability. The display is divided into multiple sub-sections in order to show multiple workout metrics at once. It indicates speed, incline, time, distance, pace, calories, and pulse.

Speed and distance can be set to either metric (km/h and kilometers) or imperial (mph and miles) units. For distance tracking, there is a 1/4 mile function that displays a race track and keeps count of all the laps that you complete. Also, for the pulse reading, you can either use the pulse sensors integrated into the front grips of the machine, or the included wireless HR chest strap.

The console makes available 10 workout programs, similar to the ones on the SOLE F85. The first one is the manual mode which gives you the possibility to adjust the speed and the incline of the treadmill as you like, during your workout. The next five programs are preset; they’re designed to provide specific workouts. Their layouts are Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and Interval. The 7th and 8th programs are User Specific programs. These give you the possibility to create and save two custom programs and use them whenever you like. Also, for each user program, you can enter personal data such as age or weight, for a more accurate calorie count. And finally, the 9th and 10th programs are Heart Rate programs. The HR1 program has a default level of 60% of your projected Heart Rate maximum, while the HR2 program has an 80% value. During any of the HR programs, the machine will auto-adjust the speed, in order to keep you at the selected projected heart rate level.

Among other features, the console of the Fuel T4 treadmill also offers a sound system, cooling fans, accessory trays, and tablet holder. The sound system consists of two speakers, one on each side of the console. It is compatible with most MP3 players and smartphones. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can sync it with your device without the need of a cable.

The workout fans are placed at the top of the console. They’re fairly large and do provide a fairly decent cooling during the most intense workouts. The two accessory trays are large enough to accommodate most hydration bottles, and there’s also a larger tray that connects the two front masts of the machine. And finally, the tablet holder is placed above the main controls of the unit; it’s also large enough to provide support for any tablet or smartphone.

Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s deck with the motors and all the other parts comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the upright bars, the console, and several small covers. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. All the necessary tools for the assembly are included. Also, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions and schematics.

For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the belt clean, to prevent any debris to be caught into the motor and damage it. Belt lubrication is necessary after every 90 hours of use (it comes pre-lubricated, though). A bottle of lubricant is included. Other than this, it is also recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.

The Pros

• Sturdy frame and deck – can support users up to 325 lbs;
• Folding frame, space-saving design;
• Transport wheels on the machine’s bases;
• Cushion Flex shock absorption system built-in the deck;
• Motorized incline, 0% – 15%;
• 3.0 CHP motor, offering speed levels up to 12 MPH;
• Speed increments of 0.1 for gradual adjustment;
• Quick keys for speed and incline;
• EGK pulse sensors integrated into handlebars;
• HR chest strap is included;
• 10 workout programs;
• Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
• Both metric and imperial units for the speed and distance;
• 1/4 miles track display for the distance traveled, with laps count;
• Various amenities such as cooling fans, speakers, tablet holder, and accessory trays;
• Bluetooth function for the integrated speakers;
• 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

• No online connectivity;
• No USB charging port function;
• A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display.

Summary

The Fuel Fitness T4 is an electric treadmill designed for home use. It is equipped with a 3.0 CHP motor, an automatic incline system with 15 levels, and a console with 10 workout programs. It’s a mid-range treadmill, pretty close to light-commercial duty, great for users of all levels, for light to intense cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.