| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Motor | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Horizon T202 Check Discounted Price | L:75" W:34" H:58" | 325 lbs | Automatic, 0%-12% | 2.75 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH | 35 programs, Bluetooth, |
The Horizon Fitness T202 is a heavy-duty treadmill offering a wide array of programs and other useful features. Although it’s not a machine made for commercial use, it’s definitely close to the construction and range of features of light-commercial models. It’s equipped with a slightly more powerful motor than the Horizon T101 model that we’ve already reviewed, and also has a longer running platform. For reference, this is the Horizon Fitness part number HTM1181-01, the one released in 2018.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 75L x 34W x 58H inches (190L x 86W x 147H cm)
- Assembled weight: 187 lbs (85 kg)
- Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152L x 51W cm)
- Maximum user weight: 325 lbs (147 kg)
- Motor: 2.75 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH
- Incline: Automatic, 0% – 12%
- Deck cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response
- Console: 35 programs, 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 and deck
The Horizon Fitness T202 treadmill features a heavy-duty steel frame combining ovalized and rectangular
tubes in its construction. It’s quite a heavy fitness machine; with the frame fully assembled, it weighs approx. 187 lbs (85 kg), which pretty much means that its transport requires two people. However, once the unit is assembled, it can be moved by only one person as its front base features a set of transport wheels.
Although it’s not the largest home-use treadmill, it still measures 75″ (190 cm) in length and 34″ (86 cm) in width. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side of the deck, and at least three feet of clearance at the rear for safe usage. Therefore, it may not fit too well in a small room or apartment.
On the other hand, this Horizon Fitness treadmill is foldable. The deck can be folded and locked up, and with the deck folded up, the machine’s depth is reduced to approx. 47″ (119 cm) while its height becomes approx. 65″ (165 cm). Also, the folding mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder which slowly lowers the deck when it is unfolded.
The unit’s deck offers a standard running surface of 60″L x 20″W (152 x 51 cm), similar to the SOLE F63, or the NordicTrack T 8.5 S. This means it can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete stride. The integrated board is 0.7″ thick and the treadmill is rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 325 lbs (147 kg), similar to most light-commercial trainers.
The Horizon T202 is equipped with a 2-ply, 1.4 mm heavy-duty rubber belt designed to provide superior adherence. The rollers are also pretty thick; the front roller is 1.8″ while the rear roller is 1.65″. Both rollers are tapered in order to provide superior traction and prolong the lifespan of the belt. They integrate industrial-grade sealed ball bearings for smooth belt traction.
The deck is equipped with a 3-Zone Variable Cushioning system. 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.
Incline and step-up height
The Horizon T202 treadmill is equipped with an automatic incline system. This means the incline can only 
be controlled from the console while the machine is connected to a power source. It also means that the treadmill can adjust the incline of the deck automatically, depending on the selected program.
The unit’s incline system consists of a small lift and a motor separate from the drive motor, both situated at the front of the unit. When you select a certain incline level from the console, the motor powers the lift which elevates or lowers the front part of the running platform.
The T202 treadmill offers an incline range between 0% and 12%. The incline adjustment increments are 0.5%. The console is equipped with controls for gradual incline adjustment, but there also are quick selection controls for the 0%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, and 12% incline settings.
The step-up height of the machine’s running platform 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
As we’ve mentioned above, the Horizon T202 is equipped with a slightly more powerful motor than the T101 
model. It has a 2.75 CHP Johnson motor which 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.
The unit’s motor provides a speed range between 0.5 MPH 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 Horizon Fitness T202 treadmill is equipped with a console that offers a pretty impressive range
of features. To begin with, it has two separate displays, one LED (bottom) and one LCD (top). The LED display is divided into three sections which show time/calories, speed/incline, and distance/pulse. The LCD display tracks time, RPM, distance, watts, calories, and pulse, also showing the incline and speed settings in its top corners. Plus, it shows the profiles of the selected program and a 1/4-mile track for distance, counting the completed laps.
The console has a built-in Bluetooth function. This gives you the possibility to sync it with your tablet or smartphone in order to track your progress online via the free AFG Sport app. It can also communicate with Bluetooth Polar straps for heart rate monitoring. A Polar HR chest strap is not included with the machine but the console can still monitor your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the front grips of the machine.
The console has 4 main workout modes, with a total of 35 workout programs (and program levels). These are Manual, Intervals, Weight Loss, and Target Profiles. The Manual Program is the standard training mode. It allows you to manually adjust the incline and speed throughout your workout. The Intervals program has 10 levels; during this program, speed changes and segments repeat 90 seconds and 30 seconds. The Weight Loss program is designed specifically to target fat. It increases and decreases speed and incline while keeping you in your fat-burning zone. Just like the interval program, it has 10 levels.
The Target Profiles program has two sub-sections: Distance and Calories. The Distance section makes available 13 programs. These are 1 mile, 2 miles, 5k, 5 miles, 10k, 8 miles, 15k, 10 miles, 20k, half marathon, 15 miles, 20 miles, and marathon. For the Calories section, you can set up your own goals for burning calories.
In terms of amenities, the console of the T202 treadmill has a sound system, a cooling fan, two accessory trays, a bottle holder, and a USB charging port. The sound system consists of two speakers placed under the quick selection speed and incline controls. The sound system is compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones and tablets. You can connect your device to the console either via cable or Bluetooth.
The cooling fan is placed at the bottom center of the console. It only has two settings (ON, OFF). The USB connector is placed on the right side of the LCD display; it only offers the charging possibility for your device, but not data transfer. And finally, the two accessory trays are placed one on each side of the LCD display, while the tablet holder is situated under the LCD display.
Assembly and Maintenance
The deck of the treadmill with both its motors, the belt, and other elements, comes pre-assembled and attached to the metallic frame. Therefore, in terms of assembly, you only have to add the two front upright bars, the crossbar that connects them, the handgrips, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than one hour. All the necessary tools for the task are included. Also, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions and schematics.
For maintenance, the belt requires periodic lubrication and before the first use. It is also recommended to keep the belt clean to prevent any textile fibers or debris to be caught into the motor or into the rollers. Other than this, you only have to periodically check for loose or broken parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy deck – can support users up to 325 lbs;
- Folding frame, space-saving design;
- Soft-drop folding mechanism;
- Transport wheels on the machine’s bases;
- 3-Zone Variable Response, deck cushioning;
- Motorized incline, 0% – 12%;
- 2.75 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;
- Four workout modes – 35 workout programs (and program levels) in total;
- Various amenities such as cooling fan, speakers, tablet holder, and accessory trays;
- Bluetooth function;
- Online connectivity via the AFG Sport free app;
- 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;
- HR chest strap is not included.
Summary
The Horizon Fitness T202 is an electric treadmill designed for home use. It is equipped with a 2.75 CHP motor, an automatic incline system, and a console with four workout modes and multiple program settings. It also has Bluetooth connectivity for is integrated speakers, heart rate monitoring, and online progress tracking via the AFG Sport app. It’s one of the most complete treadmills made for home use, great for users of all levels, for light to intense cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. In all, it’s an excellent running machine, offering excellent value for the price.