| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Motor | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MaxKare MKB901 Check Discounted Price | L:58" W:27.1" H:43.3" | 220 lbs | Manual, 3 levels | 2.25 HP, 0.5-8.5 MPH | 15 programs |
The MaxKare MKB901 is a light-capacity folding treadmill made for home use. It’s in the same range of features as the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7946 but offers three levels of manual incline. It also has a slightly different design featuring a soft-drop folding mechanism and an angle-adjustable console.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 58L x 27.1W x 43.3H inches (147L x 69W x 110H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 47.5L x 16W inches (120L x 40.6W cm)
- Assembled weight: 88 lbs (40 kg)
- Supported weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Motor: 2.5 HP
- Speed range: 0.5 – 8.5 MPH
- Incline: Manual, 3 levels
- Console: 15 programs
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor 1 year / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The MaxKare MKB901 features a steel frame combining oval and rectangular tubes in its construction. 
All the steel bars are coated with a gray paint finish resistant to corrosion. Of course, the machine also has several parts made of thermoplastic material. The most notable ones are the side rail covers, the motor cover, and several other small covers.
This MaxKare treadmill is not a large one, but still takes a bit of space. It is approx. 58″ (147 cm) long, and 27.1″ (69 cm) wide. Also, when in usage position, its highest point is approx. 43.3″ (110 cm) while the distance between the two side grips is approx. 25″ (63 cm). It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side, and at least three feet of clearance at the rear of the deck for ease of access and safe usage.
Although this treadmill isn’t the heaviest, it still weighs over 80 lbs. Therefore, the transport of the packaged unit should be done by two people. But on the other hand, when the machine is assembled, it can easily be relocated by only one person as its front base frame features a set of transport wheels. The front base frame is also equipped with adjustable levelers.
The treadmill has a folding design. The deck can be folded up which offers better storage possibilities. With the deck folded up, the unit’s width is approx. 27″ (69 cm) while its height reaches approx. 50″ (127 cm). The folding mechanism uses a hydraulic cylinder which lowers the deck slowly when it is unfolded, to prevent damage.
Deck construction and incline
The MaxKare MKB901 treadmill offers a walking area similar in size to the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7971 
treadmill. Its tread belt is approx. 47.5″ (120 cm) long, and 16″ (40.6 cm) wide. This being said, the machine should accommodate users up to 6’0″ (183 cm) with no problem. Taller persons should also be able to use this machine but they may not benefit from a full range of motion, at least not when running at 8 MPH. Also, the deck is rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg).
The machine uses a multi-layered belt featuring a rubberized top layer for a superior grip. The exact size of the integrated rollers is not specified, but they do integrate high-grade ball bearings for a smooth motion. The deck doesn’t have visible cushions on each side as it is the case for other treadmills but does integrate several small cushions concealed by the side rail covers.
The treadmill is equipped with a manual incline system. It consists of two folding stabilizers placed at the rear corners of the deck. Each foot has three adjustment positions, so you can lock it in the desired position via a pop-pin. Evidently, the incline provided by these stabilizers is not extreme. When folded, they provide an incline of a few degrees.
Needless to say, since the machine’s incline system is manual, you cannot adjust the position of the deck while walking on it. In order to adjust the angle of the deck, you will have to interrupt your workout and pause the belt.
Last but not least, the machine’s deck is pretty slim. It places the running belt at approx. 4″ (10 cm) above floor level. This being said, you should place and use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 5 – 6 inches (12 – 15 cm) higher than your own height, or than the height of the tallest user.
Drive motor
The MaxKare MKB901 treadmill is equipped with a 2.5 HP motor. Evidently, it doesn’t offer the peak or continuous duty as the motor of a commercial treadmill but should be able to perform properly even if the machine is used at its top speed for at least an hour. It is recommended, though, to let the motor rest for at least 10 minutes after about two hours of use.
This MaxKare treadmill provides a speed range of 0.5 MPH – 8.5 MPH. The speed adjustment increments are 0.1 MPH, so you can easily adjust your pace from a speed level to another. There are controls for gradual speed adjustments on the console and incorporated into the right grip of the machine. There also are quick speed controls on the console for 3 MPH, 4 MPH, 5 MPH, 6 MPH, 7 MPH, and 8 MPH.
The unit’s console has several workout programs as well. This being said, when a program is in use, the machine will auto-adjust the speed of the belt depending on the current segment of the program.
One last aspect to mention here regards the noise generated by the motor when the treadmill is in use. The motor itself is not too loud and shouldn’t cover the sound of a TV set at a low volume. However, since the deck doesn’t have super cushioning, your cadence may be heard especially when running at 8 MPH.
Console
This MaxKare treadmill features a LED display console similar to the console of the Sunny SF-T7951 
treadmill. It features four windows which indicate (from left to right) distance, time, speed, and calories/pulse. It is not a telemetric console so it cannot read your pulse from a fitness bracelet or an HR chest strap. Thus, in order to monitor your pulse, you have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the side grips of the machine.
The console does not have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and it is not compatible with any fitness apps. But nonetheless, it has 15 workout programs; 12 of them are pre-set, the other 3 are custom-user type. The 12 pre-set programs cover various standard workout modes. Some have an interval layout, others progressively increase the speed, then progressively lower it, while others aim to help you lose weight. The 3 custom user workouts give you the possibility to create and save up to 3 programs with speed variances for each segment.
The console does not have a sound system, a workout fan, or a USB port. However, there are to other notable features that we must mention here. One of them is the angle adjustability. The other one is the small shelf at the base of the display which can serve as support for a tablet or smartphone.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s deck with the belt, the rollers, and the motor, comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only have to secure the two front bars in the upright position, connect the console, and the rear incline feet. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The manual provides clear assembly instructions, and all the necessary tools are included.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. All you have to do is lubricate the deck periodically according to the instructions in the manual. A bottle of treadmill lubricant is included. Other than this, it is recommended to keep the machine clean, especially the belt, to prevent any debris or textile fibers to be caught in the motor.
The Pros
- Sturdy, yet slim construction;
- Folding deck with soft-drop hydraulic mechanism;
- Transport wheels;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the front base;
- Shock absorption elements integrated into the deck;
- Speed range between 0.5 and 8.5 MPH;
- Speed adjustment increments of 0.1 MPH, giving you the possibility to easily adjust your pace;
- Manual incline with 3 levels of adjustment;
- Quick selection controls for 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8 MPH;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the side arms;
- Start/Stop and speed controls integrated into the side arms;
- Low power consumption;
- Multi-window LED display console;
- Angle-adjustable console;
- 15 workout programs;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Little assembly required;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No fitness app compatibility;
- The console is not telemetric.
Summary
The MaxKare MKB901 is a light-capacity folding treadmill designed for home use. It is equipped with a 2.5 HP motor, a multi-layered belt, a 3-level manual incline system, and a console with 15 workout programs. It’s a treadmill made for walking and jogging, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s also one of the most affordable electric treadmills available at the moment.