| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nautilus T614 Check Discounted Price | L:72.2" W:35.2" H:57.6" | 300 lbs | 2.75 CHP, 0-12 MPH | 22 | Motor: 10 years Frame: 10 years Mechanical: 2 years Electrical: 2 years Labor: 1 year |
The T614 treadmill from Nautilus is quite a similar model to the Schwinn 830. These two treadmills actually have the same specs, motor, and even dimensions. Even though this treadmill was released at the beginning of 2015, it still is one of the most solid machines of this type that you can find, under $1,000. It focuses on offering a solid construction, and the optimal setting for jogging and running. Does not have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, but does offer the possibility to track your progress online.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 72.2L x 35.2W x 57.6H inches (183L x 89.4W x 146.3H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 55L x 20W inches (139.7L x 50.8W cm)
- Assembled weight 200 lbs (90.7 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Motor: 2.75 CHP
- Incline: Automatic, 0-12%
- Deck cushioning: StrikeZone™, 4 hex. cell system
- Speed levels: 0-12 MPH
- Console: 22 workout programs, NautilusConnect / MyFitnessPal compatible
- Amenities: Sound system, cooling fan, USB port, 2x bottle holder,
- Warranty: Frame 10 years / Motor 10 years / Mechanical 2 years / Electrical 2 years / Labor 90 days
Frame and footprint
One of the main aspects that need to be clarified regarding the Nautilus T614 treadmill, is that it’s not a commercial treadmill. It’s a machine made for home use, however there’s quite some engineering behind its deck and frame construction. Also, one of the main features which point out that this machine is designed for home use, it its vertical foldability. The deck can be folded up, featuring a hydraulic lift system. This allows the soft unfolding of the deck, preventing it from dropping to the floor and sustaining damage.
The main frame of this treadmill is steel-made. In fact, most of its sustaining elements are made of steel. The only acrylic parts within its whole construction are the several joint guards, the side rails of the deck, the motor cover and the console assembly.
This treadmill doesn’t have an extremely large footprint, such an industrial model. However, it’s not exactly the smallest machine either. It takes 72.2″L x 35.2″W (183 x 89.4 cm) of floor space, when fully assembled and unfolded. When the deck is folded up, the machine will be resting on its front steel base, which has a footprint of approx. 37″L x 34″W (94 x 86 cm). The front base rests on four adjustable stabilizers, finished with rubber caps, for an optimal grip onto the floor. The rear part of this base features two caster wheels for transport. The rear base of the deck also rests on a set of wheels.
Overall, the machine is rather heavy. However, its 200 lbs (90.7 kg) weight improves its stability and sturdiness. In other words, even if you will be running at the maximum possible speed that the motor can supply, you can be sure that you won’t be experiencing any wobbling.
Deck construction and running surface
This Nautilus treadmill features a really solid deck, using 2.5″ crowned rollers, which supply an excellent grip onto the running belt. They incorporate industrial standard, sealed bearings for maximum performance and a smooth belt traction. 
The deck is equipped with the StrikeZone™ cushioning system, which consists of 4 hexagonal cells, placed at the middle of the deck. These considerably reduce the impact on your knees and ankles during your workouts. This cushioning system will actually cut up to approx. 30% of the impact generated by concrete or asphalt. However, the cushion cells do not affect the overall sturdiness of the deck. In other words, you won’t experience any overflexing of when running, even if you’re close to the maximum weight allowed by this machine.
The running surface of this treadmill is 55″ (cca 140 cm) long, and 20″ (cca 51 cm) wide. It’s not exactly the longest running surface, but nonetheless, it can accommodate users up to 6’2″ – 6’3″ (188-190 cm), depending on their inseam length. The running surface is given by a 1-ply, 1.5 mm thick, heavy-duty belt, resistant to stretching.
Incline
This treadmill features a motorized incline system. Differently said, the incline can only be adjusted from the machine’s console. This element considerably diversifies the possible workout spectrum. As a general idea, running with the highest incline setting provides quite a challenge. A non-professional runner shouldn’t be able to keep up for more than a few minutes, by using these settings.
The maximum slope offered by the incline system, is 12%. Incline is adjusted in increments of 1%. But if you’re going to use one of the preset programs that does involve incline, the machine will adjust incline automatically.
At 0% incline, the running belt stands at approx. 9″ (23 cm) above floor level. At maximum incline, the highest point of the running surface will stand at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level. Therefore, to determine the required ceiling height for the use of this treadmill, add at least 16-17 inches (40-45 cm) to your own height.
Motor
The Nautilus T614 treadmill is equipped with a 2.75 CHP, continuous duty motor. Both the motor and the deck are tested for users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). In other words, if your weight is close to 300 lbs, you can be sure that the motor won’t choke, interrupt or overheat, even if the highest speed settings are used for a prolonged session.
The motor itself is fairly quiet. It’s not completely silent, but it’s far from being loud enough to cover the sound of your music or of your TV.
The motor can supply speeds up to 12 MPH. Speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 MPH, which is actually great, because the machine offers the possibility to find the pace that fits perfectly to you.
Last but not least, this fitness machine comes with a U.S. standard plug, not an adapter, and requires to be connected to a 120V AC , 15 mA power circuit.
Console and accessories
The console supplied with the Nautilus T614 folding treadmill features a 5″, blue backlit display, which keeps track of your time, distance, heart rate, calories, pace, and laps. Of course, it also indicates your current speed and incline levels. The console offers 22 workout programs, including 1 manual, 2 custom, 3 quick goal, 3 weight loss, 3 for interval training, 5
for training, 5 for cardio. The Custom profile programs give you the possibility to create your own workouts.
There’s a USB port for data transfer on the console. In other words, the unit gives you the possibility to save your workout data on a USB and transfer it to your NautilusConnect or MyFitnessPal account, for a different analysis, or to make sure you always keep track of your progress.
The machine can track your pulse via the sensors integrated in the handlebars. However, the console is also telemetry enabled, being able to track pulse via a POLAR HR chest strap transmitter. A strap is not included with the machine, though.
Several other amenities incorporated in the treadmill’s console are: sound system, cooling fan, tablet shelf, and two accessory holders. The sound system is compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones or tablets. The speakers don’t offer the quality of sound rendered by a dedicated sound system. However, they’re still better than most phone or tablet speakers. Therefore, the option of listening to your music via the treadmill’s speakers is a plus, as earplugs may be quite inconvenient during running. There are no volume controls on the console, the volume is adjusted from your device.
The fan, although it offers 3 speed settings, is not too great. But still, it can supply some cooling in case you really need it. And finally, the tablet tray is placed above the LCD display, and measures approx. 14″ (35.5 cm), being able to fit just about any tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
Assembly is far from being a complicated process. It shouldn’t take more than 30-45 min. But since the machine is rather heavy, it will require two people. The deck comes fully assembled. You only need to attach the console masts, the console, and of course, connect the wires. Tools for assembly are supplied.
Maintenance requires you to keep the running belt clean, and vacuum under the deck from time to time. Of course, just as for any other treadmill, the belt on this Nautilus model requires periodic lubrication. A bottle of silicone-based lubricant is supplied with the box.
The Pros
- Solid construction, elegant design;
- Folding design;
- Cushioned deck;
- Automatic incline, 0% – 12%;
- 2.75 CHP heavy-duty motor, supplying speeds up to 12 MPH;
- Speed control in increments of 0.1 MPH, offering the possibility to find the pace that fits perfectly to you;
- 22 workout programs;
- USB charging port;
- Compatible with NautilusConnect and MyFitnessPal, data transfer possible via USB;
- Various amenities, such as sound system, tablet tray, 3-speed fan, bottle/accessory holders;
- Pulse sensors and telemetry enabled console;
- Quiet and smooth operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Great warranty plan.
The Cons
- Fan is not extremely strong, not exactly the best;
- Limited range of motion – users taller than 6’2″ may consider the running surface too
small; - HR chest strap transmitter not included.
Final Verdict
The Nautilus T614 treadmill is one of the best models under $1,000. But despite its price, it’s far from being a flimsy unit, offering a solid construction, a sturdy deck with shock absorption elements, motorized incline and speeds up to 12 MPH. Plus, the frame has a folding design, and can save you some space. Since it’s a running machine that can support running with no problem, not just jogging or walking, it’s safe to say that it’s a great machine for intensive cardio, interval training, strength and stamina building. It can definitely help you lose weight and get into shape. You can actually burn 5-600 calories on it per hour with this treadmill, depending on the selected training routines. All in all it’s an excellent fitness machine for home use, offering great quality for the price.