| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Speed range | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-T7971 Check Discounted Price | L:57" W:27" H:53.5" | 220 lbs | N/A | 0.5-4.0 MPH | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Steps |
The Sunny SF-T7971 Trekpad is one of the treadmills released by Sunny Health & Fitness in 2020. It’s basically a walking treadmill that only offers speed settings up to 4.0 MPH. However, as opposed to other small treadmills, it comes with a set of arm exercisers.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 57L x 27W x 53.5H inches (145L x 69W x 136H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 47L x 16W inches (119L x 41W cm)
- Assembled weight: 86 lbs (39 kg)
- Supported weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Speed range: 0.5 – 4 MPH
- Incline: No
- Console readings: Time, speed, distance, step count, calories burned
- Extras: Adjustable arm exercisers,
- Warranty: Frame 3 years, Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7971 features a pretty slim and minimalistic construction. It’s built on a 
steel frame, but the machine also integrates several thermoplastic elements, such as the side rail covers and the motor cover. All the steel parts in its base frame are coated with a gray, corrosion-resistant paint finish. The arm exercisers feature a chrome finish for their top parts.
Since it’s a slim treadmill, it’s not extremely heavy but still weighs approx. 86 lbs (39 kg) so the transport of the boxed unit may require two persons. Once it is assembled, it is pretty easy to move as its front base frame integrates a set of wheels.
The fully set up machine is not as large as a commercial treadmill. However, it still is approx. 57″ (145 cm) long, and 27″ (69 cm) wide. Plus, you will have to assign at least two feet of clearance on each side of the deck, and at least three feet of clearance at the rear for ease of access and unhindered usage.
The Sunny SF-T7971 has a folding design. Its deck can be folded up and locked in an upright position to save space or to clean under the unit if necessary. With the deck folded, the unit’s footprint becomes 25.2″L x 27″ (64 x 69 cm), while its height reaches 52.8″ (134 cm). Also, the folding mechanism is a “soft-drop” type. This means that it slowly lowers the deck when you unfold it to prevent damage.
The unit’s arm exercisers attach to the lower sections of the frame. Their length can be adjusted. Their grips integrate speed controls, and the left grip has the magnetic key that’s meant to be attached to your workout gear and stop the belt in case you take a wrong step. The arm exercisers can be folded alongside the deck as well, in case you don’t want to use them, or in case you want to use your treadmill under a desk.
Deck and walking surface
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7971 trekpad treadmill offers a walking surface of 47″ (119 cm) long, 
and 16″ (41 cm) wide. It’s not very large, so a tall person over 6’5″ (196 cm) may not benefit from a complete range of motion. But since it’s a walking treadmill, it’s not meant for a full stride either. Also, the deck is rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg).
The machine does not have an incline system. However, it’s important to mention that the deck is not completely horizontal. It’s inclined by approx. 1°, so a walk on this treadmill offers a bit of extra difficulty compared to a walk on a treadmill with a completely horizontal walking platform.
The integrated belt features several layers with a non-slip top layer. It’s designed to minimize static. The deck doesn’t have the large, visible, and adjustable cushions like various other, more expensive treadmills. However, it does integrate eight shock absorption elements attached in pairs four on each side of the metallic rails. The set of cushions placed at the footstrike area are thicker in order to absorb more from the shock generated with each step.
The deck of the treadmill has a pretty low profile. Its front is at approx. 5″ (12.7 cm) above floor level, while its rear has a height of approx. 4″ (10.1 cm) This being said, the machine can be stored under a bed, as long as there is a clearance underneath it of at least 5″ (12.7 cm).
Drive motor
Since it’s a trekpad made for walking, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7971 treadmill does not have a super powerful motor. Its exact horsepower is not specified, but as a general idea, most machines in this feature range have a motor of 1-1.5 HP (peak power). Nonetheless, the motor is designed to withstand prolonged workouts. However, Sunny Health & Fitness recommends to power it off for 10 minutes after every 2 hours of use.
The unit’s motor is not too loud. However, when the machine is in use, the “specific” treadmill sound can be heard. But on the other hand, since it’s a machine made for walking not running, your cadence shouldn’t make too much noise. Also, since it’s not an extremely powerful motor, it won’t add much to your electricity bill.
This treadmill offers a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 4.0 MPH. The speed adjustment increments are 0.1 MPH. As we’ve mentioned above, there are speed adjustment controls in the right arm exerciser but the treadmill also includes a small remote control that covers several commands.
Console
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7971 is a trekpad treadmill so it’s not equipped with a conventional
treadmill console. Its front section incorporates an LED display that indicates time, distance, speed, step count, and calories burned. Speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles. Also, the unit does not have a pulse reading function. So, in case you’re wondering, it cannot read your pulse from a wireless HR chest strap.
The machine’s integrated console does not have any workout programs or goal settings. It only has two modes, Manual and Standby. It also has a Lubrication Reminder function and a Power Save Function. The lubrication reminder will pop on the display after every 188 miles walked on the machine. The power save function turns off the unit automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity.
The machine’s console doesn’t have any controls. But the moving arms feature Start/Pause controls and Speed adjustment controls. Also, the included remote control covers all these functions once more.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Sunny SF-T7971 treadmill comes fully assembled. You only need to unpack it and connect it to a power source. The box includes an Allen wrench (5 mm) for adjusting the belt if necessary, as well as a bottle of silicone lubricant. The manual provides all the necessary instructions for these tasks.
For maintenance, the walking belt should be kept clean to prevent any textile fibers, or any debris to be caught into the motor. Also, it should be lubricated after every 188 miles on the machine with the included lubricant.
The Pros
- Slim folding design;
- Can be stored upright;
- Comes fully assembled;
- Trekking arms with Pause/Start and speed controls;
- The trekking side arms are foldable;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Shock absorption elements integrated into the deck;
- Speed range between 0.5 – 4.0 MPH;
- Speed increments of 0.1 MPH giving you the possibility to find the perfect pace for your workout;
- LED display that tracks time, distance, speed, step count, and calories burned;
- Oil reminder function;
- Auto turn off function;
- Remote control included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No workout programs.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7971 trekpad is a low-profile treadmill designed for home use. It offers a speed range of 0.5 – 4.0 MPH, has a pretty sturdy deck with a weight capacity of 220 lbs, and a folding design with a soft-drop mechanism. It’s equipped with an LED display that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and steps. In all, it’s a walking treadmill designed for light workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.