The Horizon T71 Treadmill – a Lower End Folding Model

The Horizon T71 treadmill is an inexpensive buy at around $800. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t impress the fitness gurus. They are critical in the model’s lack of motor guts, reliability, quality, narrow walking area (just 18” wide!) and, well, just about everything else.

Horizon treadmills are manufactured by Johnson Tech which is the third largest health and fitness company in the world. They sell a lot of treadmills and must be making profits by cutting corners on the Horizon T71.

The Machine

The Horizon T71 treadmill is a lower end folding machine with these key features:

• 1.75 HP motor
• 10 mph max. speed
• 10% max. incline
• 18" x 50" running area
• 4 manual programs
• 275 lbs. max. user weight
• Hydraulic assist folding system
• Hand grip heart rate monitor
• Built-in cooling fan
• Deck cushioning technology
• 7 year warranty on motor, lifetime on frame
• 1 year warranty on parts and labor

The Buzz

UPDATE: The Horizon T71 is an older model that is no longer for sale.  Take a look at all of the latest Horizon treadmills to find a comparable model.  

Fitness experts consider the Horizon T71 treadmill just an average buy for models priced under $800. The 1.8” rollers could be bigger and this is a critical area in treadmill design, where the use of less expensive parts will show when they start to wear out.

The rule of thumb is that the larger the roller the better, since the larger rollers will equate to longer treadbelt life. Despite the smaller rollers, Horizon treadmills overcome this drawback by using tapered rollers to keep the belt in place, thereby extending the life of the belt.

Owners of the Horizon T71 like the featurelite hydraulics to help fold up and wheel away this 185 lb machine, especially if you are restricted for space in your apartment or a small basement.

But if you are committed to getting a cheap treadmill and staying in shape, you should purchase the best treadmill you can afford since you'll likely use it for years. The price here is inviting, but the Horizon T71 isn’t the best treadmill in the under $1000 class.

What We Say

The first thing you should notice on the Horizon T71 specs sheet is the chintzy 7 year warranty on the treadmill motor. That’s a relatively short time for motor life expectancy.

As with any exercise equipment, the general consensus is that you get what you pay for. Skip this class of Horizon treadmills and look toward a more rugged competitor such as the Smooth 5.25 before you invest in a model such as the Horizon T71 treadmill.

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