ProForm PRO-9000 Treadmill (PFTL17116) Review
The ProForm PRO-9000 Treadmill was released by ProForm in 2017 not as a commercial treadmill, but as only a home treadmill.
However, it has a robust construction and a great range of features including the largest running surface among ProForm treadmills, and therefore it resembles at least a light commercial-grade machine.
Published: July 3, 2020.
ProForm PRO-9000 Treadmill Specifications
- Dimensions when assembled: 77 x 39 x 70 inches (196 x 99 x 178 cm) (L x W x H)
- Motor: 4.25 CHP Mach Z Commercial Plus
- Weight when assembled: 295 lbs. (134 kg)
- Tread belt dimensions: 60 x 22 inches (152 x 56 cm) (L x W)
- Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)
- Incline: Automatic, 0-15%
- Decline: Automatic, -3-0%
- Speed levels: 0-12 MPH
- Warranty: Lifetime on frame and motor, 5 years on parts and 2 years on labor
Features of ProForm PRO-9000 Treadmill
Assembly
Assembly of the ProForm PRO-9000 is fairly easy as most parts i.e. deck, drive and incline motors, belt, and all other elements come pre-assembled, i.e. connected to the metallic base frame.
Thus users have to only connect the two console masts, console, base covers and the side handlebars. This doesn’t need to take more than an hour. The user’s manual has all the instructions and schematics and some of the tools required for the assembly such as Allen wrenches are included.
Motor
The ProForm PRO-9000 is powered by an industrial-grade Mach Z 4.25 CHP Commercial Plus motor. It’s a motor that can give a constant high performance for prolong period without any problem. Even if a user is close to the machine’s maximum user weight capacity and at the highest speed setting, this motor doesn’t get overheated or doesn’t lose performance.
The motor is also equipped with a small flywheel that reduces vibration and enhances the motion stability.
Frame
As mentioned earlier, the construction of the ProForm PRO-9000 is robust. Its frame is made of high-grade steel and is extremely durable. However, there are several ABS parts included in the construction including the motor cover, console dashboard, covers of rear and front bases and side rail covers. However, these parts don’t reduce the sturdiness of the machine.
The frame is coated with an abrasion-resistant and rust-resistant paint. The color used for the frame is black, whereas that for the console masts is metallic gray.
Footprint
Although the ProForm PRO-9000 is not very large, it still occupies 77″L x 39″W of floor space when fully assembled. In addition, the company recommends leaving a minimum of 2′ (60 cm) of clearance on both sides for safety and convenience.
Folding Design
With its SpaceSaver Design, the ProForm PRO-9000 can be conveniently folded. The deck integrates a hydraulic EasyLift Assist mechanism that brings about smooth folding and unfolding of the machine. Once folded up, the machine becomes around 2/3rd of its length whereas its height increases by a few inches.
Stability
The fully assembled machine is not even very light and weighs around 295 lbs. (134 kg). Thus it needs at least two people to ship to your home and assemble. But the weight adds to its stability. Plus its front and rear bases have adjustable stabilizers attached.
Portability
Thanks to the small transport wheels attached to the rear part of the front base, it can be moved easily from one spot to another, and out of the way for storage after users’ exercise is finished.
Console
The console of the ProForm PRO-9000 comes with a large 10” full-color smart HD touchscreen LCD display with backlight.
Note: The tablet is not included.
The workout metrics it tracks include time, distance, number of vertical steps users climb, calories burned and pulse, and also the current incline and speed settings. The mid-section of the display shows the workout program currently in use.
Both metric and imperial unit settings are available. Thus users can have the distance in km or miles and speed in km/h or MPH.
The console also features a racetrack function in the form of a racetrack of 1/4 miles (400 m) and counts the laps users complete.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The ProForm PRO-9000 has pulse rate sensors integrated in its front handlebar under the console. The unit can even track the heart rate via a Bluetooth wireless HR chest strap which is included.
Workout Programs
The machine offers 40 workout programs. They are a good mix of interval, high-calorie burn, stamina building and weight loss.
iFit Compatibility
iFit compatibility is perhaps the most prominent feature of the ProForm PRO-9000. The console has Wi-Fi connection and users can access their iFit account.
If users have an iFit account and an active subscription, they can directly stream their data into their online iFit profile to keep a better track of their progress. What’s more, via iFit, they get the possibility of running on virtual paths downloaded via Google Maps, compete with other iFit users and get hoards of other nice features.
Running Belt with ProShox Cushioning System
The running belt of the machine is 60L x 22W inches (152L x 56W cm) which is the largest among the ProForm treadmills. It provides ample space for a satisfying stride length even though the user is 6’5″ (196 cm) tall.
It’s a heavy-duty 2-ply stretch-resistant belt that offers a high adherence during running.
The belt starts moving with the help of two large 2.5” balanced and crowned rollers which not only provide a wonderful stability and traction for the belt, but also helps prolong its lifespan. They come with industrial-grade ball bearings that offer long-lasting performance and smooth motion.
The running belt comes with ProShox Cushioning system. There are two large cushioning elements on each side. They absorb up to 25% of the shock of each foot strike, leading to a much comfortable ride and reduced pain in users’ hips, knees and ankles.
Incline and Decline
The unit comes with an automatic incline system and has a decline feature too. Thus the incline or decline level can only be adjusted from the console. Even, some particular preset workout programs, if chosen, will auto-adjust the incline or decline as per their requirement.
The incline/decline mechanism comprises of a small lift and motor located at the deck’s front. As the user selects a certain incline or decline level from the console, the motor will activate the lift so as to offer the appropriate incline or decline.
There are 15 levels of incline and 3 levels of decline. They can be changed with the increments of 1% using the buttons on the console. But there are keys for quick incline or decline selection for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 15, and -3, -2 and -1 respectively.
Step-up Height
At 0% incline, the deck is set at around 10.5″ (27 cm) above the floor level whereas at the maximum incline level, the front of the deck elevates by around 6 additional inches (15 cm).
Therefore users have to remember that they should place and use the machine in a room where the ceiling height is at least 20″-22″ (51-56 cm) higher than their own height.
Speed Levels
The ProForm PRO-9000 provides a speed range from 0.5 to 12 MPH. Obviously, the speed can be adjusted only from the console. Similar to the incline and decline adjustments, gradual speed adjustments too can be done by buttons on console. Plus, there are quick selection keys too that cover the speed settings, from 1 to 12 MPH.
The arrow keys for the speed control are bi-functional. If pressed once, they’ll change speed by 0.1 MP. If kept pressed, the speed will be changed in the increments of 0.5 MPH. Offering the ability to adjust the speed in the increments of 0.1 MPH is indeed very useful because it helps users find their most comfortable speed.
Add-ons
The ProForm PRO-9000 offers several add-ons. Firstly it has a sound system with 2 3” speakers which are compatible with most smartphones, tablets, and MP3 players. Thus users can listen to their favorite music through the speakers which have a better sound quality than phone’s or tablet’s speakers. Volume can be controlled via the buttons on the right side of the console.
The next add-on is the built-in CoolAire workout fan. It’s quite large and provides remarkable cooling. It has two speed settings and controls are placed on the bottom left of the console.
Then there is an adjustable tablet holder with DeVice Grip Design attached to the top portion of the console so that a tablet placed in it won’t cover the display or controls.
Moreover, accessory holders are molded into the console dashboard where users can place water bottles, remote, magazines and gadgets. Plus, there is also an ABS accessory tray connecting the two console masts.
Noise Level
The motor of the ProForm PRO-9000 is pretty quiet. However, users’ running cadence may produce some noise. Especially, in apartment buildings, users’ neighbors can hear their running.
Electric Requirements
The ProForm PRO-9000 requires a standard 120V circuit. A standard power cord with a grounding pin is included in the package for American-type outlets. Using a surge suppressor is a good idea, although the package doesn’t include one. The plug for the power cord is located at the front base. An ON/OFF switch function is present too.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, the ProForm PRO-9000 requires periodic lubrication of the belt, although it comes pre-lubricated, like all ProForm treadmills, and hence it doesn’t require lubrication for a while. Users should keep the belt clean to prevent any fibers or other objects from getting caught into the motor. All in all, users have to regularly check the integrity of the machine, any loose nuts, and parts, and re-tighten them if required.
Pros of ProForm PRO-9000 Treadmill
- Sturdy construction like a light commercial grade machine
- Commercial Plus 4.25 CHP Mach Z motor
- 300 lbs. maximum user weight capacity
- Folding deck with an EasyLift Assist mechanism
- Large 10” full-color LCD display console with touchscreen navigation
- 40 built-in workout programs
- Race track feature
- iFit enabled console which offers superior progress tracking, a huge array of custom workouts and virtual routes with Google Maps and many other features
- Heart rate monitoring through heart rate sensors in the front handlebar
- Heart rate monitoring with Bluetooth HR chest strap too which is included
- Largest running belt among ProForm treadmills i.e. 60” L x 22” W
- 2-ply commercial quality, stretch-resistant belt
- Running belt equipped with ProShox Cushioning
- Up to 12 MPH speed range
- Speed increments of 0.1 and 0.5
- Large 2.5”, crowned rollers, for superior traction and prolonged lifespan of the belt
- Add-ons like sound system, CoolAire workout fan, tablet holder and accessory trays included
- Quiet
- Quite easy assembly
- Little maintenance needed
Cons of ProForm PRO-9000 Treadmill
- iFit membership not included with the machine
- No other apps or browser available on the console than iFit and built-in workout programs
- Poor customer service
- Short warranty on labor
Bottom Line
The ProForm PRO-9000 Treadmill is a strong machine that can be considered as light commercial grade, though it’s designed for home use. It has a powerful 4.25 CHP motor, motorized incline and decline system, a large LCD display with iFit compatibility and Bluetooth HR chest strap compatibility, 40 preset workout programs, and the largest running belt among all ProForm treadmills.
With its folding design, it saves space and is ideal for small homes too. It’s excellent for light to intense cardio workouts, muscle development and toning, stamina development, and weight loss. Thus it’s ideal for those who are looking for a strong treadmill which offers almost all type of workouts.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check ProForm PRO-9000 Treadmill
Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
