Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill

Cardio machines by Sunny Health & Fitness have long been famous for being absolutely well-made and budget-friendly and hence are consistently among the best-sellers. Their treadmills are particularly popular and the latest arrival Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill is also gaining popularity.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill may not be as large as treadmills users might have used in their gym and definitely doesn’t sport the same range of features and exercise options. But it’s definitely far easier to set being small and compact and also can offer users some decent walking and jogging exercise options.

Sunny SF-T7603 Treadmill Specs

- Length: 62.2 inches (158 cm)

- Width: 27 inches (68 cm)

- Height: 47.3 inches (120 cm)

- Weight: 103 pounds (46.7 kg)

- Maximum User Weight: 220 pounds (100 kg)

- Running Surface: 49” x 16”

- Motor: 2.20 HP

- Training Programs: 9

- Incline: Manual, 3 levels, 0-8%

- Pulse Sensors: Built-in handlebars

Sunny SF-T7603 Treadmill Features

Frame Construction

Sunny SF-T7603 features a steel frame, coated with a corrosion-resistant, gray finish. However, many plastic parts are present on it, like the casing of the motor, the joints of the main arms, incline feet and the dashboard. The frame comes in a folding design.

The bases of the frame feature rubber feet for maximum stability. Also there are transport wheels on the rear of the frame (and not the deck) so moving the folded machine is easy.

Easy Folding and Unfolding

The easy folding mechanism of Sunny SF-T7603 makes it simple to fold in an upright position as well as it also features a soft drop hydraulic system because of which it is super easy to unfold when users want to start their workout. Users can lift the deck to the point where it nearly touches the dashboard; hence it takes up less space, lengthwise, when stored.

When users fold it, its length is lessened to around 1/3rd. The unfolded machine occupies around 158 cm L x 69 cm W (62” L x 27” W) of floor space. Thus, it’s not very large but does take up a little space. Above that, users have to keep minimum 3’ of clearance at the back and minimum 1’ on either side for safe usage.

While Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 is a light treadmill, it’s not really a light machine. Its weight is 103 lbs (46.7 kg) and users may have to keep two people ready to carry it and unpack. However, while lifting the deck while folding and storage, users will need to lift less than half of its weight. Hence, folding should not be a problem. Besides, while unfolding the deck, users are assisted by the hydraulic leg.

Deck and Running Surface

The deck of Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 electric treadmill is robust enough to support users up to 100 kg (220 lbs), for walking, running and jogging. A cushioning system consisting of two shock absorbers on either side of the deck and has been integrated in the deck. These features together with the slight flexibility of the deck reduce around 10% of the workout-induced shock. This means, running or jogging on this treadmill is kinder on users’ ankles and knees than running or jogging on asphalt or concrete.

SF-T7603 electric treadmill sports a workout surface of 124 x 41 cm (49”L x 16”W) which means it can help users with height up to 188 cm (6’2”) for running; however, users taller than this may need a longer running area. There is a stretch-resistant, heavy-duty, 1-ply belt on the running surface.

Incline

Sunny SF-T7603 has a manual incline consisting of two foldable “feet” at the back of the deck. There are 3 levels of incline on these feet with which users can vary the angle of the running track and adjust the intensity of the exercise routines. And there is also a lock for each position with a solid steel pin.

When the machine is completely folded, the back of the deck sits on the floor and the running surface is benefitted from an incline of around 8%. If users want the deck at 0% incline, they should lock the feet in completely unfolded position.

When the deck is at 0% incline, the step-up height of the machine is around 8”. Therefore, to avoid any inconvenience, users should make sure that the height of the ceiling in the room where they will use the treadmill is higher than their own height, plus around 38 cm (15”).

Motor

Sunny SF-T7603 treadmill model is motorized featuring a 2.20 HP motor. This is not really the kind of motor that the commercial treadmills have; but, it is still able to withstand long jogging sessions without any trouble.

Speed settings up to 9 MPH are present on the motor with adjustment increments of 0.5 MPH. Plus, because it’s a 2.20 HP motor, it’s power consumption should not be more than 1.5 kW. Hence, even though you will use it every day for minimum an hour, the rise in your energy bill should not be too large.

Sunny SF-T7603 is available with a power cord and not an adapter. It needs to be plugged in a standard 110v power circuit. The motor also has an ON/OFF power switch.

Console and Dashboard

Sunny SF-T7603 has a main control panel with an easy-to-read LCD display that shows time, distance, speed, calories burnt and pulse, making it easy for users to track their performance during exercise. Since it’s one of the most reasonably-priced electric treadmills available at present, it’s quite clear that the console doesn’t feature very high-end functions and features. In other words, the console doesn’t feature a sound system, fan or online connectivity.

Nevertheless, its dashboard does sport two molded accessory holders for users’ phone, water bottle, remote control or earplugs. Attached to the dashboard are the handrails with integrated stainless steel pulse sensors and speed controls.

The fitness computer is not exactly very basic. The display features a blue background light that offers a good readability. Digits displayed are quite large. Current speed setting, calories burnt, time, distance and pulse are also displayed. It also sports 9 preloaded exercise programs which adjust the running belt’s speed automatically.

The console is quite easy to operate with +/- controls for slow speed adjustment. However, there are quick adjustment keys too for 2, 4 and 6 MPH speed settings. With the Start/Stop keys, users can pause and resume to workout. This is a great feature for those who might want to alternate the treadmill session with some other workouts. There are keys for the programs and pressing the Prog key multiple times can help users to navigate through them.

Power for the console is also provided from the wall socket together with motor; so, users need not bother about changing batteries. A magnetic safety key is also featured, like most treadmills.

Ease of Assembly

Sunny SF-T7603 is extremely easy to assemble as experienced by many users since most of it comes pre-assembled and the packing includes all tools users need for assembly. The console and upright posts are assembled and connected to the deck, but not secured in place. When users receive the treadmill, they have to unfold it and then add many bolts and covers for its joints so as to assemble it fully. A manual is also provided with directions. In short, unpacking and assembly of Sunny SF-T7603 should not take more than half an hour.

Maintenance

Maintenance includes regular lubrication of the belt. Users need to lubricate the belt before the first use and then every 188 miles. A lubricant bottle is included in the packing.

Warranty

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 offers the following warranties: frame: 1 year, all other parts: 90 days.

Pros of Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill

Stainless Steel Frame

Frame of Sunny SF-T7603 is made of stainless steel which fits together much tighter than aluminum frames and the tighter fit helps reduce noisiness of the machine. The steel also provides a slight bounce to users’ steps as against the deadpan feeling provided by aluminum.

Cushioning System

Sunny SF-T7603 includes a cushion system which is important for protection of users’ knees and other joints and some less expensive treadmills don’t feature a cushion system. While this cushion in Sunny SF-T7603 is not very great as compared to that found on more expensive models, compared to many other models in its price range, it is indeed of a good quality.

Cons of Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill

2.2 HP Motor Not Appropriate for Running

According to experts of treadmills, the amount of horsepower a motor provides decides whether the model is good for walking or running. And they recommend at least a 2.5 CHP motor if users want it for running. Sunny SF-T7603 provides only 2.2 HP power and so, it’s right for only walking and light jogging, but not for running, at least not by heavier users. With 220 pounds maximum allowed user, 2.2 HP motor can easily support walking and jogging, but regular every day running for longer periods of time is not IMHO recommended.

Tread Belt of Shorter Length than the One Required for Running

The tread belt of Sunny SF-T7603 is also not right for running according to experts as its dimensions are only 49” x 16” and for running, a longer tread belt is required because while running, the stride increases than that while walking and a belt length of at least 54 to 55 inches is required for running.

Short Warranty Period

While most treadmills offer a lifetime warranty for frame and 1 year warranty for parts, Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 comes with a warranty of 1 year and 90 days respectively for frame and parts which could be much better.

Summary

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill is great for users on the budget who need something for walking and light jogging. However, if users are looking for running, this is not the correct machine for them. Still, it provides quite a lot of features despite its low price and so, it’s indeed a good treadmill for health enthusiasts.

For more reviews and recommendations, check Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).