How To Adjust Horizon Treadmill Belt?

Horizon is a high-end treadmill that is designed to be used in the home. It has a lot of features that make it stand out from other treadmills. 

Part of the monthly maintenance process is to check and make sure the tread belt is properly tensioned and aligned in the center so you can safely exercise. A loose and misaligned belt can stick or slip while running or walking which can cause the user potential injuries.

Let’s dive into today’s guide on how to adjust Horizon treadmill belt and successfully go through this maintenance process.

Without further ado, let’s get right into it!

Signs You Need To Adjust a Horizon Treadmill Running Belt

Horizon treadmill picture

There are a few signs you may need to adjust the Horizon belt. The most common sign is when your walking belt has shifted to one side or is about to start rubbing against the side of your exercise equipment.

Your treadmill belt may be slowly drifting too far to the right or left, and this can cause the belt to stretch unevenly. 

You might also notice that when you are walking or running on your treadmill, the belt feels like it’s stalling or having trouble turning over. 

Another sign that a Horizon tread belt might need adjustment is when it works fine with a lighter person, but starts slipping with a heavier user.

Horizon Belt Adjustment Toolkit

For Horizon treadmill belt maintenance, all you will need is an Allen wrench. The Horizon treadmill comes equipped with a 6mm Allen wrench for the purpose of being able to adjust the belt.

In case an Allen wrench isn’t included with your treadmill, or yours is difficult to use, consider purchasing an Allen wrench that has a longer handle or provides more leverage for easy use.

How To Align Horizon Treadmill Belt? 

Horizon treadmill in my living room

Adjusting the running belt is easy and the only tool needed is the Allen Wrench or Hex Key that came with the Horizon treadmill.

Horizon treadmills may vary in model style, the procedure demonstrated here is the same for all Horizon products.

Here is how to align Horizon tread belt:

  1. Power down and unplug the Tread.
  2. Use the 6mm Allen key from the toolkit that came with your Tread to tighten the Idler Roller Screw on the side that needs to be adjusted.
  3. Loosen 1/4 turn on the right, loosen 1/4 turn on the left, pause and test results.
    • To pull the belt to the right, tighten the left screw one quarter turn clockwise.
    • To pull the belt to the left, tighten the right screw one quarter turn clockwise.
  4. Turn on Horizon Treadmill and test. Run the Tread for 30 seconds to let the belt adjust.
  5. Repeat the adjustments as called for until the belt is tensioned and the red centerline falls between the two red centering dots on the front of the deck.

How To Tighten Horizon Treadmill Belt?

If your Horizon walking belt is too loose it will feel similar to walking on ice, and we all know that’s not the most comforting feeling. 

Maintaining the proper tension is easy and the only tool needed is the Allen Wrench or Hex Key.

Horizon treadmills may vary in model style, the procedure demonstrated here is the same for all Horizon products.

Here is how to tighten Horizon tread belt:

  1. Power down and unplug the Tread.
  2. Use the 6mm Allen key from the toolkit that came with your Tread to tighten the Idler Roller Screws.
  3. When tightening the belt, turn both the left and right idler bolts the same distance and direction.
  4. Turn on the Tread and test. Briefly walk and run on the Tread to make sure the belt isn’t slipping. Prevent over-tightening, which could cause other issues. 

You know you have reached the proper tension when the Horizon belt lifts about 3 to 4 inches off the walking platform.

Make sure the running deck if it is well oiled. If it feels like it lacks some lubrication work, get on how to lubricate Horizon treadmill belt guide in order to keep the running belt well oiled and under good conditions.

Horizon treadmill in my living room

How Tight Should Horizon Treadmill Belt Be?

A Horizon tread belt should be tight enough so that you can lift it by approximately 2 or 3 inches on the sides at the center of the frame. If you are unable to do that, the belt is too tight. 

However, if it lifts up more than 4 inches, then the belt is too loose and you will need to adjust your belt tension before using it again. 

Final Thoughts

A Horizon treadmill is one of the most popular fitness brands in North America, but it comes with some at-home maintenance to extend the life of your machine and prevent potential injuries.

Key elements when adjusting your Horizon tread belt are patience and care. Loosen or tighten in small increments, and take care to move both sides of the belt about the same increments. 

Scroll to Top