We repair and install treadmills, ellipticals, weight machines and other fitness and exercise equipment found in both commercial and home gyms.
FAQ
Hi, I am the Wolf. I’m here to answer your questions.
We know your machine; it’s time you get to know us. I’ve got instant answers to many common questions we get here at Huff-n-Puff. Besides cluing you in to what we do and how we work, I’ve got some free advice to help you extend the life of your machine and keep it running smoothly. Let your inquiring mind absorb the wisdom of an experienced repair wolf!
Company Questions
My great-grandfather, Marvin J. Huff, has been a huge inspiration to me. An undefeated hero of the early Wolf Triathalons, he was the patriarch of our physically fit pack. It was only natural for me to apply my mechanical talents toward repair services such as this and encourage physical fitness in my human friends. Few sounds are as satisfying to me as the huffing and puffing of an exhilarating workout, from canines and humans alike!
To address the next question surely on your mind, I can neither confirm nor deny my family’s involvement with any alleged events relating to the fabled “Three Little Pigs.” I would only advise you, do not hastily accept the popular pig propaganda version of any story.
We do not. Fitness equipment is what we know and love; it is our specialty. In order to stay on the leading edge of the fitness equipment industry, fitness equipment repair is our exclusive focus.
Three ways, whichever is most convenient for you: via our Contact Form, email, or by phone. If you live in Illinois, you can call us at 708-294-2944 or email us at service@hnpfit.com. If you’re in Wisconsin, you can reach us at 414-246-8921 or by email at wiservice@hnpfit.com. If we don’t answer our phone during normal business hours (Monday ‑ Friday, 8:00 am ‑ 5:00 pm), please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible to see what we can do to help.
Because that is precisely what we are, and that is precisely what you require for service to run smoothly! From start to finish you have a team working on your service case to ensure all aspects of your service are handled quickly and precisely.
Flip Design is the creative power behind our logo, Vision Force Marketing is the talent behind our website. We could not recommend both organizations any more, and highly encourage you to chat with either of them if your in need of their services.
Appointment Questions
No, it is much easier for us to come to you then it is for you to bring the machine to us! All work is performed at your machine’s location. This prevents transportation damage to your machine as well as preventing injury to your back.
We keep a limited amount in stock, but are not able to maintain a full inventory due to the wide range of machines we service. In the event you need parts, we will contact you the day after your visit to quote the repair. Once approved, we will place your order immediately. When the parts have shipped and we have a tracking number, we will contact you to schedule an appointment in anticipation of its arrival.
- Please restrain all pets that are in your home. We have pets ourselves, but we do not want to risk any injuries while working on your machine or even walking in and out of your home.
- Please have ample lighting available. Some of the machine’s nooks and crannies can be difficult to see.
- Please clear a work area around the machine to ensure easy access for the technician.
- Please confirm there is electrical power being supplied to the machine.
- Ensure the machine is fully assembled unless specific arrangements have been made with our office.
- Machines MUST be in a climate controlled environment between 60-90F. If the machine is not in a climate controlled environment between 60-90F, it will be at our technician’s discretion whether or not to proceed based on the environmental conditions upon arrival. If our technician is not able to service the equipment due to unsafe or inadequate environmental conditions, the customer will still be responsible for ALL agreed upon charges due or paid, and diagnoses for machines in temperatures outside of this range CANNOT be guaranteed.
We’ve written an extensive blog article about why machines exposed to water should NEVER be used.
It depends. Per manufacturer specifications, machines MUST be located in an environment between 65-90F. If your machine is not in an area within that range, we will not be able to service it until it is.
We cannot. The high humidity level combined with vaporized pool chemicals will very quickly oxidize the interior of machine frames. Simply put, machines in pool rooms should be treated as machines that have been exposed to water.
Machine Questions
Every manufacturer has their own set of error codes. Although there are advances being made in code diagnosis, most codes are essentially “check engine” lights that are not specific enough to diagnose over the phone. Contact us and we will be happy to help as much as possible!
- Lubrication of all moving parts will keep the machine running at a higher efficiency level and will maximize the life of your investment.
- Our technicians are trained to spot small problems that can quickly grow into major issues. An ounce of prevention is well worth a pound of cure!
- Wipe the machine down after every workout. The cleaner the machine, the longer it will last.
- Keep the area around your machine as clean and dust free as possible. Once again, the cleaner the machine, the longer it will last.
- Keep the machine properly lubricated.
- As a general rule, no. Both of these items can be a “choke point” for power flowing to your machine. Treadmills need to be treated as major appliances that require a large amount of current. As an appropriate solution, we have Power Extenders available that exceed the manufacturers power specifications to ensure proper performance.
Lubrication Questions
Consult your owner’s manual or contact us. DO NOT guess! Using the wrong lubricant will do more harm than good.
The manufacturer doesn’t want you to ruin your machine with the wrong lubricant, but your treadmill will not last without proper lubrication. The Treadmill Doctor says it best: “The truth of the matter is just like there is not a ‘no maintenance’ car, there is also not a ‘no maintenance’ treadmill. Put simply, if you don’t maintain it, it will need parts replacement quicker than if you do maintain it.”
- Less friction → lower amp draw → lower power consumption and healthier electronics.
- The lubricant we use and sell is specially formulated to repel dirt and debris, lengthening the life of your belt and deck.
- Properly lubricated parts will always outlive under-lubricated parts.
- Yes! Over-lubrication will not only make a huge mess and possibly damage your carpet or flooring, it can also be flung into the motor compartment and short the electronics. Even more dangerous is the possibility that it could seep up the sides of your belt and saturate the surface of your running belt. A slippery running surface can result in a fall, twisted ankle or even worse. When lubricating your belt, be sure to avoid over-saturation.
Maintenance Questions
- Wipe the machine down after every workout. Sweat and other dirt not only harbor bacteria growth, but also damage components when it’s allowed to accumulate.
- Vacuum the area under and around your machine. Dust buildup damages moving parts and electrical components. For an added layer of protection, ask about our equipment mats that are proven to make the dust bunnies run for cover!
- Check for loose nuts, bolts and other hardware. Don’t take our word for it, search for Various Treadmill Accidents on YouTube and see for yourself!
- If the machine’s rollers (and the rails they ride on) are exposed, keep them extremely clean! When sweat and dirt accumulate, both the bearings and wheels wear unevenly. This results in a very bumpy workout!
- Keep all joints lubricated. Depending on the workout YOU give your machine, a little extra grease will keep the joints moving smoothly and quietly.
- Ensure the walking belt is not scraping on either side. It doesn’t need to be exactly centered, but rubbing on either side will drastically shorten its life.
- Confirm the walking belt is sufficiently lubricated. Every three months or so check the underside of the walking belt. If your machine requires paraffin-based lube, the bottom of the belt should feel slightly waxy. If your machine requires a silicone-based lube, the bottom of the belt should feel slightly oily. If your machine is dry, we have you covered. A tip from the pros: WD-40 and 3-in-1 Oil are NOT on the approved list!
- Ensure pedals and crank arms are secure. Loosening in either one will result in various ticks and clicks.
- Check the drive belt/chain for proper tension if you feel slipping. Belts and chains will loosen and stretch over time and may require tightening.
- Check the chrome guide rods for pitting and scoring. Lubricate them if necessary. Damaged rods can result in premature bushing wear, decreasing the ability to glide smoothly.
- Check the cables/belts for cracked coating or exposed steel braiding. This is a leading cause of injury.
- Ensure the cables have not slipped off a pulley. Verify that the pulleys are able to spin freely and easily.