Country Lore: New Lives for Old Treadmill Parts

By Donald Franck
Published on October 29, 2009
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PHOTO: SKY/FOTOLIA
Treadmill parts — the rollers, rails, motor, and heart rate monitor — can serve other purposes once you're done using them as a treadmill.

My father gave me his used treadmill before he died. I had been reading that the motor could be used in a DIY wind generator project. After taking the motor out, I planned to junk the frame and other components, but I discovered there was more to be made from treadmill parts than just a wind generator!

  1. The motor is for the wind generator.
  2. The two steel rods for the tread are my basis for a new telescope mount.
  3. The handrails will have steps added to them to make a small ladder down to the water by my cabin.
  4. The belt can be used on the ladder steps and elsewhere.
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