Moving a large piece of exercise equipment like the Sole E95 elliptical can feel daunting. This guide will walk you through exactly how to move Sole E95 elliptical safely, without injury or damage to your machine or home.
How to Move Sole E95 Elliptical
Before you start pushing and pulling, a bit of planning is essential. The E95 is heavy, often over 250 pounds, and its awkward shape makes it tricky to maneuver. Rushing the process is a common cause of personal injury or scratched floors and walls.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gathering the right tools and help first makes everything go smoother. Here’s your checklist:
* A Partner: Do not attempt this alone. You need at least one other strong person, and two helpers is even better for tight spaces.
* Moving Equipment: Furniture sliders (for carpet), a sturdy appliance dolly with straps, and moving blankets or old towels.
* Basic Tools: The hex wrenches that came with your elliptical (usually L-shaped Allen keys), adjustable wrench, and possibly a socket set.
* Protection: Work gloves to protect your hands and closed-toe shoes for safety.
* Clear Path: Walk the route from start to finish, removing rugs, floor lamps, and any other obstacles. Measure doorways and hallways to ensure the machine will fit.
Step-by-Step Moving Instructions
Follow these steps in order for the safest move.
Step 1: Prepare the Elliptical
First, you need to make the machine lighter and more compact.
* Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
* Remove any loose items like the water bottle holder or console tray.
* Consult your owner’s manual for the specific locations of the adjustment pins. You’ll need to lower the ramp incline to its flattest position and move the foot pedals to their lowest setting.
Step 2: Partial Disassembly
You don’t need to fully take it apart, but breaking it down some is crucial. The console arm is usually the heaviest part besides the frame.
* Locate the bolts connecting the console arm (the upright post with the screen) to the main frame. There is usually two to four of them.
* Using the provided hex wrenches, carefully loosen and remove these bolts. Have your partner hold the arm steady so it doesn’t fall.
* Gently set the console arm aside, protecting the screen with a blanket. Be mindful of the wire cable that connects it—you may need to disconnect it at a plug, or simply carefully coil it and tape it to the arm.
Step 3: Secure Moving Parts
Loose parts can swing and cause damage or throw off your balance.
* Use moving straps or strong rope to secure the foot pedals and the drive arms so they don’t move during transport.
* Wrap the main frame with moving blankets, using tape to hold them in place. This protects your walls and the machine’s finish.
Step 4: Moving the Main Frame
This is the heaviest part. Teamwork is key here.
* Using an Appliance Dolly: This is the best method. Tilt the frame back carefully and slide the dolly underneath, centering it for balance. Use the dolly’s straps to tightly secure the frame to it. One person controls the dolly while others guide and clear the path.
* Without a Dolly: If you’re just moving across a room, furniture sliders under the front stabilizer bar can help on carpet. On hard floors, you can carefully walk it by tipping it back onto its rear wheels, but this requires great control. Never drag the machine.
Step 5: Navigating Stairs and Doorways
This is the most dangerous part. Go slow and communicate constantly.
* For stairs, the appliance dolly is essential. The strongest person should be at the bottom, bearing the weight, while the person at the top guides and stabilizes. Take one step at a time.
* For doorways, angle the frame and come through slowly. Check your measurements from earlier—if it’s tight, you may need to remove the door from its hinges to get an extra inch of clearance.
Reassembly and Safety Check
Once the frame and console arm are in their new location, it’s time to put it back together.
* Move the frame into its final position first. Use a level to make sure it’s even; an unlevel elliptical can feel shaky and cause wear.
* Reattach the console arm, carefully lining up the bolt holes. Hand-tighten all bolts first, then use your wrench to tighten them firmly in a criss-cross pattern. Don’t over-tighten, as you could strip the threads.
* Reconnect any wiring harness for the console.
* Remove any straps from the pedals and arms. Restore the incline and pedal settings to your prefered positions.
* Plug the machine in and turn it on. Run it slowly for a minute to ensure everything works smoothly and there’s no unusual noises.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing what not to do is just as important.
* Skipping Disassembly: Trying to move it fully assembled through a standard doorway is almost impossible and risks damage.
* Lifting with Your Back: Always lift with your legs, keeping your back straight. The awkward shape makes proper form easy to forget.
* Not Clearing the Path: That one small rug or low-hanging light fixture can cause a major trip or drop.
* Rushing Reassembly: If bolts aren’t tight enough, the machine will be unsafe and wobbly during use.
FAQ: Moving Your Sole Elliptical
Q: Can I move my Sole E95 by myself?
A: It is strongly not recommended. The weight and balance make it a two-person job at minimum to prevent injury.
Q: Do I need to take the pedals off to move it?
A: Usually, no. Securing them with straps is typically sufficient unless you have an extremely narrow space to navigate.
Q: How do I move an elliptical across carpet?
A: Furniture sliders placed under the front stabilizer bar are a big help. For longer distances, an appliance dolly is still the best tool, as it’s wheels are designed for carpet.
Q: Will moving my elliptical void the warranty?
A: No, simply moving it won’t void the warranty. However, damage caused during the move due to improper handling or reassembly might not be covered. Always refer to your official Sole warranty document.
Q: What’s the easiest way to get it into a truck?
A: Using a ramp is safest. Walk the dolly slowly up the ramp with one person pulling and two others supporting the sides. Once in the truck, secure it tightly against a wall with straps so it can’t shift during transit.
Moving your Sole E95 elliptical is a manageable project with the right preparation. By taking your time, using proper equipment, and enlisting help, you can get your machine safely to it’s new home and ready for your next workout. Remember, if you ever feel unsure, contacting professional movers is a smart and safe option.