Woodway 4Front, Service Manual

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6 05/2016 – SM-MT-EN-02
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WOODWAY History
WOODWAY’s history begins in Germany in 1974. Willi Schoenberger, a technical director in charge of planning a
fitness center, noticed that the most important piece of equipment, the treadmill, didn’t meet the most important
requirements: a mechanically sound machine that is designed to meet human needs.
He envisioned a comfortable walking surface that didn’t interfere with the natural biomechanics of running or walk-
ing. Also, he wanted a transportation system which eliminated the friction associated with conventional conveyor-
belt treadmills. After intensive research, and trial and error (and in cooperation with the Deutsche Sporthochschule
in Cologne, Germany), Willi developed and patented a very unique and revolutionary treadmill design.
In 1975, WOODWAY GmbH was founded in Weil am Rhein, Germany. The name “WOODWAY” is derived from the
German “Waldweg” (“Wald” = wood and “Weg”= way), the feel of running on a soft pine needle covered path in
the forest.
In 1983, a manufacturing license was awarded to Sakai Medical, for the use of WOODWAY technology in the Japa-
nese marketplace.
In 1988, a U.S. license was granted to a small, well-established manufacturing company in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
WOODWAY USA was formed when the U.S. incarnation of the WOODWAY was developed and completed in 1990.
WOODWAY USA is proud to be the primary manufacturer of WOODWAY treadmills worldwide, exporting treadmills
for international distribution, in addition to serving our domestic customers and clients.
Today, WOODWAY’s design and manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, and Japan make
WOODWAY the largest specialized treadmill manufacturer in the world. Constant enhancements in quality, design,
and function are shared and implemented by all three WOODWAY manufacturers.
As WOODWAY moves forward, attention to product quality, innovation, and customer service are at the forefront of
our efforts. Along with our treadmills, other products, services, and strategic relationships are being developed so
as to keep WOODWAY on the leading edge as we meet fitness training, testing, and rehabilitation needs.