Oxen Strength
Important Safety and Maintenance Information
Safety Notice
All fitness machinery requires preventative maintenance to ensure safe operation. It is essential to conduct routine inspections and upkeep on all equipment to prevent injuries resulting from misuse. We strongly advise that every gym, training studio, or home facility establishes a formal plan with documented guidelines and scheduled inspection points. These instructions are provided to help you create and sustain a safe fitness environment and properly care for your Oxen Strength equipment. Consistent checks are key to providing preventative maintenance before a component fails.
This guide must be read and fully understood by all individuals responsible for the equipment and its users. This includes, but is not limited to, facility staff, owners, and maintenance personnel. Please ensure this guide is accessible to all relevant individuals and displayed in a visible location. All parties should refer to this information regularly. We recommend that the use of Oxen Strength equipment is always supervised by personnel who are knowledgeable of these procedures.
General Safety
Oxen Strength equipment must be thoroughly inspected before and after its initial installation to confirm that all parts, both moving and stationary, are in excellent working order. A maintenance program, complete with scheduled checks and written procedures, should be implemented as soon as the equipment is put into service. This maintenance schedule must be documented, and all steps must be executed correctly. All responsible parties should be trained to ensure that all safety and maintenance protocols are performed to standard.
Under no circumstances should any Oxen Strength equipment be modified or altered. If there is any sign or suspicion that your equipment is damaged or defective, its use must be suspended immediately. Obvious signage, such as an "OUT OF ORDER" notice, must be displayed to inform all users. A qualified maintenance provider must be notified without delay.
Only use Oxen Strength equipment for its intended purpose. Improper use can result in injury. It is highly recommended that all Oxen Strength equipment is securely anchored to the floor to prevent tipping in the event of misuse.
User Safety Information
Before beginning any new fitness regimen, it is advisable to discuss your exercise plans and goals with a physician. All warning labels on the equipment must be read and understood before use. Do not use any Oxen Strength equipment without a clear understanding of the associated risks. For information on basic operation and safety procedures, please consult with qualified staff members. Keep hands and feet clear of all moving parts while the equipment is in use.
Ensure that all pop-pins and selectors are fully inserted into the weight stacks. An incomplete insertion may cause the weights to fall or collapse, which could lead to injury or damage. Never attempt to remove a selector pin if the stack is lifted or suspended. If a weight stack becomes jammed, notify a qualified maintenance provider immediately and never attempt to repair or alter a malfunctioning machine yourself. Always maintain complete control of the weights during exercise. Do not drop the weight stack or allow plates to slam together, as this can cause injury or damage.
Failure to understand and follow these guidelines for proper use, or failure to train qualified maintenance personnel, could result in serious injury from the use of Oxen Strength equipment. It is the responsibility of the facility's owners and operators to ensure these safety measures are implemented.
Inspection and Maintenance
Recommendations
Performing regular, scheduled maintenance and inspections in accordance with Oxen Strength guidelines is critical. The optimal performance of your equipment depends on these routine checks. Oxen Strength equipment is constructed from premium, high-quality components engineered for a long lifespan with minimal maintenance. However, regular use will inevitably lead to wear and tear. We recommend that all equipment is inspected by qualified individuals who document every check performed. If any component shows wear, it should be noted and replaced. If any part is damaged or non-functional, it should be reported and repaired before the machine is used again. Please use the guidelines below to design your safety and maintenance program.
Suggested Daily Inspection:
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Every machine should be inspected and cleaned daily.
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A qualified technician should inspect each machine by looking, listening, and feeling for any abnormal movements, sounds, or vibrations.
Cables, Belts, and Pulleys:
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These components require frequent and thorough checks. As they are designed for regular replacement, they will show wear over time, accelerating with higher usage. Visually inspect the entire length of every cable and belt, paying close attention to sections that move over pulleys and the connection points to weight stacks. Look for signs of damage such as frays, cracks, tears, blistering, or wear in the nylon coating. Damaged parts can lead to injury and must be replaced. Any machine with a damaged cable, belt, or pulley should be taken out of service immediately. Replacement parts can be ordered from Oxen Strength.
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Inspect pulleys for any surface damage or hairline cracks. Pay special attention to the bearings, listening for any excessive noise, grinding, or vibration, which can indicate wear. Worn or damaged pulleys can cause injury and should be replaced. Suspend use of any machine showing these signs.
Frames:
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Inspect frames for any chips or imperfections in the powder coating. If you notice any cracks, rust, or corrosion, suspend use of the machine immediately and contact a qualified maintenance provider.
Upholstery:
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Upholstery is a wear item designed for replacement. Higher usage will lead to faster deterioration. Inspect upholstery for any tears, cracks, or rips. While damaged upholstery typically does not require a machine to be taken out of service, it can snag clothing or scratch skin, potentially leading to injury or illness.
Recommended Daily Cleaning
Sweat and body oils are an unavoidable part of strength training and can lead to rust, corrosion, and the breakdown of metal and upholstery finishes. To maintain your equipment in optimal condition, it should be cleaned daily, preferably at the end of the day, to prevent corrosive fluids from sitting on surfaces overnight. This cleaning can be performed at the same time as the daily inspection.
Checklist:
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Wipe down the frame with a damp cloth. For tougher grime, a solution of mild dish soap and water is effective.
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Dry the frame with a separate, clean cloth to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause rust and corrosion.
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Clean upholstery using a diluted mild dish soap and warm water solution. A soft-bristle brush can be used for stubborn soiling.
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Wipe the upholstery completely dry with a clean, dry cloth.
IMPORTANT CLEANING NOTES
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Never use ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex, Clorox, Lysol), solvents, lacquer thinners, acetone, Simple Green, alcohol-based products, or other harsh chemicals. These fluids can permanently damage the powder coating and upholstery.
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Do not use abrasive powders or scouring cleansers.
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Always spray cleaning solutions onto a cloth, not directly onto the machine, to prevent overspray from causing damage.
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Avoid oil-based lubricants for cleaning, as they can damage the powder coating and upholstery.
Please be aware that equipment that is improperly cared for is not covered under warranty. To ensure proper service for any warranty claims, please take clear and detailed photographs of the affected parts and any damage.
Recommended Weekly Cleaning and Maintenance
Cables and Fasteners: Check the tension of all cables. Inspect all nuts, bolts, and fasteners to ensure there are no loose connections. Loctite® Threadlocker 242 may be used where necessary.
Frames: Apply a high-quality automotive or marine-grade wax to protect the frame against corrosive buildup. Do not use harsh cleaners, chemicals, or abrasive materials.
Upholstery: Alcohol wipes are not recommended as they will cause the upholstery to dry and crack. Use a high-quality vinyl upholstery cleaner or a lanolin-based hand cleaner to moisturize the material and maintain its flexibility. Follow the product's instructions. Avoid harsh, drying chemicals and colored cloths that could transfer dye. Guide Rods: Remove dust and grime with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Apply a silicone- or teflon-based lubricant to a cloth and wipe down the rods. Do not use oil-based lubricants.
Weight Stacks: Inspect and dust the weight stack. Minor chips can be covered with matte black touch-up paint (use a stain-blocking primer first for permanent marker). If you find cracks or more severe, non-cosmetic damage, suspend use immediately, post an "OUT OF ORDER" sign, and contact a qualified maintenance provider for a replacement.
Linear Bearings/Shafts: Inspect shafts for any signs of use before cleaning. If rust is present, remove it with fine sandpaper or steel wool (do not use abrasive cleaners). Dust the linear rails with a clean, soft cloth to remove all debris. Apply a thin layer of lithium grease with a clean rag. Do not over-apply, as excess lubricant can hinder performance. If lubricant is dripping or running, you have used too much. The carriage may need to be slid and held to coat the rods completely.
Pillow Blocks: Wipe bearing pivot points with a clean, dry rag to remove dust and dirt buildup. Check for correct, smooth movement. Lubrication is not required.