Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine Review

The Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine features an adjustable hydraulic resistance system and has a space-saving design of foldable arms. It is a compact rower when fully assembled and it also allows you to fold it up when it is no longer in use so that it occupies a very limited storage space.

Before we go further with this review, we thought it might be helpful if we informed you that the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine is a similar rower that has a very good track record of usability and popularity and might even be slightly cheaper than Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine.

Moreover, if you are interested in a hydraulic rower with additional workout capability and willingness to pay a little more, then, you may want to look up the ProGear 750 Rower.

That said, the Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine holds its own since the majority of the users that reviewed it on Amazon have done favorably so. It is slightly more compact than the suggested rowers above and can accommodate users of different heights. However, users who are above average height may not be able to row with full leg extension.

The rower’s hydraulic resistance system provides challenging workouts because it can be manually adjusted for different resistance strengths. It has large 11-inch pivoting, anti-slip designed footrests with adjustable safety straps that provide flexibility, and security and accommodate different foot sizes.

The frame is made of durable steel and can support 250 pounds/113 kg maximum user weight capacity. It has a basic console that features an easy-to-read LCD monitor that tracks time, row count, and calories burned.

The large, padded, and contoured seat graciously and smoothly glides your every motion.

Click right here to have a peek at the price of the Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine on Amazon.

The Frame and Construction

The Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is mostly made up of durable steel and that includes the frame, the rowing arms, and the stabilizers. The rower also features fewer ABS plastic materials that are mainly for cosmetic reasons. The metal parts are coated with anti-corrosive and scratch paint that ensures their degradation is prevented.

The Harvil Rower supports 250 pounds/113 kg maximum user weight capacity and has a 35.4-inch long rail that could accommodate users of different heights. However, users taller than 6’ may experience the inability to fully extend their legs during a workout.

It has a very good base framework that establishes good stability and supports intense and vigorous workouts.

As aforementioned, the unit is not as large as other rowers with a magnetic, air, or water-resistance system. It has overall dimensions of 50 inches long by 36.22 inches wide by 20 inches tall. This means that it will need a workout area of 4’2’’ long by 3’1’’ wide. That said, additional clearance of 1 foot at the rear and on each side of the rower will be necessary for a safe and comfortable rowing experience.

The Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is a full-body cardio exercise machine integrated with folding arms that provide a full range of motion that targets different muscle groups during a workout.

The Seat, the Arms, and the Footrests

The Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine features a molded seat that is large, padded, and covered with vinyl material. It’s attached to a rail frame that consists of ball bearings that provide smooth and easy gliding motion, and indeed, it glides smoothly.

The seat is strong and durable but not very comfy as some users have noted. The manufacturer has pledged to improve the seat’s comfortability but in the meantime, you can use a gel seat cover to enhance it.  The seat’s dimensions are 9.5 inches long by 14.5 inches wide by 1.5 inches thick.

The rower is equipped with folding arms that are ergonomically designed to provide the full range of motion required for all the upper body muscle groups to be engaged. The handle grips are also coated with soft rubber material for optimum comfort and secure grips. Therefore, no slippage or blisters in the palms will be experienced and you should be able to work out longer without feeling sore or bored.

The rowing arms allow you to row back and forth in a circular motion that mimics the use of the real oar in the water.

Moreover, just as it has been said, the arms are foldable. They can easily be folded up when you need to put the rower away for storage.

The footrests are anti-skid designed, 11 inches large, with adjustable safety straps that have two interchangeable positions for maximum comfort and security. The footrests are pivotal and have borders at the heel part of it so that the feet can further be secure and in place during intense workouts.

The interchangeable safety strap positions make it possible for bigger and smaller feet to be accommodated conveniently.

The Resistance

The Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is integrated with a hydraulic resistance system that consists of a hydraulic cylinder with an adjustable knob that is connected to the arms. The adjustable knob allows you to increase or decrease the resistance strength.

There are no pre-defined resistance levels available; you simply adjust until you feel you have the suitable resistance strength for your workout.

Its general operation is smooth, quiet, and effective. However, the resistance provided by this rower is suitable for beginners, intermediary users, and generally for everyone else whose goal is to lose weight and maintain or improve their overall physical well-being.

You can put this rower in front of the TV and watch your favorite show as you work out, and the family or the neighbors won’t be disturbed by your activities.

The resistance system doesn’t require any maintenance.

The Console

As expected, the rower is equipped with a basic console that features an easy-to-read LCD monitor. This monitor displays and tracks time, row count, and calories burned. It also has the SCAN function that is responsible for rotationally displaying the workout values one at a time every few seconds and continuously.   You may also set a certain preferred workout value to display constantly without shifting to another.

The monitor is not backlit and therefore, its readability will be compromised if viewed in an environment that is not well-lit.

The monitor is powered by an AA battery which is not included in the package.

Accessory

The Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine doesn’t feature any accessories. You must improvise to keep water handy during workouts in order to stay hydrated throughout the entire workout session.

Storage

The storage of this rower is easy and doesn’t take up much space because it folds up. It takes very minimal space and could be stored against the wall or in the closet but not under the bed.

It is a lightweight machine that weighs 34 pounds/15 kg and therefore can easily be moved around from one room to another even though it doesn’t have any transport wheel integrated into it.

Approval Rating

The Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is obviously a popular rower, at least that’s what it seems like on Amazon. It has tens of Amazon customers’ reviews and they are all positive. The users suggest it was a good investment considering the price and the value of the rower.

Pros/Features Overview

• It has a durable steel frame that supports 250 pounds/113 kg maximum user weight capacity
• The arms are designed to provide a full range of motion that engages different muscle groups
• It is compact and stable
• It has a space-saving design that allows you to fold it up when you are done working out
• It features an adjustable hydraulic resistance system that provides different challenges that are suitable for beginners, intermediaries, and those who wish to stay physically fit
• The seat is molded, large, and padded to provide adequate comfort and sits on a rail frame that glides back and forth smoothly
• The footrests are 11 inches long with adjustable straps and interchangeable safety strap positions; different foot sizes can be accommodated
• The basic console features an LCD monitor that helps you stay focused and motivated
• It is affordable
• It is maintenance-free
• Easy to assemble
• During the warranty period, new replacement parts or the entire rower is shipped for free in the event of defect or damage during the warranty period and if not satisfied you will get a refund if requested within 30 days of purchase

Cons

• Taller individuals may not be able to exercise with full leg extension
• The monitor is not backlit
• The AA battery for the monitor is not included

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Product Dimensions and Specifications

• 50’’ Length
• 36’’ Width
• 20’’ Height
• Assembled weight: 34 pounds/15 kg
• Package weight: 38 pounds/17 kg
• Frame: Steel
• Supports 250 pounds/113 kg maximum user weight capacity
• Resistance: Adjustable hydraulic
• Foldable Arms
• Molded seat
• Easy-to-read LCD monitor tracks time, total count, calories burned, and scan
• Footrests are large with adjustable safety straps

Shipping, Assembly, and Maintenance

Shipping

The Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is shipped in a box with dimensions of 50.5 inches long by 11.22 inches wide by 8.66 inches tall and it’s 38 pounds/17 kg in weight.

The shipping cost depends on the shipping policy of the vendor you are purchasing from. However, Amazon provides free shipping and delivers the product within days of order.

Assembly

The assembly of the Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is simple and easy. It comes with an instruction manual that explains and walks you through the process of the assembly.

The tools needed for the assembly are also included in the package.

The assembly time might be 30 minutes, more or less.

Maintenance

No major maintenance is needed for the Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine.

Any part that is damaged will be replaced by the manufacturer within the warranty period.

All you need to do in order to keep the unit in good working condition is to always examine it for any loose or broken parts.

Also, make sure to keep it clean from dirt and sweat before and after workouts.

Conclusion

The Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is a cost-effective compact cardio rower that allows you to do your thing in the comfort of your home or office. It is handy and can easily be handled without stress or hassle.

The foldable arms provide full-range motion that mimics the real oar movement in the water and also engages multiple muscle groups during a workout.

This rower is far from perfect but it possesses the quality to make your workout session productive.