The Primal Performance Series Plate Loaded Adjustable Chest Press is a converging, plate loaded press for commercial gyms, PT studios and strength facilities that want a free weight feel with machine safety. It runs on 50 mm Olympic plates, needs 1780 × 1340 mm of floor space and stands 1900 mm tall.

Adjustable safety stops and a two position back pad let each lifter set their own depth and pressing angle, while the bell crank lever gives a smooth, progressive load from the bottom stretch to the lockout squeeze.

Who it is for

• Commercial gyms building out a plate loaded chest and push section
• PT studios training clients who find barbell pressing hard on the shoulders
• Strength and conditioning facilities that need heavy horizontal pressing without a spotter
• Bodybuilding and hypertrophy focused members chasing a deep stretch and full contraction

Key features

• Converging handle path that brings the hands together as you press, giving a big stretch at the start and a hard squeeze at the finish
• Bell crank lever system that turns the forward push into vertical lever travel for a very smooth feel through the whole rep
• Adjustable safety stops with multiple positions to limit how deep the handles travel
• Two position back pad so users can change the pressing angle to suit their build
• One Touch height adjustable seat in high density foam for fast alignment with the handles
• Two grip choices: a wide overhand grip for maximum pec stretch and a closer semi-pronated grip that is kinder on sore shoulders

Muscles worked and training uses

This is a heavy horizontal press with a converging arc, so the chest is loaded through a longer range than a fixed straight line press allows.

• Primary: pectoralis major (chest)
• Secondary: front deltoids and triceps
• Heavy strength sets for lifters who want to push hard without a spotter, using the safety stops as a backstop
• Hypertrophy work that uses the converging path for a deep stretch and full squeeze
• A barbell bench alternative for clients with shoulder issues, using the semi-pronated grip

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What footprint does the Adjustable Chest Press need?

It is 1780 mm long, 1340 mm wide and 1900 mm tall. Add about 600 mm of clearance around it for loading plates and walking past, and plan for a zone of roughly 3.0 × 2.5 m.

How do you load it?

It is plate loaded and takes standard 50 mm Olympic plates, which are sold separately. Adding or removing plates changes the resistance.

Will it fit under my ceiling?

The frame is 1900 mm high and the press travels forward, not overhead, so a standard 2.4 m ceiling gives plenty of room.

What warranty applies?

Primal Strength gives it a full commercial use warranty: 5 years on the frame, 3 years on parts, 1 year on pads, cables, pulleys and wearables, and 1 year labour.

Do you deliver and install in Australia?

Yes. We ship Australia-wide from our Melbourne warehouse, and most metro deliveries land 1 to 7 business days after dispatch. It weighs 348 kg packed, so some regional addresses need a freight quote. Use the Ask about this machine form on this page to get a delivery and installation quote.

How is this different from a pin loaded chest press?

A pin loaded press uses a built in weight stack and a pin. This one is loaded with plates and uses a converging bell crank lever, which gives a more free weight like feel and lets strong lifters keep adding load. Adjustable safety stops also control how deep each rep goes.

Kitting out a plate loaded push and pull area? Pair the Adjustable Chest Press with the Primal plate loaded rows and pec fly for a matched line.