The Primal Performance Series Plate Loaded Power Squat is a plate loaded squat and lunge machine that loads the legs through the shoulders without a barbell on the back. It suits commercial gyms, PT studios and S&C rooms, and Primal lists its set-up size as 1750 × 1780 mm with a height of 1090 mm and a net weight of 216 kg.

Users get deep, heavy squats with safety stops and a fixed path, so they can push close to failure without a spotter or a rack.

Who it is for

• Commercial gyms wanting a heavy squat option that does not tie up a rack
• PT studios coaching new clients who are not ready to load a barbell
• Strength and conditioning programs running split squats and lunges with high loads
• Lifters with back or shoulder limits who cannot hold a bar comfortably

Key features

• Six plate loading positions, three a side: load the upper horns for resistance that eases as you stand, or the lower horns for resistance that builds as you stand
• Rear loadable bullhorn that works as a counterbalance for lighter starting loads
• Width adjustable shoulder pads in high density foam, sliding on a linear rail to fit narrow and broad frames
• Detachable squat ramp with three mounting positions to lift the heels for users with tight ankles, and a storage spot under the foot platform
• Multiple safety stop positions so users can limit depth and bail out safely
• Non slip foot platform that is stable enough for split stance and single leg work
• Unloaded starting weight of 30 kg

Muscles worked and training uses

The power squat trains the full squat pattern under load while the frame carries the balance, so the legs do the work rather than the lower back.

• Primary: quadriceps and glutes
• Secondary: hamstrings, adductors and calves
• Heavy squat strength work without spotters, bars or racks
• Split squats and reverse lunges with high loads and full stability
• Changing the strength curve by moving plates between the upper and lower horns
• Squats with the heels raised on the ramp for users with limited ankle range

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What floor space does the Power Squat need?

Primal lists it at 1750 mm long, 1780 mm wide and 1090 mm high. Add about 600 mm of clear space around it for loading plates and stepping in, which gives a zone of roughly 3.0 × 3.0 m.

How do you load it?

It takes 50 mm Olympic plates on six horns, three per side, plus a rear bullhorn for counterbalance. The machine starts at 30 kg unloaded. Plates are not included.

What ceiling height do I need?

The user stands up tall under the shoulder pads, so the ceiling needs to clear a standing person with their shoulders under the pads plus a little extra. A standard 2.4 m ceiling suits most users, and we can check tall athletes or low rooms for you.

What is the warranty?

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

Do you deliver and install it Australia-wide?

Yes. Orders ship from our Melbourne warehouse to anywhere in Australia, with most metro deliveries 1 to 7 business days after dispatch. Packed, it weighs 295 kg in a 1700 × 1200 × 870 mm crate, so some regional addresses need a freight quote. Use the Ask about this machine form on this page and we will quote delivery and installation.

Can it replace a squat rack?

For leg training, it can cover most of what a rack does, including heavy squats and lunges, with less risk and no spotter. Most gyms still keep a rack for barbell work, and use the Power Squat to take pressure off it at busy times.

Pair the Power Squat with the Primal Pendulum Squat and ISO Hack Squat for a leg floor that handles queues at peak times.