The Primal Performance Series Plate Loaded Pullover is a seated, plate loaded pullover machine that trains the lats and upper back through the elbows, so the arms do almost no work. It is aimed at commercial gyms, PT studios and S&C facilities, takes up 1720 × 1540 mm, stands 1445 mm tall and weighs 213 kg.

Because the load goes through elbow pads rather than the hands, the lats can be worked to failure before grip or biceps give out, something rows and pulldowns cannot do.

Who it is for

• Commercial gyms wanting a dedicated lat isolation machine
• Bodybuilding focused members who want back width without extra arm fatigue
• PT studios training clients with grip, elbow or forearm limits
• Strength and conditioning programs building lat strength for swimming, throwing and grappling athletes

Key features

• High density elbow pads that carry the load, keeping stress off the biceps and triceps
• Kick start foot lever that brings the arm forward so the first rep starts at full stretch
• Height adjustable seat in high density foam to line each user up with the pivot
• Rising then falling resistance curve: lighter in the stretched start position, heaviest through the middle, then easing so users can hold a hard squeeze
• Plate loaded with Olympic plates for fine, progressive jumps in load

Muscles worked and how to program it

The pullover moves the arm from overhead down to the hips, which is the main action of the lats, with the upper arm doing the work instead of the hands.

• Primary: latissimus dorsi
• Secondary: teres major, lower chest and long head of the triceps as a stabiliser
• Pre exhaust sets before rows or pulldowns so the lats fail first
• Back training on days when grip or elbows need a rest
• Slow, controlled sets with a pause at the bottom squeeze

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What footprint does the pullover need?

It measures 1720 mm long, 1540 mm wide and 1445 mm high. With about 600 mm of clear space around it for entry and loading plates, allow roughly 2.9 × 2.7 m.

How is the resistance set?

By loading 50 mm Olympic plates, which are not included. The shaped resistance curve means the same plate load feels lighter at the stretch and heavier in the middle of the rep.

How high does my ceiling need to be?

The machine is 1445 mm tall. The arm starts high behind the head, but the user is seated, so a standard 2.4 m ceiling is fine for almost every user.

What warranty is included?

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.

Can it be delivered and installed in Australia?

Yes. We send Australia-wide from our Melbourne warehouse, with most metro deliveries 1 to 7 business days after dispatch. It weighs 213 kg, so some regional addresses need a freight quote. Fill in the Ask about this machine form on this page and we will quote delivery and installation.

How is a pullover machine different from a lat pulldown?

A pulldown uses the hands, so the biceps and grip work too. The pullover loads the arm above the elbow, which isolates the lats and lets them work harder before the arms tire.

Pair the Pullover with the Primal Swivel Handle Row for a complete plate loaded back station.