Solid Rock SRX57 hack squat, plate loaded, 300 kg

The Solid Rock SRX57 is a plate loaded hack squat rated for 300 kg of Olympic plates on Ø50 mm horns, built on a 3 mm carbon steel chassis. The inclined sled guides the athlete through a fixed path, which removes the balance and bar handling demands of a barbell squat and lets the quadriceps and glutes take the load directly. For a commercial gym or a strength focused box, it is the machine that lets members train heavy legs without a spotter and without a platform.

Technical specification

Hack squat against leg press and barbell squat

The three lower body stations do different jobs. A leg press keeps the torso supported and the hips flexed, so the load is largely quadriceps and glute with almost no trunk involvement. A barbell squat loads the whole chain but is limited by technique, bar handling and the need for a rack and safeties. The hack squat sits between them: the athlete stands on a platform with the back supported against an inclined pad, so the movement pattern stays close to a squat while the sled controls the path. Foot placement is the main variable, forward for more glute and hamstring, higher and closer for more quadriceps.

• 300 kg capacity, enough headroom for advanced members
• Ø50 mm horns take standard Olympic plates, no proprietary weights
• Rotating safety lock allows solo training under heavy load
• Wide foot platform for varied stance widths and heights
• Plate loaded, so no cable, pulley or selector to service

Installation and running costs

Plate loaded machines have a lower maintenance burden than selectorised ones because there is no cable to replace and no stack to guard, but they need a plate storage plan. Position the SRX57 within a few steps of a plate tree and allow a loading corridor on both sides so members are not carrying 20 kg discs across circulation routes. Dimensions and shipping weight are confirmed at quotation; as with any heavily loaded station, verify the permissible floor load if the machine goes above ground level, and fit rubber tiles to protect the screed.

Servicing amounts to checking the linear bearings and guide shafts, keeping them clean and lightly lubricated, inspecting the safety lock engagement and wiping the upholstery. The antibacterial EVA foam and pebbled leather cover are chosen for sweat resistance in a high turnover environment.

Frequently asked questions

Why choose an inclined hack squat rather than a leg press?

The hack squat holds the torso upright against a back pad and keeps the movement pattern close to a squat, which loads the quadriceps and glutes through a longer range while reducing the spinal compression of a free barbell squat. A leg press keeps the athlete seated and works a different hip angle, so most well equipped gyms carry both.

Does the machine suit both small and large users?

Yes. The wide foot platform and adjustable shoulder supports let users of different heights find a stable position, and the fixed path means an unfamiliar member can perform the movement safely on the first attempt.

Are Olympic plates included?

No. The SRX57 is a plate loaded station supplied without weights. Olympic plates and a plate tree are quoted separately, which allows an existing plate stock to be reused.