TL;DR

Plate loaded machines give you the safety and isolation of a machine with the unlimited loading capacity of free weights. VERVE's Makoto series is the plate-loaded range — commercial-grade aluminium alloy shield frames, powder-coated finishes, and a complete lineup covering chest, shoulders, back, and legs. If you already own Olympic weight plates, plate-loaded machines are the most cost-effective way to add machine training without paying for separate weight stacks.

Why Plate Loaded?

Plate loaded machines occupy a sweet spot between free weights and pin-loaded machines:

• No maximum load — add plates until the horns are full. No weight stack ceiling.
• Familiar loading — use the same Olympic plates you already own for your barbell. No need to buy separate weight stacks.
• Fine increments — add 1.25kg change plates for micro-progression. Pin-loaded machines jump in 5-10kg increments.
• Guided movement path — reduces injury risk compared to free weights by eliminating the balance component.
• Unilateral option — most plate-loaded machines have independent arms, allowing single-arm/single-leg work to correct imbalances.
• Lower cost — no weight stack means a lower machine price point than pin-loaded equivalents.

The VERVE Makoto Plate Loaded Range

Upper Body

Makoto Plate Loaded Chest Press

• Commercial-grade aluminium alloy shield frame
• Powder-coated finish
• Black upholstery (in stock) or Brown (made-to-order, 8-16 weeks)
• Separable structure for transport

The chest press is the starting point for most plate-loaded machine setups. Isolates the pecs, front delts, and triceps without the shoulder stability demands of a barbell bench press — ideal for high-volume chest work and for lifters with shoulder issues that limit flat barbell pressing.

Makoto Plate Loaded Shoulder Press

• Same Makoto commercial construction
• Guided overhead pressing path

Overhead pressing on a machine eliminates the balance component, letting you focus entirely on deltoid loading. Particularly valuable for people who struggle with barbell overhead press due to mobility limitations or lower back sensitivity.

Back

Makoto Plate Loaded Pulldown

• Dimensions: 1780mm x 1561mm x 1892mm
• Net weight: 178kg

A 178kg machine that does not move when you load it heavy. The plate-loaded design means no stack ceiling — load it until your lats give out before the machine does.

Makoto Plate Loaded Seated Row

• Dimensions: 1552mm x 1470mm x 1228mm
• Net weight: 146kg

Horizontal pulling is essential for back thickness and posture. The seated row targets the mid-traps, rhomboids, and lats with a chest pad for stability.

Legs

Makoto Plate Loaded Leg Press

• Dimensions: 2230mm x 1660mm x 1470mm
• Net weight: 220kg

The heaviest machine in the Makoto range at 220kg. Built to handle 300-400kg+ of loaded plates without flexing. The plate-loaded design means no weight stack limit — load it as heavy as your legs can handle.

Makoto Plate Loaded Hack Squat

• Dimensions: 2020mm x 1660mm (depth per spec sheet)
• Upright torso angle targets quads more aggressively than a leg press

Makoto Plate Loaded Leg Extension

• Isolated quad training
• Plate-loaded for precise resistance selection

Makoto Plate Loaded Seated Calf Raise

• Dimensions: 1433mm x 759mm x 1132mm
• Net weight: 70kg

The seated calf raise targets the soleus (the deeper calf muscle that contributes more to calf size than the gastrocnemius in most people). Plate-loaded keeps it simple — grab a plate, sit down, train calves.

Other Plate Loaded Strength Equipment

Beyond the Makoto series, VERVE offers these plate-loaded machines:

VERVE Hip Belt Squat Machine V3

• Dimensions: 2100mm x 1330mm x 1000mm
• Footplate: 1250mm x 610mm
• Net weight: 120kg
• Capacity: 450kg

Belt squats load the legs without any spinal compression — the weight hangs from a belt around your hips rather than sitting on your shoulders. The V3 has an oversized 1250mm x 610mm footplate for varied stance widths and positions.

VERVE V Squat / Hack Squat

• Dual function: V squat (front-facing) and hack squat (rear-facing) in one frame

VERVE Commercial Hack Squat

• 45-degree commercial hack squat

Building a Plate Loaded Gym

The advantage of a plate-loaded setup is efficiency — one set of weight plates serves every machine plus your barbell. A complete plate-loaded gym might look like:

• Power rack (Zen or Satori) — squats, bench, overhead press
• Makoto Plate Loaded Chest Press — chest isolation
• Makoto Plate Loaded Pulldown — lat development
• Makoto Plate Loaded Leg Press — leg compound
• Hip Belt Squat — spinal-friendly leg training
• 200-300kg of Olympic plates — serves everything

One plate investment, multiple machines. No redundant weight stacks.

Plate Loaded Machine Warranty

All Makoto series plate-loaded machines carry the following warranty:

• Rack welding, adjustable dish, weight stacks: 5 years (home and commercial)
• Bearings, pulleys, guide rods: 1 year
• Belts, linear bearings, bushes, pull pins: 1 year
• Pads, foam, accessories: 6 months

Note: plate storage horns on Makoto machines are designed for tri-grip style plates 20kg and below.

Why Buy from VERVE?

Australian-owned, Gold Coast-based since 2017. Over 16,000 commercial fitouts completed. 4.9 stars on Trustpilot with 3,000+ reviews. Same-day dispatch on in-stock orders before 12pm AEST. Finance through Afterpay, ZIP, and Humm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are plate loaded machines better than pin loaded?

Neither is objectively better — they serve different needs. Plate loaded is better if you already own plates (saves cost), want no maximum load, or prefer micro-loading. Pin loaded is better for commercial gyms where fast weight changes and a clean floor matter. Many facilities use both.

Can I use any weight plates on Makoto machines?

The plate storage horns are designed for tri-grip style plates 20kg and below. Standard Olympic plates (50mm hole) fit the loading horns for the working resistance.

How heavy are these machines?

Makoto machines range from 70kg (Seated Calf Raise) to 220kg (Leg Press). Most fall in the 140-180kg range. They are heavy by design — a heavy machine does not shift under load. All feature separable structures for delivery and positioning.

Do I need a full set to start?

No. Start with the machine that addresses your biggest training gap. Most people start with a leg press or pulldown, then add machines over time. The beauty of plate-loaded is that one set of plates serves every machine you add.

Black or brown upholstery?

Black is in stock for immediate dispatch. Brown is made-to-order with an 8-16 week lead time. Both are the same quality — the choice is purely aesthetic. Most commercial gyms choose black for durability and stain concealment.