Rhino Guide to Scrum Machines | Rhino Direct

Rhino Guide to Scrum Machines

Everything you need to know about Rhino rugby scrum machines — specs, weights, dimensions and a full feature comparison of all 8 models including the Dictator, Powahouse, Premiersled and Solo Sled.

8 Models Compared
Used by England Rugby & British & Irish Lions
Solo & Team Machines
Junior to International

The Full Range

All Rhino Scrum Machines

Eight machines covering every level of the game — from solo technique work to elite 8-man team scrummaging. Specs, weights, dimensions and a full feature comparison below.

Elite
Rhino Dictator

The No.1 machine used by England Rugby and the British & Irish Lions. Hydraulic wheel system, automatic dampers, adjustable pad heights 41–87cm.

Weight836 kg
Dimensions3.3m × 2.0m × 1.3m
TeamHydraulicInternational
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Pro
Rhino Powahouse

Official machine of Rugby World Cup 2019. Unique head/ram/spring system, adjustable width heads. 4G-friendly, used by Wales.

Weight300 kg
Dimensions2.9m × 1.8m × 0.9m
TeamSpring System4G
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Club
Rhino Premiersled

World's best-selling scrum machine. Robust steel frame on tanalised timber skids. Suits all ages and levels with a wide choice of optional extras.

Weight440 kg
Dimensions2.3m × 1.2m × 0.9m
TeamBest SellerAll Ages
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Club
Rhino Powasled

New Zealand favourite. Bungee-controlled vertical pads absorb the hit naturally. Adjustable width heads, fully 4G-friendly.

Weight300 kg
Dimensions2.5m × 1.8m × 1.0m
TeamBungee System4G
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Junior
Rhino Rebel 3

Purpose-built for junior players. Dual density pads with variable resistance, hand-grips for safe engagement. Scrum height 57–103 cm.

Weight125 kg
Dimensions0.9m × 1.9m × 1.2m
TeamJuniorU15 Specialist
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Solo
Rhino Solo Sled

As used by Joe Marler. World's #1 solo scrummaging device. International-standard foam pads, scrum height 38–83 cm. Ideal for individual technique work.

Weight66 kg
Dimensions1.9m × 0.8m × 1.2m
SoloAll Ages4G
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Solo
Solo Powahouse

As used by Adam Jones. All the features of the Solo Sled plus individually sprung heads designed by Mike Cron (NZ) for post-engagement pressure training.

Weight66 kg
Dimensions1.9m × 0.8m × 1.2m
SoloSpring Heads4G
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Solo
Portable Solo Sled

The newest addition to the Rhino range. Lightweight and easily transported for players training at home, the gym, or on the road.

Weight60 kg
Dimensions1.9m × 0.8m × 1.2m
SoloPortableLightweight4G
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Full Comparison

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Feature Rhino
Dictator
Rhino
Powahouse
Rhino
Premiersled
Rhino
Powasled
Rebel 3
Junior
Solo
Sled
Solo
Powahouse
Portable
Solo Sled
⚖️  Weight 836 kg 300 kg 440 kg 300 kg 125 kg 66 kg 66 kg 60 kg
📐  Dimensions (L × W × H) 3.3m × 2.0m× 1.3m 2.9m × 1.8m× 0.9m 2.3m × 1.2m× 0.9m 2.5m × 1.8m× 1.0m 0.9m × 1.9m× 1.2m 1.9m × 0.8m× 1.2m 1.9m × 0.8m× 1.2m 1.9m × 0.8m× 1.2m
Player & Team Suitability
👥 Full Team (8-Man Machine)
🧑 Solo / 1-Man Machine
🏉 Suitable for Adults
🤺 Suitable for Juniors
🌍 Elite / International Level Use
Pad & Head System
📐 Adjustable Scrum Height
↔️ Adjustable Head Width
🔀 Independent Pad Movement
🌀 Head / Ram / Spring System
🔃 Bungee Resistance
⚙️ Hydraulic Impact Absorption
🦴 Dual Density Pads
📦 International Standard Foam Pads
🔓 Removable / Detachable Pads
Binding & Safety
✋ Adjustable Binding Arms
🌀 Spring Binding Arms OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT
🔩 Steel Binding Loops
✊ Hand-Grips for Safe Engagement
Pitch Compatibility & Mobility
🟩 Artificial Pitch (4G) Friendly
⚡ Hydraulic Wheel System
🚾 Mobility Wheels
🌲 Tanalised Timber Skids
⬇️ Ground Spikes
Extras & Accessories
🧣 Water Tank Compatible OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT
🏗 Platform / Ballast Area
🛡️ Cover Available OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT
Service & Support
🔧 Annual Servicing Available
🔩 Replacement Parts Available
📖 Scrum Machine Manual Available
📦 Delivered Complete (Plug & Play)
Included as standard
OPT Optional upgrade available
Not available on this model
All machines made in the UK  ·  rhino.direct

Buying Guide

Which Machine is Right for You?

International / Top Club
Choose the Dictator

Used by England Rugby, the British & Irish Lions, and France. If you need the most advanced machine on the market, the Dictator delivers — hydraulic mobility, automatic dampers, and unbeatable durability.

Semi-Pro / Regional Club
Choose the Powahouse

Official machine of Rugby World Cup 2019. The spring system trains props to maintain pressure post-engagement — exactly what modern refereeing demands. Elite quality at a club-accessible level.

Community & Amateur Clubs
Choose the Premiersled

The world's best-selling scrum machine for a reason — incredibly versatile, low-maintenance, and built to last. Suits men, women, and juniors, with a wide range of optional extras to customise for your squad.

4G / Artificial Pitch Focus
Choose the Powasled

The New Zealand favourite. Bungee-controlled pads absorb the hit naturally, and adjustable width heads suit coaches running players of varying sizes. Designed to perform equally well on grass or artificial turf.

Individual Player Training
Solo Sled or Solo Powahouse

Perfect for props training alone or coaches focusing on individual technique. The Solo Sled delivers pure resistance work; the Solo Powahouse adds the spring-head system for post-engagement pressure training.

Schools, Mini & Youth Rugby
Choose the Rebel 3

The only machine in the range purpose-built for junior players. Higher scrum height range, dual density pads, and hand-grips for safe engagement — the perfect introduction to scrummaging for schools and academies up to U15.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about choosing, using, and maintaining a Rhino scrum machine.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction. A scrum machine typically refers to a full 8-man team machine with a fixed or wheeled base — like the Dictator, Powahouse, or Premiersled. A scrum sled usually refers to a lighter, skid-based machine that can be pushed across the pitch — like the Solo Sled or Portable Solo Sled. Both develop scrummaging technique; the choice depends on whether you need team or solo training.
The Rhino Dictator is the machine of choice at the highest level of the game, used by England Rugby, the British & Irish Lions, and other elite international programmes. Its hydraulic wheel system, automatic dampers, and adjustable pad heights make it the most advanced team scrum machine in the Rhino range.
Yes — the Premiersled is one of the most versatile machines in the range and is suitable for all ages and levels including juniors. However, if your squad is specifically U15 and below, the Rebel 3 is purpose-built for junior players, with a higher scrum height range, dual density pads, and hand-grips designed for safe engagement at youth level.
All machines in the Rhino range are 4G-compatible, some just need modifications to enable suitability. This includes the Dictator, Powahouse, Premiersled, Powasled, Rebel 3, Solo Sled, Solo Powahouse, and Portable Solo Sled. The 2 machines that will need modifications will be the Dictator (remove the ground spikes) and the Premiersled (add artificial skids). If your club trains predominantly on 4G, the Powahouse or Powasled are particularly popular choices.
Both are designed for individual scrummaging and share the same dimensions and weight. The key difference is the head system: the Solo Sled provides straightforward resistance work with international-standard foam pads. The Solo Powahouse adds individually sprung heads — developed by NZ scrum coach Mike Cron — which simulate the continued resistance a prop experiences post-engagement, training the ability to maintain and generate pressure after the initial hit.
All Rhino scrum machines are delivered complete and ready to use — no significant assembly is required. The machines are built and tested in the UK before dispatch. Delivery is typically arranged directly with the Rhino team and includes positioning on site where required. Contact sales@rhino.direct to arrange delivery and discuss access requirements for your facility.
Rhino recommends an annual service for all machines in regular use. This covers pad condition, binding arm integrity, structural frame inspection, and — on hydraulic and spring-system machines — mechanical component checks. Rhino offers a dedicated servicing programme; contact the team to schedule. Between services, inspect binding arms and pad surfaces before each use and replace any worn components promptly to ensure player safety.
Yes — Rhino offers custom branding on scrum machines, including club colours and logo application. This is available on the main team machines in the range. Contact the team at sales@rhino.direct with your requirements and they'll guide you through the available options and lead times.
Weights range from 60 kg for the Portable Solo Sled up to 836 kg for the Dictator. Team machines like the Premiersled (440 kg) and Powasled (300 kg) use tanalised timber skids and are typically moved by the squad pushing together. The Powahouse includes mobility wheels for easier repositioning. The Dictator uses a hydraulic wheel system for effortless movement even at full weight. Solo machines are light enough to be moved by one or two people.