Maximum Controls MAX 1700 FS PRO High-Traffic Commercial Slide Gate Operator

The Maximum Controls MAX 1700 FS PRO is a heavy-duty, fail-safe commercial sliding gate operator engineered for demanding access control applications requiring high performance, dependable security, and emergency manual gate accessibility. Powered by a 24V brushless DC motor and advanced Matrix III intelligent control system, the MAX 1700 FS PRO is designed to automate sliding gates weighing up to 1,700 lbs and measuring up to 40 feet in length.

Built for high-traffic gated communities, commercial facilities, industrial properties, self-storage locations, and secured vehicle entrances, the MAX 1700 FS PRO combines continuous-duty performance with advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology for precise gate movement, smooth acceleration, and intelligent obstruction detection.

The defining advantage of the MAX 1700 FS PRO is its fail-safe, back-drivable drive system, which allows authorized personnel to manually push the gate when the operator's braking system is released. This capability provides additional flexibility for emergency access, electrical power interruptions, and situations where normal powered operation is unavailable.

Unlike conventional commercial sliding gate operators that rely on internal belts, pulleys, or secondary chains, the MAX 1700 FS PRO features a Size 60 heavy-duty cast iron direct-drive gearbox with a 20:1 gear ratio. This configuration delivers powerful torque, efficient power transmission, and reduced mechanical maintenance requirements.

The operator incorporates programmable gate speeds, integrated battery backup, intelligent motion control, advanced anti-tailgating functions, and comprehensive onboard diagnostics. Its fully welded, 1/4-inch steel frame is protected by gold zinc plating and electrostatic powder coating for long-term outdoor durability.

For facilities requiring both substantial gate capacity and authorized emergency manual release, the MAX 1700 FS PRO delivers a combination of heavy-duty commercial performance, security, and fail-safe operation.

Key Features & Benefits

• 1,700 lb Gate Capacity: Engineered for commercial sliding gates weighing up to 1,700 lbs and measuring up to 40 feet in length.

• Fail-Safe Back-Drivable Design: Allows the gate to be manually pushed when the operator's braking system is released.

• 24V Brushless DC Motor: High-efficiency motor with Hall Effect position sensing and torque equivalent to a 1-1/4 HP AC motor.

• Continuous-Duty Operation: Designed for frequent gate cycling in demanding commercial and industrial environments.

• 12 Inches per Second Gate Speed: Standard published gate travel speed with programmable motion control.

• Matrix III Intelligent Controller: Advanced DSP-based control system providing precise motor regulation, programmable settings, and integrated diagnostics.

• Heavy-Duty Direct-Drive Gearbox: Size 60 cast iron gearbox with a 20:1 reduction ratio and no internal drive belts or pulleys.

• Local & Remote Manual Release: Supports authorized brake release using a local switch, compatible keypad, or dry-contact relay.

• Dynamic Magnetic Braking: Helps resist unauthorized gate movement while maintaining controlled stopping performance.

• Integrated Battery Backup: Manufacturer-rated for a minimum of 100 operating cycles under specified backup conditions.

• Programmable Virtual Limits: Electronic open and close limit programming, with optional magnetic limit sensors.

• Adaptive Obstruction Detection: Includes 16 selectable sensitivity settings for installation-specific adjustments.

• Intelligent Acceleration & Deceleration: Programmable ramp-up and ramp-down functions reduce mechanical shock and gate wear.

• Advanced Anti-Tailgating Security: Integrated vehicle loop management and programmable gate security functions.

• Onboard Event Logging: Stores up to 8,000 operating events and diagnostic records.

• Dual-Voltage AC Input: Selectable 115V or 230V AC single-phase electrical supply.

• Solar-Ready Power Management: Supports compatible solar configurations and energy-saving functionality.

• Corrosion-Resistant Construction: Fully welded steel frame with gold zinc plating and protective powder coating.

• 5-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty: Manufacturer-backed coverage subject to current warranty terms.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Maximum Controls
Model	MAX 1700 FS PRO
Operator Type	Fail-Safe Commercial Slide Gate Operator
Motor	24V Brushless DC
Motor Torque	Equivalent to 1-1/4 HP AC
Maximum Gate Weight	1,700 lbs
Maximum Gate Length	40 ft
Published Gate Speed	12 inches per second
Duty Cycle	Continuous
Control System	Matrix III
Gearbox	Size 60 Heavy-Duty Cast Iron
Gear Ratio	20:1
Drive System	Direct Gear Drive
Manual Operation	Back-Drivable with Brake Released
Emergency Release	Local Switch, Keypad, or Dry-Contact Relay
Input Voltage	115V / 230V AC, Single Phase
Input Current	6A at 115V / 2A at 230V
Required Breaker	20A
Accessory Power Outputs	12V DC and 24V DC
Limit System	Programmable Virtual Limits
Battery Backup	Built-In, Minimum 100 Cycles
Operating Temperature	-4°F to 165°F (-20°C to 74°C)
Dimensions	14.5" W × 19" D × 25.5" H
Chain Height	7.5"
Shipping Weight	156 lbs
Drive Chain	#40 Nickel-Plated
UL 325 Usage Classes	I, II, III, IV
Manufacturer Warranty	5-Year Limited Warranty

Fail-Safe Operation & Emergency Manual Gate Release

One of the most important features of the MAX 1700 FS PRO is its specialized fail-safe drive system, designed to provide authorized manual gate movement when powered operation is unavailable.

The operator utilizes dynamic magnetic braking to help secure the gate during normal operation. When an authorized release command disengages the braking system, the gate can be manually pushed open or closed.

This provides an important operational advantage for facilities requiring emergency vehicle access, maintenance accessibility, or power-loss contingency planning.

Local Manual Release: An integrated keyed release allows authorized personnel to disengage the operator's braking system.

Remote Manual Release: A compatible keypad, external key switch, or dry-contact relay can activate the release function from a designated access location.

Electronic Gate Release: The operator supports a timed release function that disengages braking for approximately 15 minutes before returning to normal operation.

Battery Backup Integration: Programmable backup modes allow installers to configure gate behavior during AC power interruptions, including options supporting emergency access.

Fire Department Access: Compatible emergency access inputs and properly configured power-loss functions support site-specific emergency entry requirements.

Unlike conventional non-back-drivable gate operators, the MAX 1700 FS PRO can provide manual gate movement without requiring the operator's external drive chain to be removed, provided the braking system is properly released.

Important: Fail-safe operation does not mean the gate will automatically open under every power-loss condition. Actual behavior depends on battery backup programming, release settings, and installation configuration.

Heavy-Duty Brushless DC Motor & Direct-Drive Gearbox

The MAX 1700 FS PRO incorporates a high-efficiency 24V brushless DC motor engineered for continuous-duty commercial operation.

The motor utilizes integrated Hall Effect sensing to monitor rotational position and provide precise feedback to the Matrix III controller. This allows intelligent regulation of acceleration, deceleration, gate travel speed, and stopping performance.

Maximum Controls publishes a motor life expectancy of approximately 35,000 operating hours or up to 6 million cycles under specified conditions.

The motor is paired with a Size 60 cast iron direct-drive gearbox featuring a 20:1 gear ratio, specifically engineered to support the operator's heavy-duty fail-safe operation.

The gearbox incorporates:

• Heavy-duty cast iron housing

• Precision bronze gearing

• Double-sealed, heat-treated shafts

• High-speed ball bearings

• Synthetic oil lubrication

• Direct-drive power transmission without internal belts or pulleys

This robust mechanical design helps deliver reliable performance while reducing common wear points associated with conventional belt-driven gate operators.

Matrix III Intelligent Control System

The MAX 1700 FS PRO features Maximum Controls' advanced Matrix III controller, which uses adaptive Digital Signal Processing technology to manage gate movement and monitor operating conditions.

The controller provides installers with extensive programming capabilities for tailoring gate performance to the requirements of individual installations.

Key functions include:

• 16 selectable gate speed settings

• Independent opening and closing speed adjustments

• Intelligent ramp-up and ramp-down programming

• Automatic closing timer adjustable from 0 to 60 seconds

• Programmable partial gate opening

• Adaptive obstruction detection sensitivity

• Primary and secondary operator coordination

• Advanced vehicle loop management

• Anti-tailgating security functions

• Gate-disable and tamper monitoring

• Magnetic lock relay control

• Gate status and alarm outputs

• LCD diagnostic reporting

• Event logging for up to 8,000 operating events

These capabilities make the MAX 1700 FS PRO suitable for sophisticated commercial access control installations while providing service technicians with detailed troubleshooting information.

Integrated Battery Backup & Power Management

The MAX 1700 FS PRO incorporates a built-in battery backup system designed to maintain gate operation when primary AC power is interrupted.

Maximum Controls specifies a minimum of 100 backup cycles under designated conditions. Actual backup performance varies according to gate weight, travel distance, battery condition, and environmental factors.

The operator supports configurable backup behavior to accommodate different security and emergency access requirements.

Additional electrical capabilities include:

• Selectable 115V / 230V AC single-phase input

• Built-in 12V DC and 24V DC accessory outputs

• Intelligent power management with energy-saving mode

• Solar-ready battery regulation

• Compatible low-voltage remote power configurations

• Motor overcurrent protection

• Advanced lightning and surge protection across 44 channels

These features provide installation flexibility for commercial properties requiring dependable electrical performance and backup accessibility.

Advanced Commercial Security Features

The MAX 1700 FS PRO incorporates multiple security functions designed to protect controlled-access entrances while preserving authorized emergency operation.

Anti-Tailgating Protection: Advanced vehicle loop management helps reduce unauthorized vehicle entry behind approved traffic.

Gate Disable Function: Programmable security settings can restrict normal access commands while maintaining designated emergency and authorized access functions.

Tamper Detection: Integrated alarm outputs can respond to unauthorized attempts to force the gate open.

Dynamic Magnetic Braking: Helps resist unauthorized gate movement while the operator is secured.

Magnetic Lock Control: Programmable relay outputs support compatible external magnetic locking devices.

Partial Gate Opening: Allows restricted opening distances for normal vehicle access while preserving full-opening capability for emergency vehicles.

Gate Status Monitoring: Dedicated outputs support integration with compatible building management and security systems.

Optional Chain-Drop Detection: Compatible chain monitoring equipment can provide additional protection against unauthorized chain disengagement.

Safety & UL 325 Applications

The MAX 1700 FS PRO is designed for UL 325 Class I, II, III, and IV vehicular gate applications when properly installed with the required safety equipment.

The operator incorporates adaptive obstruction detection, dynamic magnetic braking, motor overcurrent protection, and programmable alarm functions.

Compatible external monitored photoelectric sensors and sensing edges must be installed and configured according to the manufacturer's instructions and applicable entrapment protection requirements.

Important: Built-in obstruction detection does not replace the external monitored entrapment protection devices required for a compliant installation.

Ideal Applications

The Maximum Controls MAX 1700 FS PRO is well suited for:

• High-traffic gated communities and HOA entrances

• Commercial and industrial properties

• Warehouses and distribution facilities

• Self-storage facilities and secured storage yards

• Apartment complexes and multi-tenant developments

• Commercial parking facilities

• Municipal and institutional properties

• Secured commercial vehicle entrances

• Facilities requiring authorized emergency manual gate access

• Large sliding gates requiring fail-safe operation and continuous-duty performance

Included Equipment & Optional Accessories

Manufacturer-Listed Standard Equipment:

• Maximum Controls MAX 1700 FS PRO Slide Gate Operator

• Integrated Matrix III controller

• Standard lockable operator cover

• Built-in battery backup system

• 25 ft of #40 nickel-plated drive chain

• Drive chain mounting brackets

• Programmable virtual limit system

Optional Accessories (Sold Separately):

• Heavy-duty steel operator cover

• Magnetic limit sensors and chain magnets

• Compatible monitored photoelectric safety sensors

• Monitored safety edge systems

• Vehicle loop detectors

• Keypads, card readers, and access control devices

• MAX Cell Hub for compatible MAX Cloud connectivity

• Optional chain-drop monitoring equipment

• Compatible solar power accessories

Installation Note: The MAX 1700 FS PRO is intended for vehicular sliding gates and must be installed by qualified gate automation personnel. Proper gate construction, physical stops, monitored entrapment protection, and electrical installation are essential for safe operation.

Warranty: Maximum Controls' 5-year limited manufacturer warranty applies. Refer to the manufacturer's current warranty documentation for complete coverage terms, exclusions, and battery warranty information.