Maximum Controls MAX RHINO 5500 Heavy-Duty Industrial Slide Gate Operator

The Maximum Controls MAX RHINO 5500 is an industrial-grade, high-traffic automatic sliding gate operator engineered for exceptionally heavy vehicular gates, demanding security applications, and continuous-duty performance. Featuring a powerful 24V brushless DC motor, Matrix III intelligent controller, and industrial-strength direct-drive gearbox, the MAX RHINO 5500 is designed to automate sliding gates weighing up to 5,500 lbs and measuring up to 50 feet in length.

Built for manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, industrial warehouses, government installations, secured transportation yards, and other restricted-access properties, the MAX RHINO 5500 delivers the strength and durability required for large industrial gate systems.

Unlike the fail-safe MAX RHINO 4000 FS, the MAX RHINO 5500 features a fail-secure, non-back-drivable drive system. This design helps prevent the gate from being manually pushed open during a complete loss of electrical power, providing an additional layer of physical security for sensitive or restricted-access locations.

At the heart of the operator is a high-torque brushless DC motor delivering performance equivalent to a 2-1/2 HP AC motor. The motor is paired with a heavy-duty Size 70 cast iron direct-drive gearbox featuring a 30:1 reduction ratio, providing powerful, controlled gate movement without the internal belts and pulleys found in many conventional gate operators.

The MAX RHINO 5500 incorporates programmable gate speeds of up to 12 inches per second, advanced motion control, intelligent obstruction detection, integrated battery backup, and extensive onboard diagnostics. Its Matrix III control system provides sophisticated programming capabilities for managing gate operation, security functions, and connected access control equipment.

Built on a fully welded, 1/4-inch steel frame protected by gold zinc plating and powder coating, the MAX RHINO 5500 is designed for dependable outdoor operation in challenging industrial environments.

Engineered for UL 325 Class III and IV vehicular gate applications, the Maximum Controls MAX RHINO 5500 provides a powerful solution for facilities requiring exceptional gate capacity, continuous operation, and fail-secure perimeter protection.

Key Features & Benefits

• 5,500 lb Maximum Gate Capacity: Designed for heavy industrial sliding gates weighing up to 5,500 lbs on properly constructed, level installations.

• 50 ft Maximum Gate Length: Accommodates large industrial vehicular sliding gate systems.

• Fail-Secure, Non-Back-Drivable Design: Helps prevent unauthorized manual gate movement during complete electrical power loss.

• 24V Brushless DC Motor: High-efficiency motor with performance equivalent to a 2-1/2 HP AC motor.

• Continuous-Duty Operation: Engineered for frequent opening and closing cycles in demanding industrial environments.

• Heavy-Duty Size 70 Gearbox: Industrial cast iron direct-drive gearbox with a 30:1 reduction ratio.

• Adjustable Gate Speed: Independent opening and closing speed control, adjustable from approximately 8 to 12 inches per second.

• Matrix III Intelligent Controller: Advanced microprocessor-based control system with programmable operating functions and LCD diagnostics.

• Integrated Battery Backup: Includes two 12V, 7Ah AGM batteries, with manufacturer-advertised backup operation of approximately 40 cycles under specified conditions.

• Emergency Jog Operation: Dedicated electronic jog controls provide authorized powered gate movement during certain control or access device failures.

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

• Dynamic Braking System: Provides controlled stopping and helps resist unauthorized gate movement.

• Advanced Obstruction Detection: Electronic reversing detection with support for monitored entrapment protection devices.

• Anti-Tailgating Security: Programmable vehicle access functions for restricted industrial entrances.

• Tamper Monitoring: Audible alarm and relay outputs can respond to unauthorized gate movement.

• Onboard Event Logging: Stores up to 8,000 operating events for diagnostics and troubleshooting.

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

• Solar-Ready Power Management: Supports compatible 24V DC solar configurations.

• Heavy-Duty #50 Drive Chain: Includes 30 feet of nickel-plated drive chain.

• Corrosion-Resistant Construction: Fully welded steel frame with zinc plating and powder-coated protection.

• 3-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty: Manufacturer-backed coverage with separate battery warranty terms.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Maximum Controls
Model	MAX RHINO 5500
Operator Type	Heavy-Duty Industrial Slide Gate Operator
Security Configuration	Fail-Secure, Non-Back-Drivable
Motor	24V Brushless DC
Motor Performance	2-1/2 HP AC Equivalent
Maximum Gate Weight	5,500 lbs
Maximum Gate Length	50 ft
Gate Speed	Adjustable, 8–12 inches per second
Duty Cycle	Continuous
Control System	Matrix III
Gearbox	Size 70 Cast Iron
Gear Ratio	30:1
Drive System	Direct Gear Drive
Emergency Operation	Electronic Jog Switch
Input Voltage	115V / 230V AC, Single Phase
Input Current	12A at 115V / 6A at 230V
Circuit Breaker	20A
Accessory Power Outputs	12V DC and 24V DC
Limit System	Programmable Virtual Limits
Battery Backup	Two 12V, 7Ah AGM Batteries
Advertised Battery Backup	Approximately 40 Cycles
Operating Temperature	-4°F to 165°F (-20°C to 74°C)
Dimensions	14.5" W × 21" D × 29" H
Published Shipping Weight	225 lbs
Drive Chain	#50 Nickel-Plated
Included Chain Length	30 ft
UL 325 Usage Classes	III and IV Only
Manufacturer Warranty	3 Years; Batteries 1 Year

Industrial-Strength 5,500 lb Gate Capacity

The MAX RHINO 5500 is engineered for exceptionally heavy industrial sliding gates that exceed the capabilities of conventional commercial gate operators.

With a maximum rated gate weight of 5,500 lbs and a maximum gate length of 50 feet, this industrial slide gate opener is designed for large, heavy-duty vehicular entrances.

Its high-torque brushless motor and robust direct-drive gearbox provide consistent power transmission for demanding gate systems while reducing the number of mechanical wear components.

The operator is especially well suited for manufacturing plants, secured freight terminals, distribution facilities, industrial storage yards, and other properties where large gates must operate frequently.

Important: The maximum published capacity applies to properly constructed, level, freely rolling gates. Gate weight, travel distance, rolling resistance, and site conditions must be evaluated before operator selection.

Fail-Secure Operation for High-Security Entrances

One of the MAX RHINO 5500's most important advantages is its fail-secure, non-back-drivable mechanical design.

Unlike fail-safe operators that permit authorized manual gate movement after releasing the braking system, the MAX RHINO 5500 is designed to resist being manually pushed open during a complete loss of electrical power.

This makes the operator particularly suitable for facilities where maintaining a secured perimeter is a primary consideration.

Key security advantages include:

• Non-back-drivable drive configuration

• Resistance to unauthorized manual gate movement

• Dynamic braking during normal operation

• Programmable tamper monitoring

• Audible alarm and relay outputs

• Compatible chain-drop monitoring equipment

• Lockable steel operator enclosure

• Integration with compatible security and access control systems

Important: Fail-secure operation is not the same as automatic emergency opening. During a complete loss of power, the gate may remain secured until power is restored or an approved emergency access procedure is performed. Emergency access requirements must be evaluated during system design.

High-Torque Brushless DC Motor & Industrial Gearbox

The MAX RHINO 5500 features a powerful 24V brushless DC motor delivering performance equivalent to a 2-1/2 HP AC motor.

Brushless motor technology eliminates conventional carbon brushes, helping reduce mechanical wear while supporting efficient continuous-duty operation.

The motor incorporates electronic position feedback for intelligent motion control, controlled acceleration, deceleration, and precise gate stopping.

Maximum Controls publishes a motor design rating of up to 6 million operating cycles under specified conditions.

The motor is paired with a Size 70 heavy-duty cast iron gearbox featuring a 30:1 reduction ratio.

The gearbox utilizes direct-drive power transmission and oil-bath lubrication to deliver consistent torque while minimizing internal maintenance points.

Unlike belt-driven gate operators, the MAX RHINO 5500 eliminates internal drive belts and pulleys, helping reduce routine maintenance requirements.

Matrix III Intelligent Control System

The MAX RHINO 5500 incorporates Maximum Controls' advanced Matrix III intelligent controller, providing programmable gate movement, advanced security functions, and comprehensive diagnostics.

The controller manages motor operation and allows installers to configure operating parameters according to site-specific requirements.

Available functions include:

• Independent opening and closing speed adjustments

• Programmable acceleration and deceleration

• Automatic closing timer

• Programmable partial gate opening

• Electronic reversing detection

• Primary and secondary operator coordination

• Anti-tailgating security functions

• Gate disable and tamper monitoring

• Magnetic lock relay control

• Gate position and status outputs

• Integrated LCD diagnostics

• Event history logging for up to 8,000 events

These features allow the operator to integrate with sophisticated industrial access control systems while providing service technicians with detailed operating and troubleshooting information.

Integrated Battery Backup & Emergency Jog Operation

The MAX RHINO 5500 includes an integrated battery backup system using two 12V, 7Ah AGM batteries.

Maximum Controls advertises approximately 40 backup cycles under specified conditions. Actual backup performance depends on gate weight, travel distance, battery condition, temperature, and mechanical resistance.

The operator does not rely on battery power during normal AC-powered operation.

A dedicated electronic jog function allows authorized personnel to move the gate using powered controls during certain control-system or access-device failures.

This feature can also be integrated with compatible external control equipment when permitted by the manufacturer's instructions.

Important: The jog function requires an available power source and should not be confused with a mechanical manual release. The MAX RHINO 5500 remains a fail-secure operator during complete power loss.

Adjustable Gate Speed & Continuous-Duty Performance

The MAX RHINO 5500 offers independently adjustable opening and closing speeds ranging from approximately 8 to 12 inches per second.

This allows installers to balance gate movement speed with gate weight, installation conditions, and security requirements.

Its intelligent motion control system provides smooth acceleration and deceleration to reduce mechanical shock and help protect the gate structure.

The operator's continuous-duty rating makes it suitable for demanding industrial entrances requiring frequent gate cycles throughout the day.

Advanced Industrial Security & Access Control

The MAX RHINO 5500 incorporates advanced security functions designed for restricted-access facilities.

Anti-Tailgating Protection: Programmable vehicle access functions help reduce unauthorized entry behind approved vehicles.

Tamper Detection: Audible alarms and relay outputs can respond to unauthorized attempts to force the gate.

Dynamic Braking: Helps maintain controlled stopping and resist unauthorized gate movement.

Gate Status Monitoring: Dedicated outputs allow integration with compatible monitoring and security systems.

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

Partial Gate Opening: Allows restricted opening distances for authorized vehicle access.

Optional Chain-Drop Detection: Compatible equipment can detect unauthorized drive-chain disengagement and trigger configured security alarms.

Lockable Steel Cover: Restricts access to internal controls and mechanical components.

These capabilities make the MAX RHINO 5500 particularly valuable for industrial properties requiring reliable access control and enhanced perimeter protection.

Safety & UL 325 Class III/IV Applications

The MAX RHINO 5500 is designed for UL 325 Class III and IV vehicular sliding gate applications.

Class III applications typically include industrial facilities, warehouses, manufacturing plants, and other restricted-access properties.

Class IV applications include guarded industrial or restricted-access locations where entry is controlled by security personnel.

The operator supports monitored entrapment protection devices, including compatible normally closed and 10K monitored safety inputs.

The manufacturer's installation documentation requires two external monitored entrapment protection sensors, with protection provided in both directions of gate travel.

Required safety devices must be installed and configured according to the manufacturer's instructions and applicable UL 325 requirements.

Important: The MAX RHINO 5500 is not intended for residential Class I or general-access commercial Class II installations.

Ideal Applications

The Maximum Controls MAX RHINO 5500 is well suited for:

• Heavy industrial manufacturing facilities

• Distribution centers and freight terminals

• Secured warehouses and logistics facilities

• Industrial storage yards and equipment facilities

• Government and military installations

• Airports and restricted-access transportation facilities

• Guarded industrial entrances

• Large industrial sliding gates requiring fail-secure operation

• High-security commercial and industrial properties

• Heavy-duty continuous-cycle vehicle entrances

Standard Equipment & Optional Accessories

Manufacturer-Listed Standard Equipment:

• Maximum Controls MAX RHINO 5500 Slide Gate Operator

• Integrated Matrix III control system

• Heavy-duty Size 70 direct-drive gearbox

• Lockable steel operator cover

• Built-in battery backup with two 12V, 7Ah AGM batteries

• 30 ft of #50 nickel-plated drive chain

• Programmable virtual limit system

• Electronic emergency jog controls

Optional Accessories (Sold Separately):

• Magnetic limit sensors and chain magnets

• Compatible monitored photoelectric safety sensors

• Monitored safety edge systems

• Vehicle loop detectors

• Industrial access control keypads and readers

• Compatible chain tray

• Optional chain-drop monitoring system

• Compatible 24V solar power equipment

• Remote gate monitoring and security accessories

Installation Note: The MAX RHINO 5500 is intended for Class III and IV vehicular sliding gates. Installation must be performed by qualified gate automation professionals using properly constructed gates, required monitored entrapment protection devices, and approved electrical connections.

Warranty: Maximum Controls provides a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty on the operator and a separate 1-year battery warranty. Refer to the manufacturer's current warranty documentation for complete terms and exclusions.