Maximum Controls MAX ULTRA ARM Heavy-Duty 24V DC Linear Swing Gate Actuator

The Maximum Controls MAX ULTRA ARM is a heavy-duty, 24V DC linear swing gate actuator engineered for residential and light commercial automatic gate applications requiring exceptional strength, quiet operation, and dependable performance. Featuring a powerful electric motor, precision direct-drive gearbox, large-diameter stainless steel output shaft, and integrated mechanical limit switches, the MAX ULTRA ARM provides smooth, controlled operation for demanding single- and dual-swing gate installations.

Designed to accommodate swing gates weighing up to 1,600 lbs, the MAX ULTRA ARM combines industrial-grade construction with the installation flexibility required for residential estates, gated communities, commercial driveways, private facilities, and controlled-access entrances.

Unlike conventional linear actuators that rely on internal chains, belts, or pulleys, the MAX ULTRA ARM features a heavy-duty direct-drive gearbox with metal and bronze gearing. This design delivers efficient power transmission while reducing mechanical wear components and supporting continuous-duty gate operation.

The actuator incorporates a 2-inch tubular stainless steel output shaft, corrosion-resistant powder-coated aluminum housing, and built-in limit switches for precise gate travel control. Its robust mechanical construction is engineered to withstand demanding outdoor conditions while maintaining quiet, consistent movement.

When connected to a compatible Maximum Controls MAX AC Control Box or approved solar control system, the MAX ULTRA ARM supports intelligent Digital Signal Processing (DSP) motor control, adjustable gate speeds, electronic obstruction detection, programmable automatic closing, battery backup, and advanced access control integration.

The system also supports mechanical and electrical gate release functions, providing additional flexibility for authorized access during maintenance or emergency conditions.

Whether upgrading an existing swing gate system or installing a new automated entrance, the Maximum Controls MAX ULTRA ARM offers a powerful combination of heavy-duty gate capacity, precision movement, corrosion-resistant construction, and advanced control compatibility.

Key Features & Benefits

• Heavy-Duty Swing Gate Capacity: Supports gate leaves weighing up to 1,600 lbs, depending on gate length and installation conditions.

• 24V DC Motor: High-power motor designed for quiet, efficient, continuous-duty gate operation.

• Direct-Drive Gearbox: Heavy-duty metal and bronze gearing eliminates internal belts, pulleys, and secondary drive chains.

• 2-Inch Stainless Steel Output Shaft: Large-diameter tubular shaft provides exceptional mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.

• 21.2-Inch Maximum Stroke: Extended linear travel supports properly configured push-to-open and pull-to-open installations.

• 5,500 N Nominal Thrust: Provides substantial linear force for moving heavy swing gates.

• Integrated Limit Switches: Built-in mechanical limit switches allow precise adjustment of gate opening and closing positions.

• Intelligent Acceleration & Deceleration: Compatible control systems provide smooth ramp-up and ramp-down to reduce mechanical shock.

• Quiet Gate Operation: Designed for residential and commercial entrances where reduced operating noise is desirable.

• Continuous-Duty Performance: Engineered for frequent opening and closing cycles without excessive motor heating.

• Mechanical & Electrical Gate Release: Supports authorized manual release and electronic release functions.

• Push-to-Open / Pull-to-Open Compatibility: Supports multiple installation configurations with appropriate mounting geometry.

• Corrosion-Resistant Housing: Powder-coated aluminum enclosure helps protect internal components from outdoor exposure.

• Dual-Gate Capability: Compatible with Maximum Controls systems designed to coordinate two actuator arms.

• Solar-Ready System Integration: Can be used with a compatible Maximum Controls solar control box.

• UL 325 Applications: Suitable for Class I, II, III, and IV vehicular swing gate systems when properly installed with compatible controls and required safety equipment.

• 2-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty: Coverage for two years or 100,000 cycles, whichever occurs first, subject to manufacturer terms.

Swing Gate Weight & Length Capacity

Maximum Controls publishes the following gate capacity ratings for the MAX ULTRA ARM.

Gate Leaf Length	Maximum Gate Weight
Up to 8 ft	1,600 lbs
Up to 12 ft	1,200 lbs
Up to 16 ft	800 lbs
Up to 18 ft	600 lbs

Important: Maximum gate capacity decreases as gate length increases. The 1,600 lb rating applies to an 8-foot gate leaf and must not be interpreted as the rated capacity for an 18-foot gate.

Actual suitability depends on gate construction, hinge condition, wind exposure, mounting geometry, and overall mechanical resistance.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Maximum Controls
Model	MAX ULTRA ARM
Product Type	Heavy-Duty Linear Swing Gate Actuator
Application	Residential & Light Commercial
Motor Voltage	24V DC
Maximum Gate Weight	1,600 lbs at 8 ft
Maximum Gate Length	18 ft at 600 lbs
Duty Cycle	Continuous
Nominal Thrust	5,500 N
Maximum Stroke Length	21.2 in (540 mm)
Retracted Actuator Length	39.1 in (993.5 mm)
Extended Actuator Length	60.3 in (1,531 mm)
Maximum Operating Current	6A for up to 10 Seconds
Output Shaft	2-Inch Tubular Stainless Steel
Drive Mechanism	Direct Gear Drive
Gearbox Construction	Metal & Bronze Gearing
Limit System	Built-In Mechanical Limit Switches
Mounting Configurations	Push-to-Open / Pull-to-Open
Housing	Powder-Coated Aluminum
Operating Temperature	-4°F to 165°F (-20°C to 74°C)
Actuator Shipping Weight	27 lbs
Compatible Control Systems	MAX AC Control Box / Compatible MAX Solar Control Box
AC System Input	Selectable 115V / 230V AC
Battery Backup	Available Through Compatible Control System
UL 325 Usage Classes	I, II, III, IV
Warranty	2 Years or 100,000 Cycles, Whichever Comes First

Heavy-Duty Linear Actuator Performance

The MAX ULTRA ARM is designed to provide powerful, dependable movement for large swing gates that require greater strength than typical residential gate actuators.

Its 24V DC motor delivers substantial linear force through a precision direct-drive gearbox, allowing the actuator to move heavy gate leaves with controlled acceleration and deceleration.

With a published nominal thrust rating of 5,500 newtons, the MAX ULTRA ARM provides the mechanical force required for demanding swing gate installations.

The actuator's direct-drive construction eliminates internal belts and pulleys, reducing the number of components subject to routine mechanical wear.

This design is particularly beneficial for high-cycle installations where consistent gate movement and long-term durability are important.

Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Output Shaft

One of the MAX ULTRA ARM's defining mechanical features is its large-diameter, 2-inch tubular stainless steel output shaft.

The shaft is designed to withstand demanding mechanical loads while providing resistance to corrosion in outdoor environments.

The actuator also features a powder-coated aluminum housing that helps protect its motor, gearbox, and internal components.

Together, these materials provide a durable mechanical assembly for residential and commercial gate automation applications.

Built-In Limit Switches & Precise Gate Movement

The MAX ULTRA ARM incorporates built-in mechanical limit switches that allow installers to establish the gate's opening and closing travel positions.

When connected to a compatible Maximum Controls controller, the system supports intelligent acceleration and deceleration based on the programmed gate movement and limit switch feedback.

This provides several benefits:

• Controlled gate opening and closing

• Reduced mechanical shock during stopping

• Improved consistency of gate travel

• Adjustable travel limits for installation geometry

• Smooth operation in single- and dual-gate applications

Proper adjustment of the limit switches and mounting geometry is essential for reliable operation.

Maximum Controls DSP Controller Compatibility

The MAX ULTRA ARM is designed to operate with compatible Maximum Controls control systems, including the MAX AC Control Box and approved solar configurations.

The manufacturer's DSP-based control system provides advanced programming and monitoring capabilities for residential and commercial swing gate applications.

Depending on the selected controller, supported functions include:

• Independent gate speed adjustments

• Intelligent acceleration and deceleration

• Electronic reversing detection

• Programmable automatic closing timer

• Dual-gate synchronization

• Partial gate opening

• Anti-tailgating security functions

• Vehicle loop detector integration

• Magnetic lock relay control

• Gate status and tamper alarm outputs

• Onboard diagnostics and event logging

• Compatible remote access and monitoring equipment

These functions are provided by the associated control system rather than the actuator arm alone.

Battery Backup & Solar Power Compatibility

When installed with a compatible Maximum Controls AC control box, the MAX ULTRA ARM can operate with an integrated battery backup system.

Maximum Controls publishes a minimum of 500 backup cycles for the associated system under specified conditions.

Actual backup performance depends on the number of connected actuators, gate weight, gate length, battery condition, operating temperature, and installation geometry.

The MAX ULTRA ARM also supports compatible solar-powered installations when connected to an approved Maximum Controls solar control box and properly sized solar equipment.

Additional system-level capabilities may include:

• Selectable 115V / 230V AC input

• 12V DC and 24V DC accessory power outputs

• Programmable battery backup modes

• Low-power solar operating mode

• Motor overcurrent protection

• Lightning and surge protection

• Remote low-voltage power configurations

Important: Battery backup, solar charging, and AC voltage selection are functions of the compatible control system. They are not built into the standalone actuator arm.

Mechanical & Electrical Gate Release

The MAX ULTRA ARM supports mechanical and electrical gate release functions when installed and configured according to Maximum Controls' instructions.

These capabilities allow authorized personnel to access or reposition the gate during maintenance, service, or certain emergency situations.

The mechanical release provides a means of disengaging the actuator for manual gate movement.

Electrical release and emergency gate functions depend on the connected controller and available power source.

Proper emergency access procedures should be established during installation, especially for gated communities and commercial facilities.

Single & Dual Swing Gate Applications

The MAX ULTRA ARM can be used in single-leaf and dual-leaf swing gate installations.

For dual-gate systems, two compatible actuator arms can be connected to an appropriately configured Maximum Controls controller.

The control system supports independent gate adjustments, coordinated operation, and programmable timing to accommodate different gate sizes and mounting geometries.

Maximum Controls also supports installation configurations that allow the actuator to push or pull the gate open, depending on the gate layout and mounting requirements.

All mounting dimensions and brackets must follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.

UL 325 Safety & Entrapment Protection

The MAX ULTRA ARM is intended for use in UL 325 Class I, II, III, and IV vehicular swing gate applications when installed with an approved controller and the required external safety equipment.

Compatible Maximum Controls controllers provide electronic reversing detection and support monitored entrapment protection devices.

Depending on the installation, required equipment may include:

• Monitored photoelectric safety sensors

• Monitored contact safety edges

• Appropriate gate warning signs

• Physical stops and proper gate construction

• Correctly configured obstruction detection

• Approved emergency access equipment

Important: The actuator itself does not replace required external monitored entrapment protection devices. A complete installation must comply with the applicable gate operator safety requirements.

Ideal Applications

The Maximum Controls MAX ULTRA ARM is an excellent choice for:

• Residential driveway swing gates

• Large estate and ranch entrances

• Gated communities and HOA entrances

• Light commercial vehicle entrances

• Apartment and condominium properties

• Private commercial facilities

• Secured residential properties

• Heavy steel and ornamental iron swing gates

• High-cycle single and dual swing gate systems

• Replacement of existing MAX ULTRA ARM actuators

Product Configuration & Optional Equipment

MAX ULTRA ARM Actuator Features:

• Maximum Controls MAX ULTRA ARM linear actuator

• Integrated 24V DC motor

• Heavy-duty direct-drive gearbox

• Stainless steel tubular output shaft

• Built-in mechanical limit switches

• Mechanical gate release mechanism

• Powder-coated aluminum actuator housing

Compatible Equipment Available Separately:

• MAX AC Control Box

• MAX Solar Control Box

• Second MAX ULTRA ARM for dual-gate applications

• Compatible actuator extension cables

• Installation-specific mounting brackets and hardware

• Monitored photoelectric safety sensors

• Monitored safety edges

• Vehicle loop detectors

• Keypads, card readers, and access control devices

• MAX Cell Hub for supported remote connectivity

• Solar panels, batteries, and charging accessories

Important Ordering Note: The MAX ULTRA ARM is available as a standalone replacement actuator and as part of complete operator packages. Verify the exact product configuration before ordering. A standalone actuator requires a compatible controller and is not a complete ready-to-operate gate automation system.

Installation: Professional installation is recommended. Gate weight, gate length, hinge condition, mounting geometry, required entrapment protection, and control system compatibility must be evaluated before installation.

Warranty: Maximum Controls provides a 2-year limited warranty or 100,000 cycles, whichever occurs first, on covered components. Refer to the manufacturer's current warranty documentation for complete terms and exclusions.