The Maxis Hydraulic Bending Machine offers several key features designed to improve productivity:

• One-man operation capability: The design allows a single electrician to handle the bending process independently, reducing labor requirements compared to traditional methods that require multiple workers.
• Dual-action long-stroke cylinder technology: This system provides control throughout the bending process through a handheld pendant. Just press the raise or return buttons to make precise adjustments in small increments. The design eliminates the need for spring returns and reduces the number of pump cycles needed. The long-throw cylinder means no extra adjustments when changing shoes, saving significant time and effort.
• 3,000 PSI integrated pump system: The onboard hydraulic pump eliminates the need for separate power units and associated connection points. This self-contained system reduces maintenance requirements with accessible components.
• Self-raising mast design: The vertical mast positions itself hydraulically during setup, reducing manual lifting and potential injury. The mast raises and locks in seconds with the push of a button, providing excellent rigidity and reducing front-to-back movement for accurate, consistent bends.
• Built-in storage system: The MHB4000 incorporates storage compartments for shoes, collars, sleds, and accessories directly on the unit. Every shoe, follow bar, and hook has its own clearly labeled, color-coded storage location, which helps prevent mismatched components and keeps your workspace organized and safe.
• One-shot shoe design: This feature allows for complete bends in a single operation, reducing the time required per bend compared to systems requiring multiple passes.
• Easy Load conduit collar system: This system guides pipe into position with reduced physical effort, decreasing setup time while minimizing operator strain.
• Color-coded accessories: All accessories are color-coded for easy identification, reducing time spent searching for the right components.
• VFD Motor Control: Allows small, precise shoe adjustments for greater bend accuracy.
• Industrial-grade magnetic pendant: The durable pendant is machined from a single block of aluminum and has a magnetic back, so it stays securely in place on the bender. Its smooth surface makes it easy to clean.
• Additional convenience features: a Patent-pending Assist Pin, tool tray, pin tray, hook hanger, extra-large protractor, and storage canister for the user manual.

The practice of bending conduit has evolved significantly over the years, with each advancement addressing limitations of previous methods.

The Maxis Hydraulic Bender is designed for versatility across different project types:

• Conduit compatibility: The MHB4000 works with 2.5", 3", 3.5", and 4" EMT, IMC, and GRC pipe sizes commonly specified for main runs in commercial and industrial applications.
• Ideal applications: The bender is particularly suited for:
  • Commercial buildings with vertical risers
  • Industrial facilities with overhead distribution systems
  • Utility installations requiring parallel conduit runs
  • Data centers with high conduit density

The Maxis Hydraulic Bender is suitable for diverse project types:

Commercial projects: The bender works well for creating parallel bends needed in high-rise buildings, data centers, and hospitals, where precise offsets and multiple runs are common requirements.

Industrial settings: Manufacturing facilities, refineries, and power plants benefit from the bender's capability to create complex conduit paths around equipment and structural elements.

Critical infrastructure: Water treatment facilities and transportation systems typically require extensive rigid conduit installations, which the bender can accommodate.

Challenging installations: In retrofit projects with limited workspace, the bender allows for on-site bending rather than requiring pre-fabrication. For exposed conduit runs with aesthetic requirements, consistent bend quality is essential.

The bender can work with different conduit materials, each with unique characteristics:

• EMT requires careful handling to prevent flattening
• IMC demands more force but less finesse than EMT
• Rigid/GRC requires maximum pressure but produces stable bends

• PVC-coated RIGID conduit: The standard MHB4000 is not designed for PVC-coated RIGID conduit, as this requires special bending shoes and follow bars with enlarged groove diameters. Currently, Southwire does not offer a special shoe for the MHB4000 for PVC-coated RIGID conduit.
• Stainless steel or aluminum conduit: At this time, Southwire cannot certify that the MHB4000 will bend aluminum or stainless steel conduit.
• Competitor accessories: The MHB4000 is designed to work exclusively with Southwire-designed shoes, follow bars, and hooks. Using competitor components is not recommended and may compromise bend quality.

1. Find a clear work area and engage the brakes on the bender

2. Connect to power using a 10-gauge, 50-foot extension cord

3. Raise the mast by pushing the mast lock handle forward while pressing the "raise" button on the main control panel

• Select the appropriate follow bar for your conduit size
• Identify the rear end by its two right-angle tabs
• Insert that end between the main cylinder forks, rotating slightly as needed
• The end with two right-angle tabs should face the rear

1. Choose the matching bending shoe and install it through the main mast
2. The longer end with the hole should face forward
3. The colored size plate should face forward
4. Insert the shoe pin in the correct hole at the top of the shoe:
   1. Use the specific hole marked for EMT conduit if you're bending EMT
   2. Use the other hole for IMC or rigid conduit
   3. Look for the arrow cast into the shoe pointing to the EMT hole
   4. A label on the cylinder fork helps confirm which hole to use

• Insert conduit through the mast, push it rearward, and rest it on the chain vise carriage
• Select the correct hook that matches the color of the shoe and follow bar
• Use the assist pin to align and install the hook, then remove and store it in the tool rack
• Push the follow bar back until its right-angle tab rests against the main mast
• Push the hook forward until snug against the follow bar
• Ensure the hook is positioned vertically
• Slide the chain vise rearward to support as much conduit length as possible
• Tighten the conduit in the chain vise (no need to overtighten)

• Before bending, confirm the hook is vertical and firmly seated against the conduit
• Briefly press the bend button to start the downward motion of the shoe
• As the bend begins, hold the hook steady to prevent slippage
• If the hook tilts or isn't seated correctly, press return to realign it before continuing

The Southwire Maxis Hydraulic Bending Machine (MHB4000) offers important advantages for electrical contractors working with larger conduit sizes. Its combination of one-person operation capability, integrated hydraulic system, and purpose-built accessories addresses many common challenges of conduit installation.

The American-made MHB4000 provides a complete bending solution for 2.5-4 inch EMT, IMC, and GRC conduit with truly one-man setup and operation. The dual-action long stroke cylinder eliminates cylinder height adjustments, while the 3,000 PSI integrated pump offers consistent bending force with less maintenance.

When evaluating bending equipment, contractors should consider both immediate needs and long-term productivity benefits. For those regularly working with 2.5" to 4" conduit, the Maxis Hydraulic Bender represents a purpose-built solution designed specifically for electrical contracting applications. It combines efficiency, precision, and durability in a comprehensive package.