Thermo Scientific MaxQ 4000 Benchtop Incubated Shaker
The Thermo Scientific MaxQ 4000 is a large-capacity benchtop incubated orbital shaker designed for microbial culture, protein expression, plasmid purification, solubility studies, extraction procedures, hybridization, and other laboratory applications requiring controlled heating and continuous agitation. Combining a 15–500 rpm speed range with a 0.75-inch orbit and temperatures up to 60°C, the MaxQ 4000 provides substantial culture and mixing capacity without requiring the floor space of a larger floor-standing incubator shaker.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, this Thermo Scientific MaxQ 4000 is inspected, cleaned, and tested prior to shipment. The unit includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Key Features
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Large-capacity benchtop incubated orbital shaker
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15–500 rpm digital speed control
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0.75-inch / 1.9 cm orbital motion
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Maximum rated load of 50 lb / 22.7 kg
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Temperature range from 10°C above ambient to 60°C
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Temperature accuracy of ±0.1°C at 37°C
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Temperature uniformity of ±0.5°C at 37°C
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Solid-state DC brushless motor
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Separate LED displays for speed, operating time, and temperature
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Continuous or timed operation
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Clear lid allows sample observation without opening the chamber
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Safety interlock stops platform motion when the lid is opened
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Audible and visual operating alarms
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Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
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90-day warranty included
Overview
The Thermo Scientific MaxQ 4000 combines the functionality of an orbital shaker and heated incubator in a relatively compact benchtop system. Its enclosed chamber maintains elevated temperatures while the orbital drive provides continuous agitation for flasks and other laboratory vessels.
The digital MaxQ 4000 provides independent displays for speed, operating time, and chamber temperature, allowing researchers to monitor all three parameters simultaneously. Speed can be adjusted in 1 rpm increments, while timed or continuous operation accommodates both short mixing procedures and extended culture experiments.
A solid-state DC brushless motor drives the orbital mechanism, reducing maintenance associated with conventional brush-type motors. The shaker also incorporates safeguards designed for unattended operation, including speed deviation alarms, temperature alarms, an independent over-temperature safety system, and a lid interlock that stops platform motion when the chamber is opened.
The clear chamber lid allows samples to be visually inspected without repeatedly disturbing the controlled internal environment.
Key Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Thermo Scientific |
| Model |
MaxQ 4000 |
| Equipment Type |
Benchtop incubated orbital shaker |
| Control |
Digital |
| Speed Range |
15–500 rpm |
| Speed Accuracy |
±1 rpm |
| Orbit |
0.75 in. / 1.9 cm |
| Maximum Rated Load |
50 lb / 22.7 kg |
| Temperature Range |
Ambient +10°C to 60°C |
| Temperature Accuracy |
±0.1°C at 37°C in flask |
| Temperature Uniformity |
±0.5°C at 37°C in flask |
| Platform Options |
Universal or dedicated; configuration dependent |
| Standard Platform Size |
18 × 18 in. when equipped with applicable factory platform |
| Motor |
Solid-state DC brushless |
| Operation |
Continuous or timed |
| Exterior Dimensions |
Approx. 32"L × 22.5"W × 22"H |
| Chamber Dimensions |
Approx. 20"L × 21"W × 13"H |
| Electrical – AIE Unit |
120 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Condition |
Used / Refurbished |
| Warranty |
90 days from American Instrument Exchange |
Platform dimensions and published flask capacities should not be assumed to describe every used MaxQ 4000. Actual vessel capacity depends on the platform, clamps, racks, custom fixtures, vessel geometry, working volume, and accessories installed on the individual unit.
Common Applications
The Thermo MaxQ 4000 is well suited for bacterial and yeast culture, recombinant protein expression, plasmid purification, microbial growth studies, cell culture applications, solubility studies, extraction procedures, hybridization, staining and destaining, washing procedures, bacterial suspensions, and general laboratory mixing.
Its combination of a broad shaking-speed range and controlled heating makes the MaxQ 4000 particularly useful for laboratories running extended culture experiments where both temperature and agitation must remain stable.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The MaxQ 4000 is appropriate for biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories, microbiology facilities, molecular biology groups, protein-expression laboratories, fermentation and process-development groups, academic research facilities, university core laboratories, food and beverage research laboratories, and industrial research or quality-control environments.
Its benchtop format can be particularly useful for laboratories that need the capabilities of a full incubator shaker but do not have the floor space required for a larger floor-standing system.
Temperature Control & Orbital Shaking Performance
The digital Thermo MaxQ 4000 provides orbital shaking from 15 to 500 rpm with speed control accuracy of ±1 rpm. Its 0.75-inch / 1.9 cm orbit provides effective liquid movement for microbial culture, mixing, extraction, and other laboratory applications.
The standard incubated MaxQ 4000 operates from approximately 10°C above ambient to 60°C. Thermo specifies temperature accuracy of ±0.1°C at 37°C in flask and temperature uniformity of ±0.5°C at 37°C.
Speed, temperature, and operating time are shown on separate digital displays, allowing all three parameters to be monitored without switching between display modes. Nonvolatile memory maintains programmed speed and time settings following a power interruption and automatically reactivates them when power is restored.
The shaker also monitors operating speed. If speed deviates significantly from the selected setpoint, the digital system can generate audible and visual warnings and shut down shaking operation. An unbalanced-load condition can similarly trigger an alarm and stop the shaker until the load is corrected.
As with any orbital shaker, actual culture performance depends on the interaction between rpm, orbit diameter, flask geometry, baffling, working volume, platform arrangement, and the physical characteristics of the culture or solution.
Platform, Flask & Vessel Compatibility
Thermo designed the MaxQ 4000 to accept different platform configurations. Factory options include an 18 × 18-inch universal platform that can be fitted with a mixture of clamps as well as dedicated platforms supplied with predetermined clamp arrangements.
This flexibility is useful for laboratories working with different vessel sizes, but it also means that there is no single flask-capacity specification that should automatically be assigned to every MaxQ 4000.
Thermo literature describes configurations capable of holding multiple large culture flasks, but actual capacity depends on the platform installed on the individual shaker, clamp sizes and positions, vessel dimensions, working volumes, load distribution, and any custom modifications or accessories.
The manufacturer specifies a maximum rated load of 50 lb / 22.7 kg. This load rating should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a particular number or arrangement of vessels will fit on the specific AIE unit.
American Instrument Exchange can confirm the platform and accessories included with an individual MaxQ 4000. Customers planning to use particular Erlenmeyer flasks, Fernbach flasks, bottles, tubes, or other vessels should verify compatibility before purchase.
Refurbishment & Testing
Used Thermo Scientific MaxQ 4000 incubated shakers from American Instrument Exchange are inspected and tested prior to shipment. The shaking mechanism is operated for extended periods to verify reliable orbital movement and proper operation at applicable speed setpoints.
Because the MaxQ 4000 is an incubated shaker, AIE also evaluates the heating and temperature-control system. An external digital temperature probe is used to verify chamber temperature independently of the shaker's displayed reading.
Testing includes evaluation of the orbital drive, digital speed controls, temperature controls, timer, displays, alarms, lid safety interlock, motor operation, and other applicable mechanical and electrical components. The shaker is also cleaned and cosmetically prepared as appropriate prior to shipment.
Customers with specific testing requirements are encouraged to discuss them with American Instrument Exchange before shipment. While AIE cannot duplicate every analytical or biological application, operating conditions can be simulated when practical to help verify the equipment for its intended use.
Shipping & Installation
The standard MaxQ 4000 measures approximately 32 inches long by 22.5 inches wide by 22 inches high, with an internal chamber measuring approximately 20 × 21 × 13 inches.
Although Thermo classifies the MaxQ 4000 as a benchtop shaker, its size, weight, and operating load require a substantial laboratory bench or other stable support. The installation surface should be level and capable of safely supporting the shaker, platform, accessories, vessels, and contents.
Adequate clearance should be provided for opening the chamber lid, ventilation, electrical connections, and service access. Vessel height and platform configuration should also be considered to ensure adequate clearance inside the chamber during orbital movement.
This AIE unit is configured for 120 V, 50/60 Hz electrical service.
Related Equipment
Laboratories using the Thermo Scientific MaxQ 4000 may also require incubators, CO2 incubators, centrifuges, laboratory refrigerators, laboratory freezers, ultra-low freezers, water baths, and other laboratory shakers. American Instrument Exchange supplies used and refurbished laboratory equipment for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, clinical, and industrial research laboratories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of shaker is the Thermo Scientific MaxQ 4000?
The MaxQ 4000 is a benchtop incubated orbital shaker that combines controlled heating with continuous or timed orbital agitation.
What is the speed range of this MaxQ 4000?
The digital MaxQ 4000 operates from 15 to 500 rpm with a specified speed accuracy of ±1 rpm.
What is the orbit diameter?
The MaxQ 4000 uses a 0.75-inch / 1.9 cm orbital motion.
What is the temperature range?
The standard incubated MaxQ 4000 operates from approximately 10°C above ambient to 60°C.
Is this MaxQ 4000 refrigerated?
No. This AIE unit is the standard heated MaxQ 4000. Thermo also manufactured refrigerated MaxQ 4000 configurations capable of operating below ambient temperature, but those specifications should not be applied to this unit.
Did Thermo make other temperature configurations of the MaxQ 4000?
Yes. In addition to the standard incubated version, Thermo manufactured high-temperature MaxQ 4000 models capable of reaching 80°C and refrigerated versions capable of operating below ambient. The exact model configuration should always be verified before applying those specifications to a used MaxQ 4000.
What is the maximum load capacity?
Thermo specifies a maximum rated load of 50 lb / 22.7 kg for the MaxQ 4000. Practical vessel capacity still depends on the installed platform, clamps, vessel dimensions, working volume, and load distribution.
How many flasks can the MaxQ 4000 hold?
Thermo published flask capacities for specific factory platform arrangements, but those figures should not automatically be applied to every used MaxQ 4000. Actual capacity depends on the platform, clamps, vessel sizes, and accessories installed on the individual shaker.
What size platform does the MaxQ 4000 use?
Thermo offered an 18 × 18-inch universal platform as well as dedicated platforms with preinstalled clamps. The platform supplied with the individual AIE unit should be confirmed before purchase.
What happens if the platform is unbalanced?
On applicable digital MaxQ 4000 models, the control system can detect an unbalanced operating condition, sound an alarm, and stop shaking until the load is corrected.
Does the MaxQ 4000 stop when the lid is opened?
Yes. A safety interlock stops platform movement when the chamber lid is opened, helping protect the operator from the moving shaker mechanism.
Can the MaxQ 4000 be used for microbial culture?
Yes. Its controlled heating, broad speed range, and orbital motion make the MaxQ 4000 suitable for many bacterial, yeast, recombinant protein, and other microbial culture applications.
How does American Instrument Exchange test the MaxQ 4000?
AIE operates the shaking mechanism for extended periods and verifies applicable speed settings and controls. The incubator system is also tested with an external digital temperature probe to independently verify chamber temperature performance.
Does this Thermo MaxQ 4000 include a warranty?
Yes. This used and refurbished Thermo Scientific MaxQ 4000 includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
