You can export .max files to .fbx (Kaydara 3D Exchange format) in 3ds Max just fine, but to achieve max to fbx conversion without the program will be tricky. Fortunately, some free FBX convertes and plugins for 3rd party 3D modelings tools are provided by Autodesk on their website. You can even find some dedicated 3D converters that might help you to export or convert max to fbx.
Open MAX file Open FBX fileA 3D CAD translation software