The extension .ive is the compiled form of the OSG format. We have an OSG exporter for Max available on our downloads page.
The easiest way to control the animation of spinning wheels would be to use the method described in the tutorial above.
Otherwise, you could create the animation in Max and export to OSG format. To play/stop it in Vizard you would need to use the module provided in the following thread:
http://forum.worldviz.com/showthread.php?t=2709