If you are using 3DS max import your object into 3DS MAX. when it is in there,Click on the modify tab (The one that looks like a elbow macaroni) on the right had side. Then click on the MORE button. From the list select optimize. Just let it reduce the mesh with the default values. If you scroll down the tool panel, on the right hand side. Towards the bottom you will see the poly counts befor and after the optimization. With the default values you should see a immediate 50% reduction or so. If you are using Lightwave then I'll have to give you different instructions.