Types of Automatic
Gate Openers
Much like garage door openers, automatic gate
openers have become a necessity. They can provide ease of access to your
property, as well as provide security. There are several different types of
gate openers that work well based on differing applications. In addition to
there being different types of gate openers, there is also different ways that
gate openers may be hung or mounted on hinges, columns, or posts. Additionally,
gate openers can be made of different materials, have different power access,
and be made to handle different wind and weather conditions. You may use your
gate opener only a few times a day or you could be opening and closing it
constantly. In this article, we will go over a few different types of gate
openers. However, if you have any questions Gate Openers Direct is always just
a phone call away to help you select the best gate operator for your individual
needs.
Sliding Gate Openers
A sliding automatic gate operator is a perfect
solution when space is tight behind your fence. In this application, the
gate will run along the fence or wall. Furthermore, they are a good solution
for steep inclines. Steep grades can prohibit the use of a swing gate. There
are two types of slide gate operators: chain-driven or rack/pinion style. They
both work by pulling either the chain or rack past the motor operator.
Slide gates use V-groove wheels on a track.
Gate roller guides are used to guide the gate and keep it upright. A mooring
point also called a gate catcher, is on the post opposite the motor operator to
help stabilize the gate in the closed position.
Swing Gate Openers
The operation of a swing gate opener is that
it swings a gate on a hinge either inward or outward. There are 3 types of
swinging automatic gate openers:
Actuator – This type of opener works by using a ram
arm. This is located on the gate and post and uses a piston that changes the
length of the distance between the gate bracket and the post bracket.
Pad-Mounted – this type of opener uses an articulating arm
to pull the gate open and push the gate closed. They handle wind load and other
obstructions better than an actuator.
Underground – This automatic opener works similar to the pad mounted
operator. It uses an articulating arm to open and close the gate. The
major difference here is that the operator is mounted underground.
One item to consider is how often your gates
will open and close. Usually it is a minimal cost to upgrade to a heavy-duty
gate opener or operator, which in the long run may save you money and down
time.
Overhead Gate Openers
Overhead gate openers look like garage door
openers. However, these gates are much heavier than a garage door. These
automatic gate openers are ideal for commercial underground parking garages.
These operators use a heavy-duty overhead track to open gates.
Vertical Lift Gate
Are you out of space for any gate to
move? Do not worry. This is the ideal situation to use a vertical
liftgate. This automatic opener will simply lift a gate up in the air and then
close it.
Barrier Gates
Barrier automatic gate openers are often referred to as Boom
Gates, Parking Gates, or Traffic Control Gates. These operators are different
in that they use a boom arm that pivots to block vehicle access. The tip
of the gate arm rises in a vertical arc to a near-vertical position. These
operators are ideal for apartments, parking lots, or where traffic control is
needed.
