Should I Install a Sliding Gate or a Swinging Gate?

Simple question but with so many variables; This article will help in making an informed decision in choosing the appropriate gate for your home keeping in mind the basic requirements for an electric or solar gate opener.

Sliding Gate

If you use a sliding gate it will slide behind your fence line, consider your driveway opening and then measure back that distance from the edge of the driveway in the direction the gate will open.

• Is there enough space?
   You will require the driveway opening as a minimum + the tail section of the sliding gate (450-500mm) + a further 150mm for an emergency over run sliding gate stop.

• Will the gate slide in front of a pedestrian gate or access way?
  This is a hazard and should be avoided if possible (see swing gate options) if not additional safety measures must be implemented.

All our sliding gate motor allow for an input of a sensor (or contact switch) to prevent the gate from OPENING. Its also important to note which way does the pedestrian gate swing, the preference of the pedestrian swing gates direction would be to swing outwards.

• Is or can the driveway and where the gate opens to concreted (or a strip footing)?
  This is important in a residential installation even though cantilever gates are an option there generally reserved for commercial installations due to cost factors and the additional work required to build and install a cantilever gate.
  Yes, our sliding gate motors can work with cantilever gates.
  
  
• What is the grade of the concrete in which the gate will travel across?
  This is important as it is a multiplying factor of the gate weight, ULTRA FAST sliding gate motors should be avoided on larger grades however there are multiple options for typical and higher torque sliding gate systems ranging from BXV 400KG up to BKV 2500KG capacity.

Double Swing Gates

• A Double swinging gates is always the first preference over a single swinging gate. There is less load on the gate opener, better hold as the gates is generally shorter in width (think leverage) and a shorter arc of operation when swinging open which allows for more driveway clearance.
• Measure your opening and divide by two, this is the rough width of the gate. Lets call this measurement A. Measure back from your pier, post or fence line using measurement A. Does it conflict with your driveway parking?
  If working with less than 500mm clear area when the gate is open consider installing an additional sensor set to prevent the gate opening or closing into your vehicle when parked incorrectly.
  If yes see the sliding gate options.
• Is there enough space for a gate motor on each side?
  Minimum space required behind an open gate is 100mm, if this is not achievable consider a Single swing gate. Its also worth noting that if there is a pailing fence and the pailings are on your neighbours side this will generally allow for more clearance area.
  
  
• Can the gates/are the gates installed close to the driveway level? And can the driveway have a gate stop?
  If the answer is no we would recommend the use of an AXO3, AXO5 or FTX operator as they have adjustable physical stops built into the motor. These types of setup allow for the tightest hold on the gate and give the best overall strength.

Nb. If a stop can be used any of the gate motors mentioned earlier along with ATS3, ATS5 and Ferni could be used.

• If the gate is covered/clad use an automatic electric lock, our units are completely automatic and release just before the gate motor begins to operate. They work with solar and electric gate motors.

Single Swing Gate

• This option should be considered when there is not enough space for a motor on each side of the gate or the gate is a rural gate/farm gate.
• Consider using an automatic electric lock regardless of gate size as the width of the gate works as leverage to the gate motor when the gate is pushed or forced.
• This option will take the most space out of your driveway as the gate swings open. Measure back the width of opening to ensure it does not conflict with vehicle parking.
• Avoid cladding or covering a single gate. If this is a must then consider a high torque motor such as an AXO 3 or AXO 5.
• No ground stop is required in a single swing gate installation as a physical stop can be installed on the gate post or by using a motor with adjustable limit stops.

If you are unsure what option suits best feel free to give us a call on (03) 9123 1226 for a no obligation assessment over the phone by a professional.

See the complete range of quality Italian automation kits click here or visit the residential gate automation category at the top of the website.