What kind of motor is right for your automation requirements?
The type of automation you require largely depends on your gate configuration and level of use. Manufacturers design motors to power automations for of all kinds of gate formats. The following information highlights the differnt types of motors available and their intended use. Here you will find which motor type will suit your requirements.
Swing Gates - Outward/Inward Swinging Gate/s
If you have/plan to use swing gates then you can choose between 4 types of swing gate motors to power your automation.They can generally be used in either double or single gate configurations.
1. Rams - Gates with hinges fixed to the back of a pillar/post are most suited to mounted gate arm mechanisms (also known as rams). They can be fitted to almost any kind of gate and are relatively easy to install. The motor arm needs to be attached at a parallel angle to the gate and on the inside of the pillar/post.
This type of automation is the most commonly used for retrofitting with existing gates. They use a worm drive or screw-jack action to retract the arm in a linear motion, which shortens the arm length, thus opening the gates.
There are 3 types of Ram Motors:
- Standard Ram - The most widely used and cost effective. Usually only inward opening.
- Linear Ram - More compact than the standard ram creating a slimmer look. A more discreet motor. Usually only inward opening.
- Tow Eye Ram - Tow-eyed gate motors are designed so that there is no exposed ram when the gate is actuated. They therefore offer slight improvements in motor lifetime as they offer better weather protection. Tow-eye gate motors also have improved aesthetics, offering a less-mechanical and a more discreet appearance when opening and closing the gate. Usually only inward opening.
2. Wheeled motors - Wheeled motors are easy to install by latching to the opening end of the gate. These are most widely used where there are hinge restrictions for other types of motors. Wheeled motors are recommended where either gate-post/pillars are too small to mount rams or where the space behind the gate is limited (e.g. the gate is flush to a driveway wall when open). However, the driveway surface needs to be flat for the wheel to get decent traction – so broken ground or gravel/shingle are unsuitable for this type of automation. Usually only inward opening.
3. Articulated motor arms - This type of motor is required if your gate hinges are fixed to the front or centre of the pillar/post. They have a bi-folding, hinged arm making them more flexible to fit. Using a hinged arm, articulated motors are ideal for smaller, ornamental gates, pedestrian gates, gates with large post/pillars that would obstruct a linear motor, and gates that need to open outwards.
4. Underground motors - These motors are housed beneath the hinge end of the gate. The motor sits inside a galvanised foundation box which is concreted into place with a soakaway to prevent the motor from flooding. The gate then pivots on a pin which protrudes from the foundation box. Although underground mechanisms are subtle and most aesthetically pleasing, retro fitting to existing manual gates can be very difficult. It is more common to have new gates installed to accommodate an underground motor. Generally underground motors will be inward opening.
Sliding Gates - Lateral Moving Gate
A sliding gate motor will operate gates which move from side to side across the gate entrance. Sliding gate motors use a cog that is coupled with a toothed rack affixed to the gate. The cog turns engaging the teeth on the rack moving the gate in the desired direction. Sliding gates require either guide track and brackets/roller guides or a cantilever mechanism to ensure they move in a predicted manner.
If you already have a sliding gate then this is the motor type you will need. If you do not have a gate yet and are considering which gate and motor combination will work best for your property here are a few points to note about sliding gates:
Smaller operating area - The sliding gate needs space to the side of the gate entrance to move the equivalent of twice the width of the gate opening. As the gate does not swing you this will give you more free space on the property's driveway/parking area.
Hardware - You will need guide track and wheels, support rollers/brackets and gate stops or a cantilever systems to support the gate to ensure it runs true.
Drive mechanism - You will need to decide whether you wish to use a cog and rack drive or chain drive. Cog and rack motors are quieter but require a truer gate travel, whereas chain drives are noisier but more forgiving if the gate has a bit of a wobble!
Security - Sliding gates are more difficult to ram or force open, so where anti-vehicle protection is required a sliding gate is recommended.
