Types of Automatic Gate Openers
When deciding what style of gate opener to install on your property, there are many factors to consider. If you already have a gate installed, your options may be limited. If you don't have an existing gate, your choices are broader, but you still need to consider what will fit best in the location you want to install it. How much space is available? What is the primary purpose of the gate, and in what way do you want it to operate? Keep these questions in mind as you continue reading, as we will discuss the differences between the various types of automatic gate openers offered through our site. We will also explore the most common uses for each option to better assist you in making your ultimate decision.
Sliding Gate Openers
Sliding gate openers are a popular choice for both commercial and residential locations alike and work best with gates connected to a stretch of fence or wall. This is because sliding gate openers use guided tracks parallel to the gate, moving it sideways along the fence or wall to create a seamless opening. Because of its limited range of motion and compact size, it saves significant driveway space and has little impact on the property's accessibility. It also has a limited entrapment zone, making it one of the safest options for an automatic gate opener. You, your residents, and your visitors will stay safe as long as no one is directly in the gate's path while it's operating.
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Ramset ALL-SECURE Automatic Slide Gate Opener Shown
Swing Gate Openers
Swing gate openers rotate gates on one end in an arc. They cover a wide range of motion and require more space to operate. That also means there is a larger entrapment zone to be mindful of. Luckily, separately sold accessories such as photo eyes can sense movement near and around the gate and stop its operation in an emergency. Accessories like these are standard and come in various kits. Typically, this style of automatic gate opener is found on residential properties and is chosen over sliding gates due to its appearance. It is also ideal for smaller gates, though it can also work for larger ones so long as you pay close attention to the weight requirements of your operator.
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Overhead Gate Openers
Overhead gate openers typically act as garage door openers. The door is made of separate panels that fit together and create a solid barrier when closed. When it opens, the gate or door lifts off the ground, and each panel folds back until it is fully raised. Like the sliding gate opener, this method is an efficient way to save space. However, it requires the door to lead into an enclosed area because an overhead gate opener's track must be mounted to the ceiling. If the ceiling is high enough, this method is even safer than a sliding gate because the entrapment zone is out of reach. As mentioned, this method commonly serves as a garage door opener for residential and high-security garages that need to save space and want more coverage than a barrier arm can provide.
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Ramset 2000 Series Automatic Overhead Gate Opener Shown
Heavy-duty gates and doors are the perfect way to keep unauthorized parties away from your property, but they can be a hassle to operate manually. They can also be quite heavy, depending on their size and the materials used. You want the security, traffic control, and other benefits of gates and doors without the hassle of manual operation. In this case, an automatic gate opener is a perfect choice for you.
Now that you've reviewed the difference between each type of gate opener, you should have a good idea of the most appropriate choice for your property. Feel free to visit our FAQ Page, Contact Our Support Team with any questions, and visit our Resources Hub for other articles that may aid your search.
