swing gate operators


slide gate operators


barrier gate systems


Spring 2004 Gate Installation Special


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The Village Blacksmith
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Swing vs. Slide?

One of the biggest decisions to make is choosing between the two.  Both are viable options depending on the area where the gate will be installed.  Both options are explained briefly below.

Swing Gates

We usually recommend swing gates when possible because they are typically safer, have fewer moving parts, are quieter, more cost effective, and easier to install.

typical swing style gate operationtypical swing style gate operation
FAAC Model 422 Application   
 
 

Brands available:  OSCO, Elite, FAAC, Nice

Eagle brand operators coming soon!

 

Double swing (bi-parting) gates are more aesthetically pleasing, but are slightly more expensive because they require two operators instead of one (one for each gate leaf), and the wiring between the two must be trenched and placed underneath the driveway. To reduce the strain on your equipment, gate openings greater than 12 feet are recommended in a bi-parting configuration.

Slide Gates

Slide gates are definitely another automation option, especially when a swing gate is not possible.  For instance, we would recommend a sliding gate when: 

  • the area that a swing gate would normally open up into
    is limited in some way (landscaping, boulders, etc.) or
    needs to be used for parking.
  • the driveway is significantly sloped uphill.  Another
    option, however, would be to have the gate swing out
    if possible, away from the house–effectively eliminating
    the need for a slide gate.

Slide gates require what is called the "stacking" area.  This is the area that the gate slides into when it is in the open position. Generally, there are two options for slide gates.  A v-groove ground track style is the most common. The other option is a cantilever style, which uses more stacking room. In addition, slide gates also require a level plane or ground upon which to slide.


A wrought iron gate, or any type of vehicular gate, equipped with an electric or hydraulic gate operator reliably takes over the opening and closing of the gate. With additional electric and appropriate safety devices, automated gates open smoothly, quietly and within their full width, allowing access across the whole gate area.  Using a remote control, intercom unit or other type of access device, the gate can be opened and closed from a distance, without the operator nearby.

At GatesUnlimited, we offer a wide range of swing, slide and barrier gate operators which permit adaptation to almost any environment, and allows us to accommodate all the individual needs of our customers.


Caution! 
Please Note!

AUTOMATIC GATES ARE
NOT FOR PEDESTRIANS!

Gate operators are designed for vehicular traffic only.  They are powerful, and can cause serious injury or death when used improperly.  Accordingly, direct all pedestrian traffic to a separate pedestrian gate. UL325 requires the use of contact or non-contact anti-entrapment devices. All electric powered gates should have electric edge or photo electric control for safety.

 
 
GatesUnlimited :: 248-628-8332

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