Automatic Gates

Automatic Gate Buying Guide: Operators, Parts and Hardware

Swing, Slide or Barrier

Start with how the gate moves.

• Hinged gates, single or double, use swing gate operators. Good where there is room for the leaf to swing and the drive is fairly level.
• Gates that roll sideways along a fence line use slide gate operators. Good for wide openings, sloped drives and windy sites.
• Parking lanes and guard shacks use barrier gate operators, which raise an arm instead of moving a gate.

Size the Operator to the Gate and the Site

Have three numbers ready: gate length, gate weight and how many times a day it runs. A home driveway falls under UL 325 Class I. Apartments, businesses and public sites fall under Class II, and industrial yards fall under Class III. Match voltage and phase to the power at the gate, or pick a DC model if you want battery backup.

Plan the Safety Devices

UL 325 requires gate operators to monitor their external entrapment protection, so budget for photo eyes or safety edges on every entrapment zone when you buy the operator.

Replacement Parts

Read the model, serial number and voltage from the operator label first. Boards and motors change between production runs, and old part numbers often get replaced by new ones. Look up your model in the EZ Parts Finder to get the right part.

Chain, Rollers and Hardware

Match roller chain to the number stamped on the old chain, such as #40, #41 or #50, and use the same size master link. Cantilever rollers are sized by post diameter, so measure the post before you order.

Common Questions

Which is better, a swing or slide gate opener?

Neither in general. A slide gate needs room along the fence, and a swing gate needs clear space for the leaf to open. Pick the one your site has room for.

Can I automate my existing manual gate?

Usually, if the gate is solid, swings or rolls freely by hand, and is within the operator's size limits. Fix sagging hinges or worn rollers first.