INDUSTRIAL SWING GATE OPENERS
WHERE TO START?
For a quick reference point use the chart below and click on any motor model for more detail,
or for more information on how to choose read the section below.
R18
12 volt DC undergound operator for pedestrian gates - gates to 1.2 metres
JOINT
240 volt AC - Articulated arm operator - gates to 4.0 metres
ARM290BI
12 volt DC - Linear operator - gates to 6.0 metres. Solar ideal.
HD80
240 volt AC - Linear hydraulic style - gates to 8.0 metres.
R50
240 volt AC - Jockey wheel style - gates to 11.0 metres.
How to choose the correct swing gate operator?
There are many factors that together will combine to help you choose the right operator for your gate or gates. Below are factors that you should consider when making your choice.
  • WIDTH OF THE GATE/S - Obvious we know but this is the starting point. Although weight is a consideration the width of a swing gate has a far greater bearing on choice than weight. At this point we assume that you have a good set of hinges or you will be choosing a good set of hinges (the right hinges is almost more critical than the motor choice). So note down your gate/s width as your first point of reference.
  • GATE CONSTRUCTION AND WIND RESISTANCE - Your main point to consider here is the style of gate/s. A gate with 25mm vertical uprights at 150mm centre's as it's main centre infill will have a smaller wind resistance than a gate with a totally enclosed centre infill of say timber or colorbond. You need to consider your wind resistance taking into account site conditions and size. EG: Wind resistance of a fully enclosed gate of 3.5 metres width in a coastal environment would be considered "high" whereas a well protected site and an open design gate of the same size may be considered "low". Note that even an open design gate of large dimensions (above 2.5metres in width) in a windy environment will provide at least a "moderate" resistance. Note down your wind resistance level - "low", "moderate", or "high".
  • NUMBER OF DAILY OPERATIONS OR "DUTY CYCLE" - In general terms we consider even 50 operations a day to be a small number assuming that the 50 operations were spread evenly over an eight hour period. If however the gate/s performed 25 operations for half an hour in the morning and the other 25 during a half hour period in the afternoon then this would be considered medium to high duty cycle. Some operators are designed to work all day long whilst others like a more laid back lifestyle and prefer a home with lazy usage. In general terms a "commercial" motor will be more suited to higher duty cycles. So make a mental note of whether your duty cycle may be considered low, medium or high.
  • LOW VOLTAGE VERSUS HIGH VOLTAGE - Put simply you can expect to pay more for a low voltage (12 or 24 volt) motor than a comparable high voltage (240 volt) motor. You can also a low voltage motor will run cooler and therefore have a higher duty cycle rating than a 240 volt motor. Low voltage can also be equipped with battery backup which is much more difficult with 240 volt systems.
  • PRICE - I wish we could tell you you can be guided by price but it simply isn't so. Some of our lowest priced operators have been our best performers time and time again. It is however fair to say that price will be an indication of the quality of build of the motor.
    • Ok! Armed with all this information you need to pop back up the page to our chart and choose a few operators to compare. Start by choosing an operator to match your gate width and function (residential, commercial or industrial). Click on the chosen operator name to be taken to the page, then check your resistance level and duty cycle. Happy hunting.
    NEED MORE HELP - CALL YOUR LOCAL OFFICE FOR ADVICE ON WHICH MOTOR/S TO CONSIDER.

    VIDEOS ON MOTOR SELECTION AND MORE
    How to choose a swing gate motor.