A gate operator is a mechanical device used to open and close a gate, such as one at the end of a driveway. There are two main types of electric gate openers hydraulic or electromechanical; these can be further slit into the following categories, worm (or screw) driven, arm openers and underground openers. Automatic and Electric Gate operators are designed for both swinging and sliding gates. They can be programmed to open and close with a wireless transmitter or a manual device. Low Voltage Automatic Gate openers can also be fitted with solar panels to ensure function during loss of electricity or blackouts.
Operator types
Mechanical
Drawing power from the mains to open a driveway gate. Generally there are four types of electromechanical gate operator: Worm driven (or screw type) swing gates, barrier arm operators and sliding operators Electric and automatic gate openers are designed for both sliding and swinging gates. They can be programmed to open with a manual device or a wireless transmitter. Automatic gate operators can also be fitted with solar panels to operate without high voltage power. Many manufacturers offer battery backup either integrated or as an add on to systems that ensure function during loss of electricity.
Hydraulic
These are used to automatically open an electric driveway gate. As the name implies they use hydraulic fluids to operate their motion. Typically hydraulic operators have less moving parts than mechanical operators. The hydraulic motors have a number of advantages when operating gates; they are capable of producing more power than mechanical motors and do not have to work at full power when operating large gates, they can be made non locking to avoid damage when hit by vehicles relying on other forms of locking. Hydraulic operators are prone to damage to internal seals caused by high pressure from vehicular collision but this damage can be repaired.
Gate types
Swing
Swing gates can use three types of operators. A swing arm operator, which is a box, that sits off to the side and has an arm extending to the gate. A ram arm is located on the gate and post and uses either a hydraulic piston or a jackscrew-operated piston. Underground operators are located by the hinge and operate the gate via a link arm.
Slide
Slide gate operators are commonly installed at the end of the gate in the closed position but can also be installed by the end of the gate in the open position. In America the commonest form of automation is a chain attached across the gate near the bottom and passing through the operator, which shuttles it back and forth. In the end of the gate/open position you do not see the chain or any operating equipment near the gate. In Europe a metal or plastic rack is attached to the gate with a gear fitted to the operator. The American method is more flexible and allows for greater movement in the gates, the European method makes for a quieter and more secure system. Sliding gates are often large, heavy and therefore more hazardous than swing gates they can however be equipped with appropriate safety devices making them some of the safest gate systems available.
Barrier
An automatic gate consisting of a breakaway gate arm, motor assembly and housing installed at the departure end of a toll island or a car park. A traffic barrier is used to reduce violations and speed through a toll lane. Barrier gates installed in both attended and unattended lanes commonly includes a remote control capability to raise the gate for patrons with insufficient funds.
Overhead
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