Sliding Gate Motor Selection – Factors to Consider

Gate motor ratings from the manufacturer are based on the maximum weight it can push at the slowest speed, on a perfectly level track using all new hardware on a standard sliding gate. A gate on a track with incline puts a lot more load on the motor. The greater the incline the bigger the increase to the load. Worn hardware increases the load and so does a gate’s infill.

The many factors below increase the effective weight of a gate. When you’re matching a motor to a gate, remember each of these things adds to the load on the motor.

• Speed
  The faster it goes the greater the load
• Gate Style
  Cantilever and Telescopic gates are harder to get moving than a sliding gate
• Incline
  The greater the incline, the heavier it is.
• Wind
  Wind force against infill adds load.
• Timber Infill
  Can absorb water making it much heavier.
• Installation
  If the track isn’t straight or the motor isn’t aligned perfectly, you’ve got more weight.