Swing 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 using all new hardware on a standard swing gate. 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.
- Solid Infill
Gates with solid infill panels make the gate act like a sail and can put massive force on the motor. - Timber Pailings
Absorb water making the gate much heavier. - Hinges
Rusty or misaligned hinges without lubrication make the motor work hard. - Gate Length
Long gates have more momentum and put more strain on the hinges when compared to a high narrow gate of the same weight. - Speed
The faster you push it the more force you’ll need. - Hinge Selection
Automation using linear drive motors puts a lot of force on the hinges. Welded butt hinges are a disaster waiting to happen. Tapered bearing hinges on the bottom with ball bearing top hinges are the way to go.
