Automatic gate recommendation

[chuinkee]

Hi,

House renovation nearing an end and it is now time to decide on which make of automatic gate to go for. Personally I have decided to use the swing arm type instead of screwdriver piston. My contractor is using this brand called "Good 1". Sounds fishy...

As automatic gate is not one of those Law Yat stuff which I follow who is the best manufacturer, I am wondering if someone here can help/

Thanks

Ben-G

[orchipalar]

Err buddy...personally Orchi prefers the sliding type mechanism for the auto gate...which is more durable n easier to maintain...

It has much less complications of moving parts as compared with the swing arm or folding type...(also the size of the gate is limited)

Moreover...a sliding auto gate saves more space(the gate can be made longer for easy access)...n it is not so prone to causing accidents...(knocking against any outside obstruction like a parked car or a person standing before the gate)

besides...it is physically easier for thieves to unlock the swing arm gate's retaining bolt...which is engaged n disengaged to the floor mounting...to open the gate.

n in most instances...a sliding auto gate is still cheaper than the swingaway or folding type...due to its simplicity n versatility.

[chuinkee]

Good point Orchi and thanks. However I am not changing the main gate but simply adding the automatic gate function to it. Maintenaning original gate for future upgrade.

Ben-G

[Sentinel]

Good point Orchi and thanks. However I am not changing the main gate but simply adding the automatic gate function to it. Maintenaning original gate for future upgrade.

Ben-G

Not a wise idea, Ben. The reason is the auto-motor that you are gonna install for the current gate might not be suitable / compatible with the new gate you want to install in the future. The size and weight of the future gate might not be the same as the present one. Also, if you re-install the motor onto the new gate, it might not be properly aligned and might be damaged in a short while.

Moreover, once you get this 'swing-type' motor for your gate, your option for a 'sldiing-type' gate (which I agree with Orchipalar is the better choice) might not be available to you anymore.

For economic reason, you have to think through this thoroughly....

[Life Ranger]

In 1998 i installed one with battery-backup feature costed me $2600 . Nowadays i think the average price is around $1500. However my brand is already extinct and i had my spoiled PCB changed to another brand costed RM300 working even better than the orignal one. The motors still function well. And the lock (magnetic actuator) burned once due to short-circuit by water and this is what may not be easy to get replacement especially if the brand is extinct from market.

[Firefly]

Embedded swing arm type is the cheapest. Good 1 is one of the many generic brands around. Most of these are locally put together using Lorry wiper motor. 12VDC is the norm in electrical supply. Advantage is that you can buy spares readily at almost any electrical gate supplies. This includes the electronic controls. The disadvantage of this type of mechanism is that it cannot take a heavy gate. Also as it's embedded into the ground under the gate, there is a tendency for water to get into the casing. This will shorten the life of the motor and the unit. Most of these casing are made of cast aluminum. Many a times by backyard factories that do not check for pinholes. This will cause the casing to fail.

Hydraulic arms, There are slow. They are very strong and can take a very heavy gate without problems. These are usually imported from Italy. Controls are usually 240VAC. Since these are imported, spares are not easily availably. The disadvantage is that the mountings must be secure and strong. Since the force is exerted on the pillar and the gate hinge during opening and closing.

Screw type arms, Expensive. but unlike the hydraulic units, these are relatively faster. but like the hydraulic type, these are imported and thus spares are not easily available. These are not for very heavy gates but moderately heavy ones. The force of these types are also pretty strong. They have the same requirements as the hydraulic types for foundation and mounts.

Sliding gates, many types in the market now. All of these require a track for it to run on. This can be a problem if the ground is not even and the track is not installed correctly. Many of this type are already manufactured locally so spares are easily available depending on the type and design. Disadvantage is that this usually requires a total redesign of your existing gate and support.

[athena]

the sliding gate type you will need lots of space for the gate, no?

somehow i get the feeling the 'bend-able' gates are not as durable!!

[Firefly]

Everything needs maintenance. Foldable / bend-able ones require frequent oiling of the hinges and rollers. But less space as compared to straight sliding ones.

[Teeque]

mr firefly, o' wise one,

need ur advise. for chrome metal gates, which do u think is better - the swing type, 'bendable/foldabe' gate type or the sliding type?

tq o wise one...teeheehee.

[Firefly]

kakakaka..you siow. I am just learning everyday like all of us.

The silver gates you see are not chrome. They are stainless steel. They are usually made of very thin grade steel and very light. If I were you, I would give those gate the skip. Tell you why on thursday during squash.

[mediumsliced]

I think those stainless ones look gaudy. It screams, 'look at me!'