When looking for a solution that meets your exact requirements, there are a lot of things to think about.

Security, ease of use, aesthetics, privacy, automation type, and property access will all be taken into consideration. Once we have discussed your requirements and priorities. We will be able to recommend the best gate solution once we know what you want.

This all depends on your driveway and layout but also what sort of gate design you require too.
A sliding gate can generally be the same design as swing gates but not always...

A swing gate with the correct specification can have the gate leaves opening to nearly 180 degrees so they can clear an opening and then some to provide the same space as the sliding gate might do, but then of course they still have to close.

A sliding gate is great because it should have less stress on the gate in the way it operates each time with all the weight supported from the bottom and the roller. The sliding gate doesnt swing outwards or inwards at any point but does slide along internally so you need the same space width as your gate width unless you are using a bi parting sliding gate.

The best thing about a sliding gate is the resistance to wind and security offered, even with a solid gate design. The pressure of high wind on the face of a sliding gate cannot affect the gate leaf like a swing gate because the gate is held firmly behind posts either side and then along the bottom with the track going the entire length.

A sliding gate is simply sturdier because it isn’t hinged and swinging around in fresh air.

A sliding gate can also be larger if required, with almost no limits to its width in fact...

Properly specified and installed they are both good gate systems but value for money and filling in larger openings the sliding gate makes more sense perhaps...

Yes, most designs we offer are available as either swing or sliding gates.

Our sliding gates use a bottom floor mounted tracking with rolling wheels built into the bottom of the gate. Alternatively we can offer cantilever type gates when the ground levels are not suitable.

We also offer a sliding, 2 part gate when the side room is limited for the gate to slide into. This is 2 gate sections which overlap each other when opening to take up half the space of the full width when extended and closed.

Sliding gates also require one electric motor drive as opposed to 2 motors on a pair of swing gates and generally have less maintenance requirements over the years..

Typical delivery/installation lead-times from order placement are:

Automation/Access Control - 'supply only '– 24 to 48 hours

Existing Gates/Suitable Power already in place – 1 to 5 working days

Gate Express - 21 days approximately

New Steel/Timber Gate Systems - 4 to 6 working weeks

Aluminium Gate Systems - 6 to 8 working weeks

What power supply is required?

For domestic and residential use:

Single Phase, 240 volts, 13 amps, RCD protected circuit

For industrial and commercial use:

Single or Three Phase.

Note: Your electrician must be Part P certified and will specify the correct cable rating. All power supplies will need to conform to the latest IEE regulations.

Any electric, automatic gate should have the correct safety devices fitted, without exception and these will depend on the gate design and specific final specification.

Effectively an electric gate is treated as a ‘machine’ in law and the electric gate should comply with The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.
A risk assessment based on the gate design, size and control methods should determine the best safety systems to incorporate and ensure the gate can never harm a person or cause damage when operating.

The gate should have systems in place to prevent the leading edge closing onto any obstacle in the path of operation and also systems in place to prevent entrapment during operation.
The simple facts and reasoning are that an electric gate will usually be operated by an impulse from a control to then either open or close automatically whether someone is watching the gate or not. If the gate encounters an obstacle then it should sense it immediately and stop or reverse. An infra red beam across the opening is one common method but with a sliding gate there is usually a leading edge rubber sensor also fitted which can help prevent potential entrapment too.

The design of the gate is often critical, but has to be a balance between practicality and aesthetics, but also assist with security too. So vertical open bars are common but have the ability to trap body parts but they also prevent climbing the gate more. Horizontal bar designs would make climbing over the gate way too easy..

AGD Systems have been installing electric gates since 1986 and will always liaise closely on all aspects of safety so the gate always complies fully with legislation and gives total peace of mind to the owner/operator of the gates.