An electric sliding gate of almost any size and shape is one of the most efficient types of gates when it comes to automation.
Properly specified and installed a sliding gate if almost effortless in operation so has minimal force and stresses placed on any component.
An electric sliding gate is usually driven by a rack and pinion system usually situated at the bottom of the gate and consists of a motor driving a cog which in turn drives a rack of teeth and moves the gate open and closed.
Variations exist but the principal is always the same in how the gate is moved along.
Operator images
One of the main advantages for an electric sliding gate is that the gate is very secure by its design from a forced attempted break in.
The gate will slide along either using a rail in the floor or a cantilever system and the gate leaf will locate into a steel housing, effectively giving the gate 2 main points of resistance either side making forcing inwards or out almost impossible.
Generally electric locks are never required on a sliding gate system for security so there is less to maintain and service.
A sliding gate also doesn't swing in or out but slides along a fence or wall leaving all other space available.
Benefit
The other big factor is that a sliding gate only requires one motor drive unit so it is a cost effective automation system in most cases. The only safety sensors required are always on the leading edge and the motor drive side where there is an entrapment point when opening.
The sliding gate is very efficient and reliable indeed and still has the emergency release as other state systems do for a power failure or other issue.
✓ Super quiet and smooth
✓ Low maintenance
✓ Good levels of basic security
✓ Simple and easy to access mechanism
✓ Motors have low stress levels during operation
✓ Easier safety systems to incorporate
✓ No electric locks usually required
