Guide: Which swing gate motor to choose?

In this article, we will focus on choosing the right motor for swing gates. This choice is crucial for the efficiency and durability of the entire system. We will discuss the most important aspects, such as the width, weight and airiness of the leaf, the depth of hinge embedding and the frequency of opening, as well as issues related to installation.

Table of Contents

• How does a swing gate work?
• Choosing a double-leaf gate drive vs gate parameters
• Personal preferences when choosing a swing gate motor
• Which double-leaf gate drive will be appropriate?
• Summary

How does a swing gate work?

Double-leaf gates differ from other types of gates, such as sliding or up-and-over garage doors, in many ways. A swing gate works by opening two leaves outwards or inwards to the property, just like a door. These leaves are mounted on hinges at the gate posts. They are characterized by different movement dynamics and require an accurate distribution of driving force to ensure smooth and even opening of both leaves. Unlike sliding gates, which move along a straight line, or up-and-over garage doors, which open vertically, double-leaf gates need space to open, which must be taken into account when planning the space around the gate.

Choosing a double-leaf gate drive vs gate parameters

When wondering which double-leaf gate motor to choose, you should first focus on the parameters of the gate and its operation. A well-chosen automation is a guarantee of long-term operation and comfort of using an automatic gate.

Leaf width

The width of the gate has a significant impact on the load of the actuators. The longer the gate, the greater the pressure it puts on the drive mechanism. This requires drives with greater power and strength to be able to effectively and safely handle the weight of the leaves, without the risk of overload or damage.

Leaf weight

The weight of the gate directly affects its inertia. Heavier gates require stronger drives, capable of generating more force, necessary to start and stop the movement of the leaves. Therefore, when choosing a drive, it is important to know exactly the weight of the gate to ensure adequate power and avoid overloading the system.

Airiness of the leaf

Airiness, i.e. the air resistance acting on the gate, is particularly important in the case of gates with a large surface area, which act like a sail. Even if the gate is small and light, its filling can make it put significant resistance to the wind, which requires the use of stronger and more durable drives. This allows to ensure stable and failure-free operation, even in difficult weather conditions.

Double-leaf gate motor for narrow and wide posts

The drive operation geometry in double-leaf gates is crucial, especially with different post widths. An important parameter when choosing a gate drive is the distance from the center of the hinge to the edge of the post. The installation angle of the actuator and its distance from the hinges directly affect the efficiency and durability of the system. When the hinge is embedded deeper, e.g. in a brick post, an actuator with a longer reach is required to ensure proper operation.

Frequency of using the gate

The frequency of using a double-leaf gate has a significant impact on the choice of the appropriate drive. For occasionally used gates, standard drives may be sufficient. However, in places where the gate is used intensively – for example in companies, housing estates or other high-traffic facilities – it is necessary to use drives with greater strength and reliability. Choosing a drive resistant to intensive use minimizes the risk of failure and the need for frequent servicing.

Personal preferences when choosing a swing gate motor

A good drive, apart from matching the gate, must meet the user’s requirements.

It is worth paying attention to a few important aspects:

• Possibility of self-assembly: Not every manufacturer of gate drives allows self-assembly. Customers who prefer self-installation should make sure that the selected drive model is adapted for this and whether clear installation instructions are included. Otherwise, it may be necessary to commission the installation to a professional installer.
• Commissioning installation to a professional: If the customer prefers the installation to be performed by a specialist, it is important to check the availability and qualifications of installers in the given region. Professional installation provides greater certainty of correct installation and system functioning.
• Opening angle: As standard, every drive provides the ability to open the gate up to 90 degrees. However, with wider angles, not every actuator will work. To achieve wider angles, actuators with a long extension or an underground actuator will be needed.
• Drive functions: Customers should consider what functions are important to them. Basic models may only offer opening and closing functions, while more extensive models may offer additional features, such as extensive safety systems, emergency battery power, or quick opening. The choice depends on the individual needs and preferences of the user.
• Warranty period: Different manufacturers offer different warranty conditions for their products. A longer warranty period can be an indicator of higher product quality and reliability. Customers should also pay attention to what exactly the warranty covers and what the service procedures are in the event of a failure.

Which double-leaf gate drive will be appropriate?

The table below presents the choice of drive depending on the specificity of the gate. You must now compare this with the operating parameters of your gate.

For example:

• 180cm leaf, 50kg, embedded on a 10cm post (hinge in the middle = 5cm embedding depth), 50% filled, opened a few times a day.

In this case, ETM-01 Light is immediately out due to increased airiness. For the automation to be well-chosen, it must meet all requirements. A good choice in this case will be the ETM-01 Fortis, ETM-02 or ETM-03 gate drive.

• 250cm leaf, 100kg, embedded on a 40cm clinker post (hinge in the middle = 20cm embedding depth), 60% filled, opened dozens of times a day (small company).

Here we exclude ETM-01 Light due to increased airiness, ETM-01 Fortis due to hinge embedding depth, and also ETM-02 due to the high duty cycle. We are left with the ETM-03 automation.

It is also worth paying attention to additional information such as the possibility of self-assembly or functions offered by the drives. It is worth noting that ETM-03 has the option to extend the warranty up to 3 years when installed by an authorized installer.

Summary

I hope this article has helped you choose the right double-leaf gate motor. Remember that every gate requires an individual approach, and the choice of the appropriate drive depends on many factors.

If you have any questions or doubts, I cordially encourage you to contact our advisors. We will be happy to help you choose the ideal solution tailored to your needs. You can also use our drive selection tool, which will help you make the best choice. We provide professional support at every stage of selecting and using our products.