Overview of Driveway Slide Gates
Slide gates are most commonly used for commercial gate automation systems. However, slide gates are an excellent choice for residential driveway gate automation when the site has size limitations. Typically, slide gate operators are used for large, single leaf gates but dual or bi-parting configurations are an option.
In general, a slide gate installation takes more talent and money to get right and should only be attempted by do-it-yourselfers with good mechanical skills.
This article addresses gate types, gate components, gate hardware, installation tips and driveway gate automation.
Guide Rollers & Guide Extensions:
As the name implies, the guide rollers guide the gate on its path and keep the gate upright. They are constructed of hard plastic, or rubber and are available in varying lengths from 3” - 12”. Guide rollers can be stacked to accommodate gates with tall center designs.
A roller guide extension is welded to the gate frame, and leads the gate through the roller guide assembly. This is necessary because, in most cases, the roller assembly is located a few inches beyond the end of the gate.
V-Groove Wheels:
The V-Groove wheel rides on a track which is a piece of angle iron with the corner facing up. These wheels are placed in “wheel boxes”. The wheel box pictured here has some additional skirting welded on the bottom to prevent feet from being run over. This additional skirting is not a requirement but is recommended. In this instance, the home owner was cautious about her young children and had the extra safety measure added.
V-Groove wheels come in various grades; economical cast iron, high grade plastic, stainless steel and cold rolled steel. Since these wheels get a lot of use, it pays to buy premium wheels. .A premium v-groove cold rolled steel wheel with sealed bearings, as seen here, will last the lifetime of the gate.
Mooring Point (Gate Catcher):
The mooring point, also known as a "Gate Catcher", holds the gate in place when it is closed. Gate mooring points can be custom made, or factory supplied. Some factory made units contain nylon blocks which prevent scuffing of the gate finish.
End Stop:
End stops prevent the gate from running off the track. They are welded directly to the track usually a few inches beyond the stop point. The gate should not hit the end stop during normal operation. They are strictly a safety device in case of operator malfunction or if the gate is pushed by other means
Chain Tensioner:
Chain tensioners keep the chain tight. The chain stretches over the course of usage. The tensioner is a threaded bolt with two retaining nuts for adjustment. It is important to leave a little slump in the chain. If is too tight, it will prematurely destroy the idler wheels in the operator. Tensioners are located at each end of the chain.
Chain Extension Arm:
In most slide gate installations, the chain is threaded through the operator. An arm that is about 24” - 28” in length is welded to the end of the
Grade Beams:
Grade beams are highly recommended and should be used on all bi-parting gates and gates with columns. The beam locks the post or columns together as one unit providing more surface area for the entire structure. This prevents any dramatic settling and the post or columns from tilting. It also keeps by-parting gate leaves in precise alignment.
Slide Gate Operator:
A slide gate opener is a good choice when the gate is on a steep grade and you cannot, or do not want to open the gate outwards. Sometimes it is a matter of controlling a very wide entrance where a swing gate would be impractical. If your driveway has a significant side-to-side slope, you should consider an operator that has a braking system.
Slide openers are available in AC, battery, and solar powered models. Commercial units are available that can operate gates up to 40’ long, and weigh several thousand pounds