Swing Gates

With swing gates, either single or double leaf, what is important is the gate 'geometry'.  Are the gates level, are the hinges plumb, do the gates swing smoothly and without binding or twisting?  What is the position of the hinges relative to the back of the posts?  

Both metal and wooden gates are candidates for automation, but in the case of wooden gates it is better if the gates are hardwood rather than softwood.  The forces applied by the operators can be too much for flimsy gates made of less robust timber.  Also if the gates are solid panels, wind forces must be taken into account and positive locking in the open and closed positions is needed.

Two basic systems are available for swing gate automation – above ground, using hydraulic rams, one end fixed to the gate pillars the other to the gate.  Underground systems utilise a 'shoe' fixed to the bottom of the gate(s) and a shaft going down into the drive unit.  There is usually no bottom hinge on a gate being driven by such a system.