Sliding gate drive - how to choose? What will be the best?

Sliding gates are an extremely practical solution. Of course, they need the right infrastructure, such as the right drive. What do you need to know about these elements? Which models should be considered and why?

How do sliding gates work and what does the drive look like?

The operation of sliding gates is based on the installation of the entire structure on special steel or aluminum profiles. They have a special cutout in the center where there is room for the gate itself. Of course, the whole structure must be properly balanced and designed to function properly, and many elements are needed to work properly. Of course, you need gate leaves, the drive itself and carriages. In addition to them, you should also mount everything at the right depth. A foundation that is too shallow will shift depending on the season (fall in summer, rise in winter), which is undesirable, and a construction that is too deep will not work properly. We must not forget about the place for electrical installation.

Sliding gate drives and roller assembly

Before we move on to gate automation, it is also necessary to mention rollers. Their design, as well as the manufacturer, can affect the volume and smoothness of the door. In addition, even the highest quality drive will do little if you rely on weak skates. It may turn out that the whole structure is subject to repair a few months after installation due to the poor condition of this element. The choice of rollers themselves is just as important as their correct installation. It is important to mount them at an appropriate distance from each other. Placing them too close may cause the gate not to close completely.

How to choose a sliding gate operator? The most important criteria

The choice of the drive itself should be based on several important criteria:

Type of rack used

The toothed rod is an element that must be compatible with the engine, and the differences are mainly related to the material from which it is made. Plastic rails are fastened with self-tapping screws. As a result, they cannot be mounted on the running profile, as they will block the operation of the door. The advantage of this type of slats is quiet operation, while the disadvantage is that they can only withstand a pressure of about 400 kg. Metal strips don't have this limitation and are more durable, but run a little louder.

Emergency gate opening type

A power failure can cause the gate to shut down permanently, so to prevent this type of failure, make sure that the gearbox can be started in an emergency. It must be easily accessible and made of suitable materials. Metal keys will be the best choice, and a full battery should keep the entire drive running smoothly and properly.

Frequency of gate use

When choosing a motor, you should also pay attention to how often the gate will be used. In domestic conditions, i.e. with a maximum of 50 openings per day, a medium power drive is sufficient. Industrial work, i.e. opening the gate more often than 50 cycles requires more power and therefore a more powerful motor.

Gate size and weight

When choosing a drive, it is worth leaving about 30-40% of the reserve so that the machine does not work at the limit of its capabilities. Too much stress on the structure can cause faster wear. Equally important is the length of the gate, as it does not always correspond to the weight.

What additional features can drives have?

Primary drives are primarily responsible for the movement of the gate, and this is where their scope ends. However, you can find models that have additional features. In many cases, they increase the comfort of using the operator and the gate in general, simply making life easier. An additional feature is, for example, a quiet operation. This prevents excessive noise that some mechanisms can create. Features such as gate slowdown at the end and obstacle detection systems in the path of the gate deserve special mention.

What can affect the operation of the drive?

Not everyone realizes that the deterioration of the drive may be associated not only with the mechanism, but also with the gate itself. If you see that something is sticking, it is worth checking the condition of the wings or, for example, the rails. It may be that the friction generated by the friction of the shutter causes friction that disrupts the operation of the device. Then its efficiency drops, and the wear of the mechanism can occur faster and faster.

What is the best sliding gate operator?

Now that you know the specifics of choosing a door operator, you already know what to look for when buying one. We present the most interesting models, the purchase of which is definitely worth thinking about.

• Motor for sliding gates up to 1300 kg and 6 m. DoorHan SLIDING-1300 – this design is suitable for gates of medium length, but heavy weight. Its voltage is also 220V, and the usage rate is 70%;

• sliding gate operator AB1000 VIDOS – this design is designed for doors with a maximum weight of 900 kg and 15 cycles per hour. Therefore, it can also be used in industry with proper care. The advantage of this drive is the obstacle detection system, which stops the gate when an obstacle is detected. In addition, it allows only partial opening of the gate, for example for pedestrians, and a smooth start and end of work;

• sliding gate operator AB600 VIDOS – the lower power of the device means that it is suitable for lighter gates. At the same time, the maximum weight in kg is 500. The advantage of this model is the smooth adjustment of the torque and the ability to set the time after which the door starts to close automatically.

Check out the offer, compare the parameters of the devices and choose the model that will serve you in the construction of sliding gates that will serve you for many years.

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