Automated Gate Operators

Operator sizing is not guesswork. Undersized operators run hot, cycle slowly, wear out quickly, and may fail to move the gate in adverse conditions. Oversized operators waste money and may stress gate components.

The key variables are gate weight, gate width (for swing gates, this affects leverage), wind load, desired speed, and cycle frequency. Manufacturers publish specifications, but catalog ratings often assume ideal conditions, new gates, no wind, moderate temperatures. Real-world sizing adds margin for degradation over time and environmental factors.

For commercial and industrial applications, duty cycle matters significantly. A gate that cycles 10 times a day has different requirements than one cycling 100 times daily. High-cycle operators cost more but are built for continuous duty, the cost difference is small compared to premature failure.

We calculate operator requirements based on actual gate specifications and intended use, then select from operators that meet or exceed those requirements. The small additional cost of proper sizing pays back in reliability and longevity.

UL 325 is the safety standard for gate operators. It specifies requirements for entrapment protection, the devices and systems that prevent the gate from injuring people or damaging vehicles. All operators we install are UL 325 listed.

UL 325 listing means the operator has been tested to meet safety requirements when installed with appropriate safety devices. The listing does not mean the operator is safe by itself, it means the operator can be part of a safe system when properly installed with photo eyes, edge sensors, or other required devices.

The 8th edition of UL 325 (current) significantly increased safety requirements compared to earlier versions. Systems installed under older editions may not meet current requirements. When replacing operators, we evaluate whether the entire system needs updating for current compliance.

Solar-powered operators serve locations without grid power, rural properties, remote facilities, and sites where trenching for electrical service is impractical or cost-prohibitive.

Solar systems combine photovoltaic panels, battery storage, and low-power operators. The panels charge batteries during daylight; the batteries power the operator around the clock. Proper sizing must account for worst-case conditions: winter days with minimal sun, sequential cycles without recovery time, and battery degradation over time.

Solar works well for low-cycle applications, residential driveways, ranch gates, remote facility entries with modest traffic. High-cycle commercial use typically exceeds what solar can reliably provide; grid power or a generator is necessary.

The main failure mode for solar systems is insufficient battery capacity or degraded batteries. Quality systems use deep-cycle batteries sized with margin, and include battery monitoring. Cheap systems cut corners on batteries and fail when cloudy weather coincides with heavy use.

Operators require regular maintenance to function reliably. Neglected operators fail sooner and fail unpredictably, often at inconvenient times.

Basic maintenance includes lubrication (arm pivots, chains, gears), limit verification, safety device testing, battery inspection (for backup power), and control board inspection. High-cycle commercial operators need quarterly attention; light-use residential systems may need only annual service.

Manufacturer maintenance schedules provide a starting point, but actual requirements depend on use intensity and environment. Dusty sites need more frequent attention than clean ones. Coastal installations require corrosion inspection. High-cycle operations wear components faster.

We offer maintenance programs that include scheduled service, priority emergency response, and documentation for compliance and liability purposes. Scheduled maintenance costs less than emergency repairs and extends equipment life.