Slide Gates
Track-mounted slide gates for wide openings and sites where swing clearance is limited,traveling parallel to the fence line rather than arcing into the approach.
Slide gates solve the clearance problem that limits swing gates. Instead of pivoting on hinges, the gate rolls laterally along a ground track, parallel to the fence line. This eliminates the need for swing arc clearance and handles wider openings than swing gates can manage. The tradeoff is the track itself,it requires level ground, periodic cleaning, and can be affected by debris, ice, or ground movement. When site conditions support a track, slide gates offer reliable operation for commercial and industrial entries.
What We Do
- V-track and flat track slide gates
- Heavy-duty industrial slide gates
- Ornamental slide gates for commercial entries
- Crash-rated slide barriers
- Slide gate automation systems
- Track and roller maintenance
Best Fit For
- Sites with limited swing clearance
- High-traffic entries requiring fast operation
- Industrial facilities with large openings
- Sloped driveways where swing gates are impractical
- High-security applications requiring crash rating
How We Deliver
- Site grading assessment for track installation
- Foundation design for track and guide posts
- Fabrication to match fence and site requirements
- Operator sizing for gate weight and cycle frequency
- Track alignment and commissioning
Standards & Compliance
- UL 325 for automated slide gates
- ASTM F2200 vehicular gate standards
- DOS crash-rating where required
When Slide Gates Make Sense
Slide gates are the solution when swing gates will not work but the site can support a ground track. Common scenarios include: limited space in front of or behind the opening, wide openings that exceed swing gate limits, grades that would interfere with a swing arc, and high-traffic entries where faster operation justifies the additional infrastructure.
The key requirement is lateral space,the gate needs somewhere to go when open. A slide gate requires clear fence line equal to the opening width plus several feet of overlap. A 20-foot opening needs roughly 22-24 feet of lateral space. If that space exists and ground conditions allow a track, slide gates handle openings up to 40 feet or more.
The alternative to track-mounted slide gates is cantilever gates, which eliminate the ground track but require more lateral space and heavier support structure. When ground conditions are problematic,uneven terrain, debris accumulation, freeze-thaw cycles,cantilever gates may be the better choice despite higher cost.
Track Types
Slide gates use either V-track or flat track systems. Both work; the choice depends on gate weight, traffic type, and site conditions.
- V-track: An inverted V-shaped rail set into concrete, with V-groove wheels on the gate that ride in the track. The V-profile is self-centering,the gate naturally stays aligned. V-track handles heavy gates well and is the standard for industrial applications. The recessed track is less prone to damage from vehicles crossing it.
- Flat track: A flat rail surface with flat or flanged wheels. Simpler to install and maintain than V-track. Works well for lighter gates and residential applications. The track sits at or slightly above grade, making it more visible and potentially more susceptible to vehicle damage.
- Inverted track: Some systems mount the track above the gate with trolleys that hang from the rail. Used in specialized applications where ground-mounted tracks are impractical. Less common for perimeter security gates.
Track Installation
The track is the foundation of a slide gate system,if the track fails, the gate fails. Proper installation requires attention to grade, alignment, and concrete work.
Grade: The track must be level along its entire length. Even slight variations cause binding, uneven wear, and operator strain. For long runs, laser leveling during installation is standard practice.
Concrete: The track is typically set in a concrete beam that provides stable support and prevents settling. Beam dimensions depend on soil conditions and gate weight. In poor soils or for heavy gates, the beam may need reinforcement or deeper footings.
Alignment: The track must be straight and parallel to the fence line, with the gate traveling squarely through the opening. Misalignment causes binding at guide posts and uneven wheel wear.
Drainage: Water pooling on or around the track accelerates corrosion and can freeze in winter. The track installation should promote drainage away from the travel path.
Gate Construction
Slide gates are longer than the opening they cover,the gate must extend past the opening on both sides when closed to provide overlap at the latch post and room for the lead trolley or wheels. Typical overlap is 12-18 inches per side.
The frame must be rigid enough to span the opening without sagging. Unlike swing gates where the hinge post carries the load, slide gates are supported only at the wheel points and guide posts. Long gates need substantial frames,heavy tube steel with cross-bracing and diagonal members.
Infill options match the fence system: chain link fabric, ornamental pickets, welded wire, solid panels, or security mesh. Solid panels add significant wind load, which affects frame design and operator sizing.
The bottom rail carries the wheels or trolleys and takes the most abuse. It should be heavy enough to resist bending and positioned to keep wheels at optimal height relative to the track.
Guide Posts and Rollers
Guide posts keep the gate traveling straight and prevent it from lifting off the track. They are positioned at the opening,one at each end,with guide rollers that contact the gate frame.
Guide rollers are typically nylon, UHMW plastic, or steel wheels mounted on the posts. They contact the gate at top and bottom, keeping it vertical and aligned. Adjustable mounts allow fine-tuning after installation.
The latch post (where the gate stops when closed) must be substantial enough to resist impact loads if vehicles contact the closed gate. For security applications, the latch post may include a drop pin or other positive locking mechanism.
Catch posts or safety stops at the open position prevent the gate from traveling too far if limits fail. These are simple but important safety elements.
Automation
Slide gate operators use chain drive, rack and pinion, or direct drive systems to move the gate along the track.
Chain drive: The operator drives a chain loop that attaches to the gate. Simple and economical for lighter gates. The chain requires periodic tension adjustment and lubrication.
Rack and pinion: A gear on the operator engages a toothed rack mounted along the gate frame. Provides positive engagement without chain stretch. Standard for heavy commercial and industrial gates.
Direct drive: The operator wheel or gear contacts the gate frame directly. Used in some residential and light commercial systems.
Operator sizing must account for gate weight, length, wind load, desired speed, and cycle frequency. Slide gates can operate faster than swing gates,10-12 inches per second is common, with high-speed operators reaching 24 inches per second or more for high-traffic applications.
Soft start and soft stop programming reduces stress on the gate and operator by accelerating and decelerating gradually rather than jerking to full speed or slamming to a stop.
Safety Devices
Automated slide gates require safety devices under UL 325, similar to swing gates but with some differences in application.
- Photo eyes: Infrared beams across the opening that stop or reverse the gate if broken. Typically mounted at the opening edges, at heights that detect vehicles and pedestrians.
- Edge sensors: Pressure-sensitive strips on the leading edge of the gate. When the gate contacts an obstruction, the sensor triggers reversal. Important because photo eyes cannot detect objects already past the beam plane.
- Entrapment protection: Slide gates can trap objects or people between the gate edge and the latch post or guide post. Additional sensors or monitored zones may be required depending on the installation.
- Emergency stop and manual release: Required for all automated gates. The manual release allows the gate to be moved by hand during power failure or operator malfunction.
Maintenance
Slide gates require more maintenance than swing gates due to the track, wheels, and chain or rack drive components.
Track: Clean debris regularly,leaves, gravel, dirt, and ice accumulation interfere with smooth operation. Inspect for damage, settling, or misalignment. Address drainage problems that cause water pooling.
Wheels and rollers: Inspect for wear, flat spots, and bearing condition. Lubricate bearings per manufacturer schedule. Replace wheels before they fail completely,a failed wheel can damage the track and gate frame.
Chain or rack: Clean and lubricate chain drives; check tension and adjust as needed. Inspect rack teeth for wear or damage. Lubricate rack and pinion systems per manufacturer recommendations.
Guide rollers: Check adjustment and wear. Replace worn rollers before they allow excessive gate movement.
Operator: Follow manufacturer maintenance schedule. Check limit settings, safety device function, and battery backup systems.
Common Problems
Most slide gate problems trace to track issues, wheel wear, or operator problems.
- Gate binding or jerking: Usually track misalignment, debris in the track, or worn wheels. Clean the track and inspect alignment. Check wheels for flat spots or bearing failure.
- Gate drifting off track: Guide roller adjustment needed, or guide posts have shifted. Realign and tighten.
- Slow operation: Operator undersized for the load, chain stretch reducing efficiency, or increased friction from wear or misalignment. Diagnose the root cause rather than compensating with operator adjustments.
- Gate not closing completely: Limit settings, obstruction in travel path, or track/alignment issues preventing full travel. Check limits first, then inspect the track.
- Excessive noise: Worn wheels, dry chain, or misalignment causing metal-on-metal contact. Identify the noise source and address it,noise indicates wear that will worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How wide can a slide gate be?
- Slide gates commonly handle openings up to 40 feet, with some industrial applications exceeding that. The practical limit depends on available lateral space for the gate to travel, structural requirements for spanning the opening, and operator capacity. Very wide gates may use tandem configurations (two gates meeting in the center) rather than a single long gate.
- Slide gate or cantilever,which is better?
- It depends on site conditions. Slide gates with ground tracks cost less and work well when the ground is level, stable, and can be kept clean. Cantilever gates cost more but eliminate track maintenance and work better with uneven ground, debris, or freeze-thaw conditions. We assess site conditions and recommend the appropriate type.
- How much lateral space do I need?
- You need clear fence line equal to the opening width plus 2-4 feet of overlap. A 20-foot opening needs approximately 22-24 feet of lateral space. The gate travels into this space when open, so it must be clear of obstacles, landscaping, and other structures.
- What maintenance does a slide gate need?
- Regular track cleaning is the most important task,debris accumulation causes most problems. Beyond that: wheel and roller inspection every few months, chain or rack lubrication per manufacturer schedule, and annual operator service. High-traffic commercial gates may need quarterly professional maintenance.
Related Services
Custom-designed and fabricated gates for vehicle and pedestrian access,swing, slide, cantilever, bi-fold, and vertical pivot configurations built to site requirements.
Track-free slide gates supported by roller carriages,eliminating ground track maintenance for rough terrain, debris-prone sites, and harsh climates.
UL 325-listed gate operators for swing, slide, cantilever, and barrier applications, sized for your gate weight, cycle frequency, and operational requirements.
Code compliance and permitting information.
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