A sliding gate motor allows you to automate your residential or commercial gate and open and close it using the push of a button. Whether you have a standard sliding gate or an intricate wrought iron security gate, there’s an operator to suit your needs. These powerful operators are designed to withstand regular use and extreme weather conditions. They feature a sturdy structure, painted galvanised steel casing and relative encoder. Many models are also equipped with a personalised key for manual release and have an integrated Web server for remote access. You can choose between different cylinder sizes and finishes, depending on the size of your gate and the power output required.

Sliding gate motors are usually powered by an AC or DC electric motor that turns a reduction gear box to give power to a cog that meshes with the toothed rack on your gate. The gate then moves along the track or roller guides. Sliding gates can be a safety hazard for pedestrians and vehicles, but they can be made safe by placing wire mesh that prevents limbs from being pushed through gaps. It’s also possible to install electronic safety measures that monitor the presence of an object in front of your gate and halt its operation when the danger is detected.

There are also many different ways to operate swing gates, but the most popular method uses an arm or ram that extends to open your gate. Swing gate openers can also include programmable auto-close and adjustable force settings. They can be used for domestic or commercial properties and are typically connected to the gate via a master link or chain and a control unit.

For more demanding applications, you can choose from a range of industrial sliding gate motors that can regulate large and heavy gates. These models have a powerful gear motor and are capable of regulating up to 3500 kg at a speed of 16 metres per minute. They can be operated in both a single or dual operation mode and have a variety of safety features to protect the user from injury.

Bft’s HIDE SL series of industrial gates are the perfect solution for industrial sites that require high power levels without compromising on safety. These operators are hidden inside the gate frame, meaning they’re completely invisible to anyone passing by. They can be customised to match the colour of your fence and come with a wide variety of sensors, including loop detectors and infrared photocells.

Commercial and industrial sliding gate motors are generally used much more frequently than residential ones, so they must be able to deal with the higher duty cycle. They can also be considerably larger and heavier than home driveway gates, so they need more power to operate them. They also need to be able to withstand more extreme weather conditions than their domestic counterparts.