How Reliable Are Electric Gates?

There’s a wide variety of electric gate system manufacturers to choose from and each has their own range of swing gate motors and sliding gate motors. Some are more expensive than others, but is opting for a cheaper alternative worth the saving when it comes to reliability? Here at Linkcare, we’ve looked into just how reliable these electric gates are, so you can be sure that your investment in electric gates is the right one. 

Predicting the reliability of gates is not easy due to the unique nature of each installation. Every electric gate system is bespoke and the combination of gates, automation system, location, weather and amount of gate use depends on your personalneeds and desires. The material of your gates, be it heavy steel, hardwood or the lighter aluminium, how often you need access through the gates each day and whether gates are in a position that is likely to experience strong winds are just three of the many factors that dictate what type of gate motor you will need. 

In addition to external factors, there are also a few decisions that need to be made in regard to what you want in terms of aesthetics and convenience. There are various types of motor including ram, underground, in-post and those with an articulated arm depending on how you want the end product to look and function. 

As with many things, you get what you pay for when it comes to gate automation. A cheaper gate system will not last as long and is costed for based on its usage levels and the size and/or weight of the gate. Beyond that, other costs are usually determined by the gate material construction as well as the inclusion of extra elements such as video wireless intercom. Somewhat unsurprisingly, gates that require frequent use, are made of heavy material or those that are in particularly windy positions are just some examples that will require a more powerful, and thus more expensive, motor. Alternatively, gates that have a lower frequency of operation, are made from lighter materials and are in a sheltered position will not require such powerful motors, meaning the less expensive option could do the trick. 

Regardless of your budget and the price of your desired gates, it’s important to factor in the cost of a gate service. As with most things, electric gates need to be properly maintained. This involves annual, bi or even tri-annual servicing to keep them in proper working order. Failure to service electric gates will result in many possible issues and potential breakdowns, making maintaining your gates an absolute priority.

Some of the most common issues include:

• Flooded underground motor housing, resulting in motor failure
• Seized hinges
• Debris in mechanisms that accelerates wear
• Gate issues where wooden gates contract and expands because of the weather
• Rust or rot depending on what the gate is made from
• Seized, noisy or worn sliding gate wheels and track
• Bent or broken swing gate arms, brackets or rams
• Gate motors failing with the gates closed, open or somewhere in between
• Seized manual release mechanisms that won’t operate when you need them to open your gates
• Failure or misalignment of safety components such as photocells
• Damage from vehicle impact
• Slugs and other creepy crawlies getting into control boxes and wrecking control panels.

Much like you wouldn’t drive a car without ensuring that the brakes, engine and fuel systems were all working safely, it’s important to give gates as much attention as they need to keep them in full working order. The reliability of electric gates is mostly dependent on purchasing gates that are right for your property and maintaining them accordingly. Here at Linkcare, we will always offer honest advice about the type of gate system is best-suited to your requirements. 

If you’d like to talk to us about electric gate kits or have any queries on their installation, don’t hesitate to contact Linkcare and a member of our friendly team will be more than happy to assist.