I have a customer with a pair of 18 foot ( 9 foot each gate ) wrought iron gates that he wants to put on a automatic operator. Of course, he would like something that is fairly small and easy to look at .
Does anyone have any experience with a particular manufacturer or distributor for this item?
Thanks,
AD
Listeners write in about insulating an attic roof in a balloon-framed house, sizing a new heat-pump system, attaching extension jambs to a window or exterior door, and more.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Fence and on occasion, automatic door co.s (garage) can put you together with something that could work. Pay particular attention to the Posts the gate will swing on (or consider rolling gates if possible with your design). If you can fix a bearing on a spindle operation will be easier. You won't need a big motor, but a solid post is key.
How heavy are these gates and where do you live. Snow? Coastal with salt spray?
And welcome to Breaktime.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
look at FARM SHOW magazine, seen few openers rigged up for gates . may have to check back ishs. lots of farmers are pretty good @ inventing and are willing to share. Thinking about doing same for myself as I have half dozen reclaimed OH door openers at my disposal. There is probably a specialty Co. that does that sort of thing, with all the 'gated' communities springing up, but probablt much $$$$. Good luck.
IF IT WAS EASY, EVERYONE COULD DO IT!
The opener is the simple part. http://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.asp?UID=2006012107354330&catname=&byKeyword=yes&search=linear%20actuator is a decent selection.
The trip is a little more complicated, light beam, infrared, magnetic vehicle sensor... My vote, and use, is the magnetic sensor. Have one buried in our driveway for 8 yrs. Zero falses, unlike the others. Here's a description http://www.gate-opener.com/gto_exit_wand.html
If you want a kit: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/NTESearch?storeId=6970&N=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=gate%20opener&Nty=1&D=gate%20opener&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial
My interest was an automatic closer. Part of my security arrangement after a problem a few yrs ago. Now, the gate closes after entry. Doesn't open until disabled, not automatic. My driveway sensor does double duty as also an annuciator several hundred ft down the driveway.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
If you want an installed unit look at Chamberlain dealers.
http://www.chamberlain.com/corp/chamberlain_prod_fam/
They have units under the both the Chamberlain and Liftmaster brands. And units for smal man gates upto the larger commercial applications.
you might check on ebay... alot of new ones listed... GTO is one brand thats pretty good... as others have stated the post is where it's at... it's all balance and bearings... if done well they work well... last few gates I've built I've used trailer axle stubs and hubs & bearings for the the lower pivit point & support.. (less than $40 online and if u live in a salt area u can find galv) and a 1" hiem (sp) end on the top for adjustment... with tweeking you can get a 1000lb gate to swing will a few lbs of force...
p
I am in the process of installing a Liftmaster system on gates the same size as yours. They are very heavy duty and somewhat complicated in setup, but appear to be very well designed and built. These require 220 volts.
You can get many options for the openers. This customer has chosen every one as I see it!! You can get push button towers, remote radio units, underground wires like you see at traffic lights etc. etc. I have about 1000# of parts with no coherent directions as to how it all goes together, so I am doing a lot of reading and planning.
All of the materials appear to be of very high quality. I think he probably has about $2000 tied up in materials so far.
You will need an opener for each side of the gate. These are very hefty units and must be placed in precisely the right spot in relation to the gates. You will have to install a plate of some sort on the gate to attach the opener arm.
The operator units are about 12" wide x 18" long x 12" high and must weigh at least 200# apiece.