Sliding or swing
Merlin explains the difference simply: a slide gate runs on wheels along a ground-level track and slides back along a fence line or wall, while a swing gate needs a clear arc to open into. That makes a sliding gate the usual choice for a wide entry or a short, sloping driveway.
Match the motor to the gate
Every sliding gate motor has a weight limit, and the gate's real weight decides the motor. Merlin lists its Slide 600 for gates up to 600 kg and 8m long. CENTSYS says its D5-Evo moves gates weighing up to 500kg, and ATA's Neoslider handles gates as heavy as 800kg.
A solid steel or timber gate weighs far more than an open aluminium one of the same size, so the door specialist will ask what yours is made of and how long it is. A gate that drags on a worn track also needs fixing before any motor goes on, or the motor works harder than it should.
Power: mains, solar or battery
Some motors run on mains power, some on solar, and many on a battery charged by either. Merlin's Slide 600 can run on mains, solar or low voltage, and CENTSYS says the D5-Evo has battery backup so the gate keeps working in a power cut.
Running mains power to the gate is electrical work. Any new circuit or hard wiring is done by a licensed electrician, so mention whether there is power near the gate already.
Handy to know before they call
- What the gate is made of and roughly how long it is
- Whether it already runs smoothly on its track by hand
- Whether there is power near the gate, or plenty of sun for a solar panel
- How many remotes you want, and whether you want phone control or a keypad
Safety beams are not an extra to skip
A motorised gate is heavy and moves on its own. CENTSYS says the D5-Evo senses obstructions, and that its alarm functions need gate safety beams fitted. Merlin says controlling a gate through its myQ app needs Safety IR Beams installed. Keep children and pets clear of a moving gate.
What you can do, and what to leave
You can
- Keep the track clear of stones, leaves and toys
- Watch the gate open and close fully once a month
- Keep remotes out of children's reach
Leave to a door specialist
- Choosing and fitting the motor and its gear rack
- Setting the limits and the obstruction sensing
- New power to the gate, done by a licensed electrician
What we would do
Open the gate by hand before anyone quotes. If it sticks, drags or needs a shove halfway, say so: fixing the wheels or track first is what lets the new motor last.