There are four main ways to automate a gate. Here's how they compare, and how I decide which one to recommend.
Side by side
| Overground | Underground | Hydraulic | Sliding | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gate type | Swing | Swing | Swing (or sliding) | Sliding |
| Starting price | on survey | on survey | on survey | on survey |
| Visible? | Yes, on the gate | No | Rams visible, or hidden underground | Motor beside the gate |
| Heavy gates | Good | Good | Excellent | Good to excellent |
| Heavy use | Good | Good | Excellent | Good to excellent |
| Groundwork | Little at the gate | Foundation boxes | Depends on type | Base and track |
| Servicing | Easy | More involved | Specialist | Easy |
Comparing Electric Gate Motors for Carlisle Driveways
There's no single best gate motor, only the best one for your gate and driveway. Overground motors are cost-effective and easy to service, underground motors are hidden away, hydraulic motors suit heavy and busy gates, and sliding motors drive a gate sideways along a track.
The right choice depends on the gate's size and weight, the pillars, the slope of the drive, how often it's used and how you want the entrance to look. Adrian will talk you through the options on site.
Which Gate Automation Suits Your Property?
For most homes around Carlisle, overground motors are the sensible starting point. If you'd rather see nothing on the gates, underground automation is the answer. Where there's no room to swing, a sliding gate and motor usually works best.
Whichever type you choose, we fit CAME automation sized to the gate and force test the finished installation to BS EN 12453. Motors for existing gates are priced after a free site survey.
Overground motors
The all-rounder. Motor arms on the inside of the gates, fixed to the posts. Cost-effective, quick to fit and easy to service. The main downside is that you can see them. See overground gate automation.
Underground motors
Hidden in drained foundation boxes under each gate. The neatest look, and harder to tamper with. They cost more and need groundwork – and the drainage has to be right in our climate. See underground gate automation.
Hydraulic motors
Oil-driven rams or underground units. Very strong and smooth, built for heavy, large, windy or very busy gates. For new installations on gates like these we fit heavy-duty CAME motors. See hydraulic gate automation.
Sliding gate motors
A motor beside the gate drives it sideways along a toothed rack. Often the cheapest to automate, great for slopes and short driveways, and very secure. The gate needs a clear run to slide into. See sliding electric gates.
How I choose
- Swing or slide? Set by your driveway and how much space you have.
- How heavy and how large is the gate? And is it solid enough to catch the wind?
- How often is it used? A family home is very different from a car park.
- Do you mind seeing the motors?
- What's the budget?
I'll walk you through it on site and recommend what I'd fit on my own gate.
Call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752.
Questions people ask me
Which gate motor lasts the longest?
Hydraulic systems have a reputation for long life on heavy-duty gates, but any good motor that's properly sized and serviced will last many years.
What's the cheapest way to automate a gate?
For gates you already have, overground swing gate motors are normally the most cost-effective. I'll price it after a free site survey.
Are underground motors worth the extra?
If looks matter to you, yes. If not, overground motors do the same job for less.