Choosing the right gate system for your project with an introduction to the five types of gates Ametco manufactures: single swing gates, double swing gates, cantilever gates, monorail cantilever gates, and v-roller gates. AMETCO designs and manufactures these types of gates using infill panels to match your security, weight, durability and cost requirements. Below is a short overview of each style of gate.
Single Swing Gates
Single Swing gates pivot from a post and swing outward or inward, resembling a standard door. They're Ideal for properties with ample entry space to accommodate the gate's arc. The standard single swing gate features a tube frame design, a bolt in infill panel, and a padlockable slide bolt, and cane bolt. However, they can be fitted with panic bars and other hardware that are specified separately. Single swing gates are usually operated manually but can be fitted with gate openers.
Pros:
- Simplicity of design and operation.
- Cost-effective in terms of installation and maintenance.
- Work well with most hardware options including panic bars.
Cons:
- Can be heavy if closing a large opening.
- Requires greater swing distance when opening and closing the gate.
Double Swing Gates
Similar to single swing gates, but consists of two gate leaves that meet in the middle. Double swing gates are often installed on wider entrances where a single swing gate would be impractically large and very heavy. The standard double swing gate features a tube frame design, with bolt in infill panels, and a padlockable slide bolt, and cane bolts. Additional hardware can be specified separately. Double swing gates are usually operated manually but can be fitted with gate operators.
Pros:
- Balanced, as the load is distributed between two gate leaves.
- Can accommodate wider entrances.
- A smaller swing radius is needed when opening and closing the gates since the space is divided by two gate leaves.
Cons:
- Harder to fit on a slope or in an area with grade changes.
- Can sag and not close correctly if installed improperly.
- Need adequate area for the gate to open into.
Cantilever Gate:
Cantilever type gate systems are most often used with gate operators which are specified separately.
Pros:
- No ground contact means less wear and tear and smoother operation in various weather conditions.
- Suitable for wide and heavy gates.
Cons:
- Requires the largest tail of any of our rolling gates. To insure the gate works properly you need a tale section which is 66% of the opening size.
- With a large gate it is harder to have enough space for the gate to park in when it is in the completely opened position.
- More complex installation. A cantilever gate is typically heavier and often require lift equipment to install.
Monorail Cantilever Gate:
Monorail Cantilever gates feature a track that is mounted to the bottom of the gate frame. These tracks ride on roller carriages that are mounted on a cement footer at ground level. This track system cuts down on the size of the tail needed to stabilize the gate. This is the smoothest and most maintenance free of all the cantilever gate options.
This type of gate system is most often used with gate operators which are specified separately.
Pros:
- Requires the smallest tail of the cantilever gates.
- This gate only needs 33% of the opening size in the tail giving you a much smaller gate overall.
- Smooth rolling and virtually maintenance free gate.
- Excellent for large gates.
Cons:
- Roller carriages are mounted into a concrete footer. These footers vary in size depending on size and weight of the gate and can be large.
- More complex installation. A monorail cantilever gate is typically heavier and often require lift equipment to install
Roller or V-Roller Gate System
A v-roller gate system moves along a track installed on the ground, guided by rollers on either side of gate and wheels mounted to the bottom of the gate frame. The v-roller track is made of galvanized steel and is attached to the surface with fasteners.
The total gate size is smaller than a standard cantilever gate, only 55% of the opening size is required for the tail.
This type of gate system is most often operated with gate operators which are specified separately.
Pros:
- Effective in providing high-security with robust operation.
- Smaller tail size means a smaller overall gate.
Cons:
- Track requires regular maintenance to keep it secured to the surface.
- In areas with snow and ice the track will need to be cleaned off regularly to insure the gate can operate properly.
- High maintenance gates compared to other options.
- Needs to operate on a flat surface with no obstructions since the gate rolls on the ground.
When deciding which gate system to specify or install, factors like space availability, budget, maintenance capabilities, and security needs should be considered.
Materials:
These gates are made from aluminum or steel. The choice between aluminum and steel depends on the required strength and the environment (e.g., steel is more robust, but aluminum is more resistant to corrosion and lighter weight). Ametco offers a variety of both aluminum and steel infill panel designs to match any application. Visit our Panels page, click on "Gates" under the Applications tab for design ideas.