When homeowners decide to add a gate or install an automatic electric gate openers, they often want to know how to choose the right system for their home. Whether they’re looking for something that allows them to just walk up to the gate, enter and leave with a push of a button on their smartphone or keychain remote, or one that is more secure, there are several options out there that may help. But, the type of gates and the way they operate will determine what sort of system is best suited to them.

Most residential homeowners and commercial owners can benefit from the added security and convenience of an automatic gate system. The main components of any gate automation system are the gates, sensors and motors (also known as openers). A gate can be a sliding or swinging door, barrier arm, or even a traditional fence. Ultimately, this will decide what sort of motor is needed to operate it.

The most common type of automatic gate opener is an electromechanical operator, also known as a “screw drive” type. These operate by spinning an internal threaded rod to extend and retract a bracket mounted on the gate mounting, which in turn moves the gate open or closed. This type of operator is relatively affordable, easy to install and can be used with most swing or sliding gates, but they are not the most secure option.

Hydraulic operators are another popular choice for swing gates, but require high voltage power and are more expensive. They work by pushing hydraulic fluid through a closed loop system that turns a gear assembly or pushes a piston, which in turn moves the gate. They are generally more secure than electromechanical gate systems, but may require maintenance or replacement parts more frequently.

Articulated arm motors are another popular option for a variety of applications, including swing gates. They operate in a similar fashion to ram operators but have a hinged arm that can be moved around wider objects, which makes them the preferred option for gates with large pillars that may not fit the straight arm of a ram motor.

Many of the above types of operators can be installed underground, providing a more discreet aesthetic that is ideal for some installations. This is more complex to install and can cost a bit more than above ground systems, but it offers the added peace of mind that the gate is still functional in the event of an outage or other issue.

In addition to these basic types of gate motors, there are more specialized systems available for curved slide gates, cantilever slides, on-slope slides with recuperation gear, and other custom configurations. Often, the right operator for a given gate can be determined by having an experienced professional assess the needs and capabilities of the client’s property.

Lastly, most modern gate systems include at least some form of backup battery to ensure the gate remains operational in the event of a power outage or other electrical issue. This can be a very important feature, especially for those living on properties with busy streets or roads that can make it difficult to get out of the driveway if the gate isn’t able to be opened manually.