Gate Operator Purchase Guide

• Swing gates open like a regular door in your house.
   
• Sliding gates have wheels and move sideways.
   
• The length of your gate helps determine which opener you need.
   
• Some gates are single-piece (one solid gate) while others are dual-piece (two panels that open in opposite directions).
   
• Make sure you choose an opener made for your type—single swing or dual swing.
   
• Swing gate openers are also rated for the length of each panel (“leaf”). For example, a 20-foot leaf needs a different opener than a 26-foot leaf.
   

• Every gate opener has a maximum weight limit.
   
• Heavier materials, like wrought iron, may need a stronger opener.
   
• If your gate is heavy but in good condition, a heavy-duty opener should work fine.
   
• If your gate is damaged or poorly designed, even a powerful opener might struggle.
   
• When in doubt, check online reviews for the specific opener model.
   

• Some gates open smoothly, others require more effort.
   
• Gates that are stiff or hard to move may need extra torque from the opener.
   
• If the problem is weight, a heavy-duty opener will help.
   
• If the problem is damage or poor design, fix those issues first.
   

• Most openers run on AC power (electricity from your home).
   
• If you don’t have power at the gate, you can:
   
  • Install new wiring, or
     
  • Use solar power.
     
• Modern solar panels are efficient, store energy for later use, and can lower your electric bill.
   

• Many high-quality openers include a backup battery.
   
• This keeps your gate working during a power outage so it won’t get stuck open or closed.
   

• Remotes – The most common way to open your gate.
   
• Keypads – Great for guest access.
   
• Smartphone apps – Some openers connect to WiFi so you can open/close your gate from anywhere.
   

Exit Options (how people leave the property):

1. Inside keypad – Guests enter a code to exit.
    
2. Vehicle exit wand – Detects a moving car within 4–8 feet and opens the gate.
    
3. Underground exit loop – Installed under the driveway, senses a car’s metal frame, and opens the gate. These are long-lasting and often used for commercial properties.