Bifold Gate Hardware

[drs3317]

I want to make my steel bi-fold swing gates auto open. I have been able to locate many different openers offered for sliding and single swing gates. However, nothing for bi-fold swing gates. I would prefer to make the hardware myself if I could locate plans. Does anyone offer plans or the hardware? I have two gates each with two panels about 5' each, total 20'. Thanks

 

[Hot Rod Grampa]

Are the gates full height so they hang off a rail on top or are they just floating where you have to physically guide the "loose" end in its travel? If they have a defined path like a top rail I believe it would be easy to adapt a common chain drive opener to move the gate. Otherwise I have no suggestions.

 

[drs3317]

Are the gates full height so they hang off a rail on top or are they just floating where you have to physically guide the "loose" end in its travel? If they have a defined path like a top rail I believe it would be easy to adapt a common chain drive opener to move the gate. Otherwise I have no suggestions.

They are free floating with no guide on the loose end. Although they are heavy, they are very well balanced. They cannot have a top rail because of the design. Although I prefer not to have a ground track, that could be a last resort and would make it somewhat easier. Thanks

 

[86turbodsl]

Give us a photo. That might help.

 

[Zeke]

Here ya go:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nVqvHkELC9w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[newbinga]

We install automated gates. We actually sub it out but I have taken several classes.

I have never seen a design like yours. Usually we would just use two leaves with operators on each side. One problem is you have a crush or pinch point between the leaves when the gate folds. An edge or photocell may work across.

Gates require various safety measures when they are being automated.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[drs3317]

Here ya go:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nVqvHkELC9w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thanks Zeke, That's about what I'm looking for. I just can't seem to locate the hardware.

 

[drs3317]

Give us a photo. That might help.

The second photo shows the gate from the outside while closed. The first photo from inside with the right side gate open. They swing to the outside.

 

[86turbodsl]

You'll probably need custom hardware designed. Do you know any engineers? This is pretty easy stuff for a mechanical.

Sent from my LG-TP450 using Tapatalk

 

[kbs2244]

The swing to the outside may be a problem
All the swing gate openers I have seen assume a "pull" motion.
That would mean all the parts outside the fence.

 

[Jackfre]

We install automated gates. We actually sub it out but I have taken several classes.

Gates require various safety measures when they are being automated.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

Perhaps a listing of safety measures would be in order!