New here, ideas for adding power to sliding gate

[Codyyy]

Hello, I have an old but good working sliding gate that I would like to make motorized. I have found kits like Aleko on Amazon for a great price, I was wondering if this would be the best way to go for this gate or if I should make one up out of some angle iron and a garage door opener. The gate still has a bracket to lock, which I would like to keep unless I can rig up a locking system for it. The gate is in San Diego, so weather conditions aren't a huge factor but I'll keep it covered anyway. Below are a couple pictures of the gate. Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,... If ya hook it up with a chain/ screw drive, ya won't need a lock, I doubt you could push it against the motor,...

You could probably build yer own outa parts like those found at Surplus Center,....

You'd need to power it too,...

 

[Codyyy]

I was wondering about the locking issue. I'll look into that. I could run some conduit through and put the power to the house (house and garage are not together).

 

[kbs2244]

I would consider that a classic DIY, with a garage sale chain drive opener, project.
The ones with the tube type "rail" are the easiest to extend the length on.
You can find EMT that matches the OD and it comes in 20 foot lengths.
The chain comes from the bicycle shop.
Have fun!

 

[rburke65]

Codyyy, welcome to the Garage Journal..... from Ohio! no help here buti wouldn't think itshouldbe too hard to adapt a garage door opener to this. Good luck.

 

[Kiwi Canuck]

If you want to do a more professional install, you can buy a 746 series FAAC motor and controls for that type of gate, maybe $1000 total for new, or find one used. $300 and up.

http://www.faacgatesystems.com/proddetail.asp?prod=FAAC-746-CHAIN-PACKAGE-109775&cat=7

This supplier shows 230VAC only but they are available in 120VAC as well.

You can go rack and pinion or chain drive either works, chain drive is less work to set up.

Don't forget the safety devices, either safety beams or ground loops and watch out for pinch points if you have young kids.

I don't think the regular door operator would have enough power to run that gate as is, you would need to get it running without much rolling resistance otherwise it will bind and get stuck.

I own a company that installs gates as one of our services and we are asked to automate existing gates from time to time, so I have a bit of experience with this topic.

If you need any specific advice you're welcome to PM me.

BTW that Aleko brand looks OK, I do not know it personally but the pricing looks very attractive if it's well built.

Regards,

David

 

[Codyyy]

I'll look into those motors as well. Plans are to install a rail system on the concrete and replace the old rubber wheel with two v-groove wheels, and tighten up the existing pullies on the rails it has. The gate is about 13 feet long and doesn't seem to weigh a whole lot but it definitely needs some work to make it smooth.

 

[Kiwi Canuck]

I just read a bit on the Aleko automatic gate operators, seems they are from China and the biggest issue would be the gears are probably plastic, rather than steel and there are no bearings, so you may need to check that out if you are still considering that brand.

Maybe an email to the vendor to check on the gear drive parts and if they install real bearings.

David

 

[Rookie2]

take a look at this guy.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=281121&highlight=openers

 

[Stuart in MN]

My neighbor used a regular chain drive garage door opener on his sliding gate. He did have to build a sheetmetal rain cover for the drive unit, but it worked fine.

 

[Cyberbear]

I have a gate operator kit I've yet to install but it came with a wireless remote gate latch.
I can receive a message at the gate and open it from the house, or give a special key punch code for the UPS guy, gardener or whoever and cancel with a click. My remote powered gate opener system is run and powered by a rechargeable battery and solar panel.