Sliding gate opener selection

[Mesozoic]

I've got a 10' steel gate that intend to motorize and will need to figure out motorization soon. At the engineering lab I work at, we installed a Nice Apollo gate opener unit for a significantly larger gate. It has been a good perfomer for the better part of a decade. I see that the same manufacturer, Nice Apollo, has a model 7251 slide gate opener (post-mount) - has anyone used this unit and have anything negative to say about it?

You can see the gate in the back behind the airborne worker below.

 

[grounded-b]

I have worked on "Slide-Driver" operators by HySecurity. They seem to be well built

Steve

 

[LXCam]

My eagle has been a rockstar for 20yrs.

 

[ericm]

We have a Door King 9050. It's been reliable, and it opens the gate faster than the last opener we had. Beware putting the heavy steel lid on though, it nearly took a finger off.

 

[Mesozoic]

Thank you providing some feedback on openers you've got experience with. I looked at Doorking, Eagle, and HySecurity - and found many more as well. As this gate is not the main entrance to my building or residence, my needs for it are pretty basic. That being said, I really don't need solar power or battery backup operation which appear to be very common options for slide gate openers.

Has anyone heard of Ramset? They have a model named RAM 50 GB which seems very well priced. The other contender I'm looking at is the Linear Osco GPX-SL25 (also seen this as the GTO GPX-SL25). Both units are priced under $1000, are USA made, and have a range of accessories (I'd be interested in a keypad for access control).

 

[nadogail]

Most of the Chain Drive openers I have worked on were very old but adequate for the purpose. I don't remember their brand names

It has been years since I retired from that line of work.

 

[Mesozoic]

Thanks, all.

What is the consensus on DIY installation? The only reason I am considering DIY is because the quotes I've received from local contractors for the unit + system installation is between $4-5K. I'm finding that a bit steep based on the fact that it's not a primary entrance and will be very infrequently used. I don't really need it, but I figured that I'd be looking at a few hundred dollars for installation rather than an extra $2000-3000 on top of the cost of the unit.

 

[tarmy]

I am installing my replacement operator this week. My GTO crapped out after almost 12 years. Going with a commercial grade LiftMaster.

Removal of old and new install will probably take a few hours...with all the new required safety systems.

OP...the original install is more complicated...power, ground, alignment, underground conduit, concrete base and all the rest...I could see a grand...maybe a bit more depending on your site specific conditions/details.

If you are handy...just do it yourself...not really that complicated...

 

[Mesozoic]

I am installing my replacement operator this week. My GTO crapped out after almost 12 years. Going with a commercial grade LiftMaster.

Removal of old and new install will probably take a few hours...with all the new required safety systems.

OP...the original install is more complicated...power, ground, alignment, underground conduit, concrete base and all the rest...I could see a grand...maybe a bit more depending on your site specific conditions/details.

If you are handy...just do it yourself...not really that complicated...

I think I will wait until the driveway is poured (tomorrow) and everything else is finished - then, once the weather cools a bit, I'll see about installing a unit myself. Thanks!

 

[tarmy]

I think I will wait until the driveway is poured (tomorrow) and everything else is finished - then, once the weather cools a bit, I'll see about installing a unit myself. Thanks!

Get a couple 1” conduit under that driveway for comms and lighting...or whatever...

I always put down a few electric, a water and a 3” ABS for whatever may come up. I end up using them for all kinds of projects...

 

[Mesozoic]

Yep, did that a few weeks ago. 1" conduit out to the wall where the opener might be.

 

[My Old Tools]

We have had a Doorking chain drive slide gate opener on our HOA for about 15-20 years. It's still going strong.