Q: I have a gate that is difficult to push open, will installing an automatic opener fix this problem?
A: If the difficulty in opening the gate is because the driveway is steep and slippery when wet yet the gate it's self moves easily then YES most certainly an automatic opener would fix this problem.
If you have difficulty pushing a gate open because it has stiff hinges or wheels or is binding with the ground or other object then fitting an automatic opener will NOT solve the problem. A gate must firstly be made to open easily before an Automatic Opener is fitted. Click "Can an Existing Gate be Made Automatic" for more information.
Q: I have a driveway that slopes up from the road and I'd like a Swing gate opening inwards so must have rising hinges, can this be made automatic?
A: Yes it can so long as the rising hinges don't provide too much friction or the amount the gate rises isn't so much the gate is really heavy to open.
Q: I live on a steeply sloping street so my driveway is sloped too, can I install a sliding gate on a sloping driveway?
A: Yes so long as the gate isn't too heavy or the slope too steep. Generally anything up to a 30cm rise across a 3m or wider opening and a gate with a metal frame with aluminium or pine pickets will be fine.
Q: I'd like an automatic gate for my driveway but don't think I have enough space, what are my options?
A: Well a sliding gate doesn't take up any driveway space but you need some where for the gate to slide, if you have nowhere for a sliding gate then a double swing gate or bi-folding gate takes up half the driveway space of a single piece gate and because it is automatic you can back right up to it once it's closed. Click "Swing or Sliding Gates" for more information.
Q: If I wanted to install an automatic double swing gate I'd need a power point on each side of my gate wouldn't I?
A: No power is required on one side only for all systems, although double swing gates and Bi-parting sliding gates do require a low voltage cable across the driveway. Grant's Automation's Operators don't require a power point at the gate with battery power option as it requires a low voltage trickle charge run out to the gate only, which can be much easier and cheaper to install than a power point. Click "Power Options" for more information.
Q: I have a gate at the front of my property and I'm sick and tired of opening and closing it by hand, can I have an automatic operator installed to this gate or do I need to get a new gate made?
A: Depends on the gate click "Can an Existing Gate be Made Automatic" for more information.
Q: I know nothing about Automatic Gates and would like to get one installed, where do I start?
A: Click "Things to consider before installing an automatic gate" this will get you started.
Q: Can I fit an Automatic Operator myself to save money?
A: Depends on how handy you are click "DIY Installation" for more information.
Q: What is most likely to go wrong with an automatic gate?
A: Click "Common Problems with Automatic Gates" for information.
Q: My Swing Gate sags, if I put a wheel on the gate will this fix the problem?
A: It may stop the gate sagging but will not make the gate any easier to open, in fact is more than likely to make the problem worse. The best way to repair a sagging gate is to make sure it has a good strong Post and hinges and the gate and post is braced well enough. Click "Posts for Automatic Gates" and "Guide to Swing Gate Hardware" for more information.
Q: Is an automatic gate about the same price as a automatic garage door?
A: No! Automatic Gates are usually more than an automatic garage door because every gate is different so must be custom designed and manufacturered rather than mass produced like Garage Doors. Automatic Gates also have to stand up to the weather, people pushing on them, road dust, ocean air, bugs and lizards trying to make them into their home, bird droppings and dogs chewing on their wires. Not to mention the fact that you need to get power out to the gate and allow for the meter man and other visitors to get in and still keep the dog in so it can chew some more.
And they are normally right out in the front of a property where everyone can see them so need to look nice and run quietly so they don't disturb the neighbours. Most importantly they control access into and out of your property so must work every time even with all the above odds against them. The plus to all this though is a quality automatic gate does provide very good security with no inconvenience and adds value to a property usually by more than the initial outlay.
Q: Are 240V motors are more powerful than 12V or 24V Motors?
A: Not necessarily in fact a 240V motor generally has less torque, heats up more quickly and is larger physically than a similar powered 12VDC or 24VDC motor. But they don't require a transformer so are usually cheaper to buy but then installing a power point at a gate can make it more expensive.
12V and 24V operators also have a much better sensitivity to the gate being obstructed and have no dangerous voltage at the gate making them safer to use. They also allow a reliable battery and solar powered operation that continues to work even if there is a power failure and because they need only a low voltage trickle charge run out to the gate can be a lot cheaper to install.
Q: If I get a cheap automatic Gate opener from Overseas while on holiday and get a mate to install it can I save a lot of money?
A: Not likely, it may look like a cheap option to begin with but by the time you have paid to bring it back, then have your well meaning mate install it for you, who probably has never installed one before, can't follow the installation manual because it is poorly translated so makes all the classic mistakes, leaves you with something that breaks down all the time at really inconvenient moments, can't fix it because no one knows anything about it or has any parts for it.
You'd be better off paying a little more for a proven and reliable locally available system that has clearly written and illustrated instructions and all the technical support you need only a phone call away with someone who knows the operator well.