This is a common question with many variables. The guide below will help you make an informed decision when selecting the most suitable gate type for your property.

Sliding Gates

A sliding gate travels parallel to your fence line, so available space along that fence is the primary consideration.

Space requirements: Measure your driveway opening, then measure back that same distance in the direction the gate will travel. You will need at minimum: the full width of the driveway opening, plus 400–500mm for the gate's tail section, plus a further 200mm for an emergency overrun gate stop. If there is insufficient clear area a Telescopic gate system could be used.

Pedestrian access: Check whether the gate will slide across a pedestrian gate or walkway when opening. This is a safety hazard and should be avoided where possible. If it cannot be avoided, additional safety measures must be implemented. Note that all of our sliding gate motors include an input for a sensor or contact switch to prevent the gate from opening when the path is obstructed.

Surface considerations: Assess whether the area the gate travels across is concreted/about to be concreted or whether a strip footing can be installed. If neither is practical, a Cantilever sliding gate may be a better solution as it does not require a ground track and can be used when the driveway is concreted in a way that does not suit a sliding gate, pavers or gravel.

Driveway gradient: The slope of the surface the gate travels across is an important factor, as incline directly multiplies the effective load on the gate motor. For example, a gradient of just 3° increases the working load on the motor by approximately 50%.

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Double Swing Gate

A double swing gate is generally preferred over a single swing gate in most residential installations. The load on each motor is reduced, the shorter individual gate width improves leverage and holding strength, and the narrower swing arc allows for better driveway clearance.

Space requirements: Measure your opening and divide by two — this is the approximate width of each gate leaf (referred to here as measurement A). From your post, pier, or fence line, measure back the distance of measurement A. If this conflicts with driveway parking and leaves less than 500mm of clearance when the gate is fully open, consider installing an additional photocell to prevent the gate from operating when a vehicle is incorrectly parked. If space is too limited, a sliding gate or bi-fold swing gate may be more appropriate.

Motor clearance: A minimum of 140mm is required behind each gate when fully open to accommodate a gate motor, including the post the gate is hinged on. If this cannot be achieved on both sides, a single swing gate may be considered. It is worth noting that if a paling fence is present and the palings are on your neighbor's side, this often provides some additional clearance.

Gate stops: If a ground-level gate stop can be installed and the gates sit close to the driveway surface, a standard setup is suitable. If a ground stop is not possible, a magnetic lock is recommended — however, please note that magnetic locks are not compatible with solar-powered gate systems.

Clad or covered gates: If the gate is clad or covered, we recommend using an automatic lock. Our units are fully automatic and release just before the motor begins to operate, and they are compatible with both solar and mains-powered gate motors. If the gate is susceptible to wind loading consider a high-thrust motor such as the AXO 3 or AXO 5 should be used.

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Single Swing Gate

A single swing gate is best suited to situations where there is insufficient space for a motor on both sides, or for rural and farm gate applications.

Space requirements: This option requires the most driveway space, as the full width of the opening swings in one direction. Measure back the full opening width to confirm it does not conflict with vehicle parking.

Locking: Regardless of gate size, an automatic electric lock is strongly recommended. The width of a single gate creates significant leverage, meaning even moderate force applied to the gate can place excessive strain on the motor without a lock in place.

Cladding: Avoid cladding or covering a single swing gate where possible. If cladding is necessary, a high-thrust motor such as the AXO 3 or AXO 5 should be used.

Gate stops: A ground stop is not required for a single swing gate, as a physical stop can be mounted on the gate post (opposite post to the hinge).

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Not sure which option suits your property? Call us on (03) 9123 1226 for a no-obligation assessment with one of our specialists.