Swing gate openers fall into two main categories: articulating arm operators and linear actuators. Understanding the difference between these two types is the first step in choosing the right opener for your installation.
Articulating Arm Operators
Articulating arm operators are less common in modern installations but remain the right choice for specific applications. They are most frequently used on brick pillar installations, where the arm needs to reach around or into the pillar structure to connect to the gate. They are also suited to rising gate applications, where the gate swings upward on an angle to open rather than a level swing.
Articulating arm systems come in smaller and larger variants. It is important to note that smaller units are typically not suitable for rising gate applications — always check the manufacturer's specifications before selecting a unit for this purpose.
Linear Actuators
Nowadays Linear actuators are the more common choice for residential swing gate installations. This category is primarily assessed on two criteria: stroke length and thrust.
Gate weight is generally not a significant factor in residential applications, provided the gate is correctly hung on bearing hinges. A gate that is difficult to move by hand is almost always a hinge issue rather than a motor issue, and this should be addressed before automation is installed.
Stroke length determines the maximum gate width the operator can handle, but it also provides flexibility in accommodating non-standard installations — such as unusual gate positioning or oversized posts — where a shorter stroke would be limiting.
Thrust describes how much force the motor can apply to push the gate through resistance. Here's how the common thrust ratings compare in practical terms:
Around 1,000N is adequate for open-style gates or clad gates in sheltered locations, but is not well suited to situations involving meaningful load or resistance (wind resistance).
Around 2,000N offers improved capability against loads and resistance. However, it is worth noting that most standard linear actuators in both of these thrust classes operate on a timed travel principle — meaning the motor runs for a set period of time to reach the open or closed position. If wind, weight, or resistance slows the gate significantly, it may not reach its end position before the timer cuts the motor out.
For installations where greater force is required — such as heavily clad gates, exposed sites, or locations with consistent wind resistance — specialty operators such as the AXO series are the recommended solution. These units can deliver up to 4,500N of thrust and use a travel encoder rather than a timed travel system, meaning the motor responds to actual gate movement rather than elapsed time. This makes them far more reliable in demanding conditions.
You can browse our full range of swing gate openers and filter by thrust rating or model series here.