Gate Automation – Automatic Gate Motors Ultimate Guide
Choosing the Right Gate Automation System
The right gate automation system depends on several factors, including the type and size of the gate, gate weight, frequency of use, available power supply, and the availability of spaces and clearances. Selecting a motor based only on the gate’s weight is not always sufficient. The gate’s construction, condition, slope, operating environment, and daily usage should also be considered.
At Tigerlink Hardware, we offer automatic gate motors and automation solutions for a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Our range includes sliding gate motors, swing gate motors, underground gate motors, control boards, remote controls, safety sensors, access control systems, and other gate automation accessories.
Power Options for Automatic Gate Motors
Gate automation systems are available with different power configurations to suit the installation environment. Common options include mains-powered, low-voltage, and solar-powered systems.
Mains-powered systems are generally suitable for installations with readily available electrical power and can be well suited to gates that experience frequent use. Low-voltage systems can provide greater flexibility where the motor is located some distance from the main power source.
Solar-powered gate automation can be particularly useful for remote locations where running mains power to the gate is impractical. However, the available sunlight, battery capacity, daily usage, and number of connected accessories should all be considered when designing a solar-powered system.
Mains Voltage Motor simply means you can plug the motor straight into the wall socket. The description of the motor might be labelled as 240v, 12v, or 24v. However, as long as it is not labelled as low voltage, that most likely means it has no external transformer and has a plug that can be connected directly to an ordinary wall socket.
Benefits:
Consistent and reliable power
Suitable for high usage
Supports larger and heavier gate motors
Low Voltage Motor requires an external transformer box that supplies power to the gate motor through low-voltage wiring. Modern transformer boxes are plug-and-play, letting you convert a mains voltage motor to low voltage simply by using different terminals on the control board.
Benefits:
Electrician not required to run the power wire
Up to 50m distance between the motor and power source
Solar Motor is an independent, isolated DC power configuration. It works really well in areas with abundant sunlight but can get problematic in fall and winter with limited sunlight. However, it is not suitable for very high usage or with accessories due to its reliance on batteries as its power source.
Benefits:
No need for mains power source
Ideal for installations in remote areas
Sliding Gate Automation 101
Sliding gate motors are designed for gates that move horizontally along a track or rail. They are commonly used for residential driveways, commercial entrances, warehouses, factories, and other properties where space is available alongside the gate opening.
When selecting a sliding gate motor, important factors include the total gate weight, gate length, operating frequency, gate construction, and condition of the track. A properly sized motor provides smoother operation, reduces unnecessary strain on the mechanical components, and helps improve the long-term reliability of the automation system.
Tigerlink supplies sliding gate motors in a range of capacities to suit different gate sizes and applications, from residential driveway gates through to heavier commercial and industrial gates.
This is everything you need to choose, install, and set up a sliding gate motor. Explore detailed technical specifications, product manuals, installation guides, and tutorial videos covering our range of sliding gate motors—all in one place.
Swing Gate Automation & Underground Motors 101
Swing gate motors are designed to automate gates that open inward from a fixed hinge point. Depending on the gate design and available space, swing gates can be automated using articulated arm motors, linear arm operators, or underground motors.
The appropriate swing gate motor depends on factors such as gate leaf width, gate weight, hinge position, opening angle, wind exposure, and frequency of operation. Double swing gates require a motor for each gate leaf, with the control board coordinating both motors for synchronised operation.
Underground gate automation provides a discreet solution where the motor is installed beneath the gate rather than mounted visibly on the gate or post. This type of automation is particularly suitable for properties where appearance and a clean installation are important.
This is your complete guide to swing gate motors. Find detailed technical specifications, product manuals, installation guides, and tutorial videos for our full range of swing gate motors—all in one place.
Leading Gate Automation Brands
At Tigerlink Hardware, we are very selective of the brands we work with. Therefore, we only supply the trusted and proven gate automation brands known for reliability, performance, and long-term durability in Australian conditions. In addition to leading international brands, we also stock our in-house Tigertech range, which has been extensively tested in real-world conditions. This allows us to confidently supply, support, and stand behind every motor we offer.
Gate Automation Accessories
A complete automatic gate system typically requires more than just the motor. Depending on the installation, additional components may include remote controls, receivers, photocells, safety beams, keypads, intercoms, GSM controllers, Wi-Fi controllers, push buttons, flashing lights, batteries, and replacement control boards.
Safety accessories such as photocells and safety beams can help detect obstacles in the gate’s operating path and are an important part of a properly configured automatic gate system. Access control accessories can also provide additional ways to operate and manage the gate, including remote access, keypad entry, mobile phone control, and smart home integration.
Tigerlink Hardware supplies a comprehensive range of gate motor accessories and spare parts, making it easier to source the components required for installation, maintenance, repairs, and system upgrades.
Finding the Right Automatic Gate Motor
Before purchasing a gate motor, consider the following:
- Gate type – sliding or swing
- Gate weight and dimensions
- Frequency of daily use
- Availability of power supply
- Gate track, hinges, and overall mechanical conditions
- Required opening speed - busy main road vs quiet side street
- Safety requirements
- Remote or access control requirements
- Solar power requirements for off-grid installations
- Availability of replacement parts and accessories
For sliding gates, the motor should be selected based on the gate’s total operating weight and expected usage.
For swing gates, the width and weight of each gate leaf, together with the hinge configuration and installation geometry, are particularly important.
If you are unsure which gate motor is suitable for your application, our product specifications, technical manuals, and gate automation guides can help you compare different options and select the appropriate system.
Gate Automation Support and Technical Resources
Tigerlink Hardware provides more than automatic gate motors. We also provide technical information, product manuals, installation resources, replacement parts, and accessories to help installers and customers select and maintain their gate automation systems.
Our Sliding Gate Motor and Swing Gate Motor resources provide detailed technical specifications, manuals, installation information, and tutorial videos for our range of gate motors.
Whether you are replacing an existing gate motor, automating a new gate, upgrading an access control system, or looking for replacement components, Tigerlink Hardware offers gate automation products and technical resources for a wide range of applications across Australia.
Still need more help choosing the right gate motor or have a more complicated technical question? Our team is happy to assist. For any questions not covered in our online resources, email us at sales@tigerlink.com.au and our team will be happy to help you find the right solution for your application.