Swing Gate Motors 101
Swing gate motors are a popular choice for residential and light commercial properties where space allows the gate to open inward or outward. Unlike sliding gates, swing gates offer a clean, traditional appearance but require careful consideration of gate size, weight, and opening angle. This guide will help you choose the right swing gate motor based on your gate type, usage, and power requirements.
At Tigerlink, our range of swing gate motors is compatible with various gate configurations, including single swing gates, double swing gates. Whether you need a solution for light residential use or a more robust system for frequent operation, we offer swing gate automation designed for smooth performance, durability, and long-term reliability.
The Ultimate Swing Gate Motor Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right swing gate motor is about more than just finding a motor that "fits." To ensure a reliable, long-term installation, you must consider the physics of your gate, your power options, and the specific geometry of your site.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Motors are rated by both leaf length and weight. To avoid premature failure, you must stay within these limits.
Pedestrian Gates: Up to 1.2m / 80kg.
Small Driveway Gates: Up to 1.8m / 100kg.
Standard Residential: 2m – 2.5m / 200kg (often suited for articulated arms).
Heavy-Duty/Large: 3m – 5m / 400kg – 700kg+ (typically requiring linear arms).
Wind Loading: If your gate is fully-cladded (timber or slats), it acts like a sail. On a windy day, the motor has to fight against immense air pressure. If your gate is solid-clad, always size up to a stronger motor than the weight suggests to ensure it can handle gusty conditions.
The biggest mistake people make is fabricating and installing their gate before checking the clearance or side-room requirements for the motor.
The Clearance Requirement: A motor like the Beninca TOM5024E typically needs at least 300mm of side room to be mounted in the correct position. Without this, the motor cannot create the correct leverage for a smooth, controlled swinging movement.
The Trap: If you mount a gate on a 100mm post directly next to a wall, there isn't enough space to mount the motor with the correct installation geometry.
The Solution: Check the motor’s required dimensions (below) before you build your posts. If space is tight, you may need a different motor type. If you are unsure, talk to our technicians to determine the best setup.
Click here to watch our demonstration video on the correct geometry
How you get power to the gate is a key part of your planning.
Mains Power (240V): Requires a weatherproof power point near the control board. This must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Low Voltage Setup: If you don't have power at the gate, you can run a low-voltage cable from a transformer located where the nearest 240V wall socket is (up to 50m).
Note: Use a 3mm cable for runs up to 30m, and upgrade to 6mm for runs up to 50m to avoid any voltage drop.
Solar Power: The best option for remote locations. While convenient, reliability depends on battery health and sunlight.
Battery Backup: We always recommend a battery backup for both mains and low-voltage systems so you never get locked in during a power outage.
A motor is only as good as the gate it’s attached to.
Bearing Hinges: We recommend these for any gate over 2 meters. They prevent the motor from "fighting" the gate and avoid false obstruction errors.
Adjustable Hinges: Gates move over time. Adjustable hinges allow you to fix a sagging gate in minutes with a spanner, rather than a costly re-installation.
Ground Stops: Physical stops in the "Open" and "Closed" positions are mandatory . They protect the motor gears during storms and are required to maintain your warranty.
Plan the Conduit: One motor cable must run under the driveway to the opposite side. Always lay your conduit before you pour concrete.
Safety Sensors (Photocells): Don’t rely on built-in obstacle detection alone. We recommend two sets of photo beams—one at the posts and one at the leaf-swing distance—to protect vehicles and pedestrians. Mount them at 600mm high (standard) or lower if you have small pets.
Wi-Fi Apps: The Remootio 3 is our top recommendation. It allows you to open your gate from anywhere in the world and manage guest access easily.
Keypads: Wired keypads offer more features (fingerprint/RFID), while wireless keypads are easier to install but require battery changes every 2 years.
GSM Units: Reliable for opening via a phone call, but hardware may need upgrading as cellular networks (4G/5G) evolve.
To keep your motor running smoothly:
Pest Control: Every 3–6 months, place mothballs inside the control box. The odour keeps ants and slugs from frying the electronics—a common issue NOT covered by warranty.
Batteries: Replace backup batteries every 2 years.
Lubrication: Keep hinges greased and ensure the gate still swings freely by hand.
My "Favourite" Setups
The All-Rounder
The Beninca TOM5024E or Beninca TOM5024 Plus with the Brainy24+ Control Board is exceptionally strong and easy to install.
The Space Saver
If you have limited side room, the BFT Kustos BT B40 is the ideal solution.
The Rural Solutions
For single rural gates, the Merlin Swing LR 500 with the Plug & Play Solar Kit is the gold standard. It includes all necessary accessories for a fast, reliable off-grid installation.
If you still have any more questions about our gate motors, feel free to reach out to us here
Contact UsBy: Jaap Went
Pedestrian Swing Gate (Up to 1.8m wide)
Designed for lightweight gates and pedestrian use, these motors are ideal for access control in apartment buildings, residential complexes, and commercial properties. They are engineered with Push-and-Go functionality in mind and are typically non-lockable (additional electric lock can be installed), allowing for safe and convenient manual operation when needed. These systems are also well suited for users with limited mobility, as they reduce the need for physical effort when opening and closing gates.
Suitable for:
Small and light-weight gates
Less than 100mm post size
Posts are right up against walls
If Push-and-Go function is required
Control Board: Thalia
A80
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V AC*
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Offset: 200mm
Max Gate Weight: 80kg
Max Gate Length: 1.2m
Max Opening Angle: 130°
Cable Required: 5-core
Limit Switches: Absolute Encoder
Protection Rating: IP44
Control Board: Thalia
A80
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V AC*
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Offset: 200mm
Max Gate Weight: 100kg
Max Gate Length: 1.8m
Max Opening Angle: 130°
Cable Required: 5-core
Limit Switches: Absolute Encoder
Protection Rating: IP44
Control Board: Built-In
Input Voltage: 240V
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Min Post Size: 80mm
Max Gate Offset: 250mm
Max Gate Weight: 200kg
Max Gate Length: 1.5m
Max Opening Angle: 180°
Cable Required: None
Limit Switches: -
Protection Rating: IP54
Control Board: Built-In
Input Voltage: 240V
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Min Post Size: 60mm
Frame-Post Gap: 15-35mm
Min Frame Size: 40mm
Max Gate Offset: Must be flush
Max Gate Weight: 200kg
Max Gate Length: 1.5m
Max Opening Angle: 180°
Cable Required: None
Limit Switches: -
Protection Rating: IP56
Articulated Arm Swing Gate Motor (Up to 3m wide)
Designed for light vehicle swing gates up to 3m wide per leaf, these motors are ideal for residential homes, townhouse developments, and light commercial properties. They provide reliable automation with smooth operation and are engineered for gates that require dependable performance without the need for heavy-duty equipment.
BFT Virgo Smart BT A200
**Discontinued
Control Board: Thalia
Light
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V AC*
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Offset: 235mm
Max Gate Weight: 200kg
Max Gate Length: 2m**
Max Opening Angle: 120°
Cable Required: 3 or 5-core
Limit Switches: Mechanical
Protection Rating: IP44
**Electric Lock is required
Control Board: Thalia
A80
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Offset: 235mm
Max Gate Weight: 200kg
Max Gate Length: 2m**
Max Opening Angle: 120°
Cable Required: 3 or 5-core
Limit Switches: Electromechanical
Protection Rating: IP44
**Electric Lock is required
Control Board: 041A0290
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Offset: 200mm
Max Gate Weight: 200kg
Max Gate Length: 2.5m**
Max Opening Angle: 120°
Cable Required: 3-core
Limit Switches: Magnetic
Protection Rating: IP44
**Electric Lock is required
Control Board: CP.SAM
Input Voltage: 240V
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Offset: 280mm
Max Gate Weight: 200kg
Max Gate Length: 2.5m**
Max Opening Angle: 120°
Cable Required: 2 or 5-core
Limit Switches: Mechanical
Protection Rating: IP44
Control Board:
Thalia A80
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC*
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Offset: 300mm
Max Gate Weight: 250kg
Max Gate Length: 2.5m**
Max Opening Angle: 125°
Cable Required: 3-core
Limit Switches: Electromechanical
Protection Rating: IP44
**Electric Lock is required
Beninca Premier
Control Board:
Brainy24+
Input Voltage: 240V
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Offset: 300mm
Max Gate Weight: 400kg
Max Gate Length: 3m**
Max Opening Angle: 130°
Cable Required: 2 to 5-core
Limit Switches: Mechanical
Protection Rating: IP44
Linear Arm Swing Gate Motor (Up to 5m wide)
Designed for swing gates up to 5m wide per leaf, these linear arm motors are ideal for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. They provide powerful, reliable automation for larger gates, delivering smooth and consistent operation while maintaining a clean, low-profile installation. Built for demanding applications, they are suitable for gates with higher daily usage and heavier gate leaves.
Best for:
- Swing gates up to 5 m wide per leaf
- Residential, commercial, and industrial properties
- Large and heavy gates
- High-traffic entrances
Control Board: Trust24
/ Brainy24+
Input Voltage: 240V
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Weight: 500kg
Max Gate Length: 3m**
Max Opening Angle: 120°
Cable Required: 2 or 5-core
Limit Switches: Mechanical
Protection Rating: IP44
**Phasing Out
Control Board:
Brainy24+
Input Voltage: 240V
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Weight: 700kg
Max Gate Length: 5m**
Max Opening Angle: 120°
Cable Required: 2 or 5-core
Limit Switches: Mechanical
Protection Rating: IP44
Beninca TOM5024E Plus
**Coming Soon
Control Board:
Brainy24+
Input Voltage: 240V
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Weight: 700kg
Max Gate Length: 5m**
Max Opening Angle: 120°
Cable Required: 2 or 5-core
Limit Switches: Mechanical
Protection Rating: IP44
Control Board: 041A0290
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Weight: 300kg
Max Gate Length: 5m**
Max Opening Angle: 120°
Cable Required: Provided
Limit Switches: Magnetic
Protection Rating: IP44
**Electric Lock is required
Control Board:
Thalia A80
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Weight: 400kg
Max Gate Length: 3m**
Max Opening Angle: 119°
Cable Required: 3-core
Limit Switches: Magnetic
Protection Rating: IP44
**Electric Lock is required
Control Board:
Thalia A80
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Weight: 700kg
Max Gate Length: 4m**
Max Opening Angle: 124°
Cable Required: 3-core
Limit Switches: Magnetic
Protection Rating: IP44
**Electric Lock is required
**Discontinued
Control Board: Thalia Light / Thalia P
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V AC*
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Weight: 400kg
Max Gate Length: 2.5m**
Max Opening Angle: 118°
Cable Required: 3-core
Limit Switches: Magnetic
Protection Rating: IP44
**Electric Lock is required
**Discontinued
Control Board: Thalia Light / Thalia P
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V AC*
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Weight: 500kg
Max Gate Length: 4m**
Max Opening Angle: 123°
Cable Required: 3-core
Limit Switches: Magnetic
Protection Rating: IP44
**Electric Lock is required
Control Board: VX Smart
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 12V DC
Accessories Voltage: 12V DC**
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Weight: 500kg
Max Gate Length: 4m**
Max Opening Angle: 120°
Cable Required: 6-core
Limit Switches: Mechanical
Protection Rating: IP55
**Electric Lock is required
Control Board: VX Smart
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 12V DC
Accessories Voltage: 12V DC**
Dimensions: View
Max Gate Weight: 750kg
Max Gate Length: 4m**
Max Opening Angle: 120°
Cable Required: 6-core
Limit Switches: Mechanical
Protection Rating: IP55
**Electric Lock is required
Underground Swing Gate Motor (Up to 5m wide)
Designed for premium residential, commercial, and
architectural applications, these underground swing gate motors
provide powerful automation while remaining completely concealed
beneath the gate. By hiding the drive system from view, they
preserve the gate’s original appearance without compromising on
performance. Suitable for medium to large swing gates, they deliver
smooth, quiet operation and are engineered for intensive daily use
with advanced safety and obstacle detection features.
Best for:
- Premium residential and commercial entrances
- Architectural and heritage sites
- Gates where aesthetics are a priority
- Medium to large swing gates
- Swing gates up to 5 m wide per leaf
Control Board:
Thalia A80***
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V DC
Max Gate Weight: 400kg
Max Gate Length: 4m**
Max Opening Angle: 120°
Cable Required: 5-core
Limit Switches: Magnetic
Protection Rating: IP67
**Electric Lock is required
***Only compatible with motors produced after April 2022
BFT Eli 250 BT
**Discontinued
Control Board: Thalia Light / Thalia P
Input Voltage: 240V*
Motor Voltage: 24V DC
Accessories Voltage: 24V AC*
Max Gate Weight: 400kg
Max Gate Length: 3.5m**
Max Opening Angle: 120°
Cable Required: 5-core
Limit Switches: Magnetic
Protection Rating: IP67
**Electric Lock is required