Landscape Architect Articles

Specialty Gates & Operating Devices01-14-16 | Feature

Specialty Gates & Operating Devices
Gate Operating Devices

Larry Shield

Ameristar has designed three gate automation systems that are identified by their various entry functions: Stargate® Traverse®, Stargate® Axis® and Stargate® Forearm®. www.ameristarfence.com

When installing landscape perimeters with gates, it's important to know what operating devices will work best for those gates.

If the installation is on an existing gate, open and close it manually to assure a smooth operation. Remember, gate operators do not correct gate problems! Existing gates that are to be automated must meet the ASTM F-2200 standard for gate construction.

We'll be looking at different types of gates, the operating devices they use, and the features and functions that will best suit your installation, whether it's commercial or residential.

Merchants Metals Secure-Trac???(R)???AE???? cantilever slide gates can operate with a Viking Q-7™, available in standard single package and optional master/slave option. This operator is equipped with mechanical manual release freeing the gate completely from the gear drive. www.merchantsmetals.com/secure-trac

Swing Gates
Ameristar's gate system program combines automatic gate operators and access controls from industry manufacturers to provide a single source solution. These components coupled with a gate will provide complete gate entry systems that meet ASTM F-2200 and UL-325 safety standards for automated gates.

LiftMaster's Ferni residential column-mount swing gate operator moves gates up to 13 feet wide. This system enables gate automation when the dimensions of a large pillar prevents any other operator from being installed.

Its Security+ 2.0® radio technology has two times the range of standard remotes. The on-board receiver provides a single remote solution for gate and garage access. A compact articulating arm mounts neatly on a column or fence post. The device can be mounted at the top, middle or bottom of gate.

vailable in a wide range of sizes and styles, Tuf-Guard® pre-hung security gates can operate in harsh environments. Viking Access Systems' T-21 swing gate operator has a 1/4" steel chassis with multilayer corrosion protection. www.merchantsmetals.com/tuf-guard

Slide Gates
Merchants Metals reports that their high alloy aluminum Secure-Trac® cantilever slide gates have an enclosed roller system that eliminates safety issues associated with external rollers and is less affected by ice, snow, and dirt.

In addition, the one-piece frame and track design creates added strength and rigidity, as opposed to gates with bolt-on tracks.

For over five decades, Linear has provided slide gate operators (linear swing and barrier types as well). Options include: readily accessible emergency disconnect; electrical power disconnect; built-in master/second or paired mode capability; field right-hand/left-hand selectable; heavy-duty gear reducers standard (except HSLG and LRA); ETL listed – UL-325 compliant; and solid-state 24 VDC control.

These products are now handled through Nortek's GTO Inc. division.

The compact LiftMaster BX-243 slide gate operator boasts a small footprint, designed for residential applications. www.liftmaster.com/for-homes/Gate-Operators/CAME-by-LiftMaster/model-BX-243-Series

From residential to commercial, AutoGate has a variety of operators to fit different gate systems. Units run on either AC or DC. The DC units have built-in battery backup. The linear units attach to your current gate. Custom fabrication is also available. www.autogate.com

Vertical Pivot
Vertical pivot gates operate in all weather conditions and are adaptable to any site challenges including uneven driveways, drainage swales, curb notches, contours, and racking.

AutoGate is a leading manufacturer of UL-325 listed vertical pivot gate operators. These are appropriate in almost any application where vehicles and/or pedestrians need to be controlled.

The gates are custom manufactured to meet specifications and are available in lengths to 20 feet (steel) or 24 feet (aluminum). The fabrication process uses a solid weld technique.

This shows a Walpole Woodworkers security gate. Viking's newly redesigned G-5™ allows for a maximum gate capacity of 2,000 lbs., 135 degrees of travel and 100 percent duty cycle operation. www.walpolewoodworkers.com/security-gates.aspx www.vikingaccess.com/Operators/SwingGateOperators/G-5_2nd_gen

Security Gates
Walpole Woodworkers gates are offered in a wide range of styles from classic to contemporary, simple to ornate. The company can also custom design a security gate to the architecture or landscape of a home.

Many wood and vinyl gates have reinforced steel frames to prevent sagging. They have steel core pillars, and are ready to be fitted with automatic gate openers.

Tuf-Guard® pre-hung security gates are engineered to meet the high quality material and construction standards required for today's perimeter security projects.

Designed with heavy-duty 14-gauge galvanized steel frames and 12-gauge gate posts, these pre-hung pedestrian gates can be used independently, or combined with any of the manufacturer's steel fencing options.

D&D Technologies MagnaLatch® ALERT models are used for safety gates around swimming pools, childcare centers, schools, homes or wherever child safety is critical. It offers dual electronic warnings, bright, flashing LED lights, and an audible alarm that sounds if a gate is opened or left unlatched. www.ddtechglobal.com/product/magnalatch_top_pull_alert

From simple stand-alone keypads to fully loaded systems including access control software, these keypads from Linear Gate Access do not require any additional control wiring or a computer. Built in cameras are also available as an added option. www.lineargateaccess.com

Gate Openers and Latches
Getting residents, employees, and visitors in and out with ease, security, and safety requires the right hardware, the right software, and the right accessories.

Keypads come in many models including some with access control software and even built-in cameras. There are also keypads available that can be installed without additional control wiring.

There are gate latches designed specifically to keep children safe. One is the MagnaLatch® ALERT from D&D Technologies. It comes in a top pull model, which is designed for use on gates around swimming pools, childcare centers, schools, and the like.

Vertical pull and side pull models are available for less critical situations. All feature dual electronic warnings: bright, flashing LED lights, and an audible alarm to warn of a gate being opened or left unlatched. Some models have a key-lockable option.