#Lowes automatic gate opener upgrade#

Some gates are controlled locally via an adjacent keypad.

Select a model that can handle the frequency of use of the gate. Gates that are opened and closed twice a day-once in the morning and once at night-need to endure less wear and tear than a gate that must accommodate numerous daily arrivals and departures. Additionally, it’s important to consider how often the opener will need to perform the task of opening and closing the gate. Gate openers open heavy metal gates while enduring all manner of weather, which means these mechanical devices are put under a significant amount of stress and wear and tear. In addition to not requiring hardwiring, this setup ensures that the gate works even during power outages. This type of battery will generally work for about 100 uses on a single charge. With this in mind, most swinging door gates use a rechargeable deep-cycle 12-volt battery with a solar panel charger. Since swinging gates are typically located at the front of larger residential properties or on rural properties such as farms, they are not usually near a power supply, which makes hardwiring more complicated. These motors typically require a hardwired 115-volt electrical connection to power the motor. As such, they have larger motors that can handle these heavier loads. Most sliding gate openers are used in commercial and industrial settings to open wide metal gates. Power SourceĪutomatic gates use a variety of sources to power the gate.

Many manufacturers include diagrams listing the weight capacity based on gate length. For example, an electric gate opener may be strong enough to handle a max weight of 900 pounds for a 5-foot-long gate and 300 pounds for a 20-foot-long gate. The longer the gate, the less weight the opener can handle. Keep in mind that swinging models require more clearance to allow for the gate panel’s sweeping path than sliding models that hug the existing fence or wall line.Īssessing the gate’s size and weight is crucial to selecting the proper opener, as most electric gate openers are rated to handle specific loads and lengths. Sliding gates consist of a single fence panel that slides open by following a track that runs parallel to the adjacent fencing or wall.Some swing gate openers allow the door to swing open in either direction. Dual versions require two mechanisms-one for each door-and are therefore more expensive. Their controls allow the user to open one panel or both panels simultaneously. Most swinging gate door openers work with either single gate panels or gates with dual panels. Swing gates open much like a door, swinging inward or outward to open.Opener TypeĪutomatic gate openers come in two varieties, those that swing open and those that slide open. Ahead, learn more about these critical factors. While gate size and weight capacities are crucial factors to consider when shopping for an automatic gate opener, other characteristics, such as power source and remote controls, are also important when choosing an opener for your driveway or commercial space. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Automatic Gate Opener ALSO CONSIDER: Gatexpert Automatic Sliding Gate Opener.BEST SINGLE-GATE: Ghost Controls TSS1XP Solar Automatic Gate Opener Kit.BEST HEAVY-DUTY: ALEKO AC1400NOR Chain Driven Sliding Gate Opener.BEST FOR LARGE GATES: Ghost Controls DTP1XP Automatic Gate Opener Kit.BEST FOR SMALL GATES: TOPENS PW502 Automatic Gate Opener Kit.

#Lowes automatic gate opener upgrade#

UPGRADE PICK: Ghost Controls Solar Dual Automatic Gate Opener.BEST BUDGET: CO-Z Automatic Sliding Gate Opener.BEST OVERALL: Mighty Mule MM371W Automatic Gate Opener.This guide includes some important features to consider when shopping for the best automatic gate opener and the top models on the market. They allow authorized users to control the gate via keychain remotes, garage-door-style remotes, keypads, and smart devices. Alternatively, an automatic gate opener works with swing-door-style gates and features powerful motors that open or close these gates in seconds. And, while a gate will solve this issue, opening and closing a gate manually isn’t practical. While outdoor security cameras and driveway alarms alert you to the presence of visitors on your property, they won’t prevent trespassing or soliciting.