Cedar Rapids Gates: Automated Gates
Cantilever gates are the best choice for automated gates. A cantilever gate is suspended above the ground thus there is no concerns regarding terrain, road conditions or icy weather. The gates upper and lower guide wheels guide the gate through the entire opening. Unlike the sweeping effects of swing gates, cantilever gates roll back and forth. Thus concerns over moderate levels of snow fall are not an issue for cantilever rolling gates.
Cantilever gates’ Achille’s heel is highly changing elevations. A cantilever gate is supported by two support posts on the inside of the opening. The two support posts support the rollers or trucks to support the gate framework. The posts are spaced approximately half the distance of the opening apart from one post to the next. So, if you have a 20’ opening, the posts are 10’ away from each other. The elevation at these posts must be the highest elevation along the entire length of the gate. Whether automated or manual, cantilever gates must be installed level to avoid creating the possibility of harm to others or damage to vehicles. This is a great practice and in accordance with UL 325 and ASTM 2200. This being the case, A cantilever rolling gate cannot be adjusted to changing elevations. If the elevation falls through the opening; there may be a considerable gap under the front of the gate. If the elevation along the travel of the gate rises higher than at the support posts’ elevation; the gate may bottom-out while traveling closed or open.
Cantilever gates are the best choice for storage issues. The gate takes-up very little space as it stores up against an adjoining fence. Unlike a swing gate where you must keep the entire area clear where the gate sweeps open or closed; a cantilever rolling gate has a very small foot print.
There are two popular types of cantilever gates. Steel cantilever gates that use an all steel frame where the top and bottom horizontal frame members are also the track for the gate to roll on. The gate is pinched between two bottom and top set of rollers. Roller covers must be installed to protect all in who come in contact with or who use it, in accordance with UL 325 and ASTM 2200. Aluminum cantilever gates use an aluminum frame with an extruded track at the top and sometimes bottom. Trucks or trolleys (roller assemblies) are installed so that these run inside this track to support the gate from the support posts. At the bottom there are guide wheels or additional track for longer gates, that keep the gate plumb and centered. Steel cantilever gates are very reliable and are typically cheaper. Aluminum cantilever gates are definitely lighter and a great platform for an ornamental look, they also are easier on the life of the operator (when used in an automated system).
America’s Gate manufactures hundreds of cantilever gates, of each type every year. Most of these are automated systems. In today’s high security environments, there are automated gate systems that will move these gates at anywhere from 2’ to 11’ per second. Imagine cantilever gate closing a 30’ opening in under three seconds. Most automated cantilever gates systems move at 1’ per second. A much safer speed for typical applications. Cantilever gates are the preferred choice for estate entrances, manufacturing facilities, and high security applications.
