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Automatic gates are like any other gates in that they need space to move through as they open and close.
Sliding gates slide to one side into space that is longer than their length.
Swing gates move through an arc as they open to at least 90 degrees from their closed position.
In both cases, nothing can obstruct the gates’ movement.
So, what are your options if you have limited space for gates to travel through?
Bi-fold swing gates are effectively normal swing gates cut in half vertically. This means that they require about half the space traditional swing gates travel through. These gates fold in the middle as they swing open.
This may sound like the perfect option for anyone with limited space but there are a few caveats.
The traditional way to install bi-fold gates is to have a track in the ground or a rail above the gates that guides the leading edge of the gates as they open and close. But overhead rails can be unattractive and limit the height of vehicles that can pass through the gates. And ground tracks need regular cleaning to keep them free from leaves and gravel etc.
Bi-fold gates have to be installed carefully to ensure correct operation. They must be able to move through their full travel without binding on tracks or rails. 
However, there is now a new kit that allows bi-fold gate installation without tracks or rails. As with any bi-fold gate, careful and accurate installation of the gates, hinges and the kit is vital for smooth operation. These gates also need a close stop for the gate to close to.
Once the kit or tracks is installed, bi-fold gates can be automated by any standard gate automation motors such as articulated arm, rams, linear screw or underground gate motors.
The complex nature of bi-fold gates means that there’s a limit to the size of set that can be fabricated, and larger industrial bi-fold gates need to be specially fabricated.
Sliding gates need enough room for the gate to slide into to completely clear the entrance space. The alternatives involve splitting the sliding gate into smaller sections. This can be as follows:
Telescopic Automatic Gates
Telescopic sliding gates split the gate into overlapping sections that slide closed alongside the other sections.
If the gate is split into two sections, it needs slightly more than half the space of the equivalent single slider.
If it’s split into three sections, it will need just over a third the space of the equivalent single slider.
These systems have the section nearest the open post driven by a standard sliding gate motor and a series of cables controls the opening and closing of the other leaf or leaves.
Aside from the added complexity of installing multiple leaves and drive cables, a telescopic sliding gate system will require a separate track laid in the driveway entrance for each leaf.
Bi-Parting Automatic Sliding Gates
Bi-parting sliders simply open in the middle and each leaf slides to one side.
While space is needed both sides of the gate to accommodate each leaf, only just over half the space required for a single sliding gate leaf is required.
However, 2 sliding gate motors and a control unit to operate both motors are needed for this set-up.
Round-The-Corner Sliding Gates
Round the corner sliding gates are made up multiple vertical sections hinged on both edges. This allows the sections to follow a curved track.
Where there is not enough room for a sliding gate to open fully before it would hit an obstacle such as a wall, these sliding gates allow the gate to follow the obstacle rather than hit it.
These gates obviously require special curved track and the cost of the gates is more than the equivalent solid sliding gate.
In all the above cases, the cost of the gates, hinges, tracks and installation will be higher than the equivalent pair of swing gates or single sliding gate with standard installation.
However, if space is at a premium, and automated gates are highly desired, there are options for those willing to pay the extra cost for the added complexity.
For more information about gate automation options for restricted spaces, call Linkcare on 01895 232 626.
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12 Comment(s)
Do you sell the “around the corner gates” in the US?
I am interested in your "round the corner"gates. Do you have a catalogue and a price guide? The opening is 630cm but I would want to keep a gated opening of 130 cm. I live in East Sussex, TN39 3NH, do you have an installer in the area. Many thanks, Jenny Rowe.
Did you get a reply to your question? We are looking and are in Eastbourne.
Hi, I have the need for a 5.5m round the corner gate. Please do you have a price list?
Do you sell around the corner gates in USA and in Puerto Rico?
Sorry everyone, our blog software wasn't alerting us to your messages. If you still need help, please email info@linkcare.net with your request and we will come back you straight away.
looking for electric gates to go round corner
I am interested in your "round the corner"gates. Do you have a catalogue and a price guide?
Hi Ian, It's best for you to talk to one of our technical experts about what is and isn't possible for your unique requirements. If you can email info@linkcare.net with your request we can come back to you. If you want us to call you rather than email, please include your best contact phone number with your message. Thanks Ian.
Hello, I am interested in automated gates. i think they will need to be round-the-corner or bifold. can you advise
Dear sir/ madam Regards we have manufacturing iron / s.steel gate I'm looking for aumotion kit of folding swing gate 6000x2500 one slef 1300x2500 wight 100kg
Dear Basem Yateem Could you send me a contact e-mail address on jack@linkcare.net and I will send you information on the bifold gate kits. Kind regards Jack Morgan-Smith LinkCare 01895 232 626
I have a (3 truck wide) est 55’ wide driveway, yet limited space to have a slide electrical gate. I like the ideal of a bi-fold gate. Does this type of gate allow opening one side or the other as well as both sides upon selction? I do not always need the full length of gate to open Actually only have one car, but when family comes would need gate to gully open Thank you I live in Kingsland tx 78639
after new gates
Wondering if there's a supplier in Canada? I want what your business has in the automatic gate limited space designs on my rental property Would you have a contact close to Toronto, ON Better would be in Kitchener-Waterloo where the Blackberry corporation has it's business to give you an idea where I am ~Heidi
Try Sidcon in Australia. They may be selling their hardware by now or soon
There is an Australian company called Sidcon that does turning sliding gates. The will be supplying kits shortly
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