Advantages of above-ground swing gate kits

Our electric swing gate arm kits are amongst the first options that our customers tend to consider when automating their gates. There are a number of reasons for this, ranging from their price to their ease of installation and maintenance. In a recent post we gave you some of the key advantages relating to our underground gate kits, so to weigh up against those, here’s what our electric above ground arm kits have to offer!

They’re economical to buy, and easier to maintain

One of the draws for many customers to our above ground arm kits is that they’re a cost-effective option, making them equally accessible for homeowners and businesses alike. They’re also easier to maintain, as they don’t require quite the same specialist tools or in-depth expertise as underground gate kits, for example. This means that not only are they often cheaper to buy in the short term, but they’re quicker and more economical to keep in good condition in the long run too. Repairs or replacements to the motors do not require the removal of the gates, which can be costly and time consuming as it can involve specialist lifting equipment.

Relatively quick and simple to install

Closely following on from our last point, electric swing gate arms are also relatively simple to install. That makes them a popular option with installers and homeowners who are looking for a straightforward way to automate their swing gates. The ability to mount them directly to your posts or columns and then to the back of the gate makes the installation easy, with minimal welding required. Wherever technical advice or expertise is needed, we’re only too happy to provide it here at Gate Auto.

Choice between articulated arms and ram arms

When discussing gate automation kits, ‘ram’ is the term used to refer to the straight line arms that operate either by a worm screw, or piston method to extend the arm (known as the operator stroke) and pivot from a hinge mounted to the post or column.

Ram arms are generally the preferred option aesthetically, due to their fuss-free appearance. They also come in a more varied range of options, including electromechanical and hydraulic, which means they can be used in all applications – from individual homes to heavy traffic industrial zones. In order to use a ram arm, the correct geometry needs to be achieved in order to allow the rams to sit flat against the gate and column. At Gate Auto, our experts can provide all the necessary technical advice on the suitability of this style of arm for your gates.

On the other hand, if your gates’ hinges are set in the centre of deep columns or walls, articulated arms can be more useful as they allow more leeway with mounting tolerances. They have an extra joint in the middle, like an elbow, which is generally mounted to the underside of the gate motor. This additional pivot point allows the arm to reach around corners, meaning that these arms can be used where a straight ram cannot.

(It’s not always a straightforward choice between which will best suit your requirements, so here at Gate Auto we’re always happy to advise as to which one might be best for your property.)

Easier to retrofit than some other types of gate automation kits

Swing arm gate kits are also ideal if you already have an existing set of gates that you’re interested in automating. Since it’s basically a matter of simple additions, it means it’s more cost-effective and less labour intensive than installing underground gate automation kits. The latter requires serious levels of digging and gate removal in order to properly install them, whereas the gates don’t need to be lifted off in order to install the above-ground gate automation kits.

Whatever you end up choosing – or if you’re still having trouble deciding on which gate kit to pick for your property, we’re only too happy to help here at Gate Auto.

We have over 30 years in supplying and fitting high-quality gate automation, we provide a wide range of electric gate kits and garage door openers alongside an array of accessories to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Feel free to browse them right here on our site, or give us a call on 01282 677300!