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BUYING GUIDE

Automated Gates

This guide offers a clear overview of high-security gate solutions for protecting critical infrastructure, government facilities, and commercial properties.

Automated Gates

Product overview

slide gate

Slide Gate

Slide gates are a versatile solution commonly used in both residential and commercial settings. Ideal for areas with limited space, they operate by sliding open rather than swinging out, minimizing the required footprint. In industrial environments, slide gates play a vital role in security and access control—particularly at loading docks and critical infrastructure sites.

*V-track gates are best suited for warmer climates and flat urban areas, where debris is less likely to obstruct the track.

Common use cases:

Residential Driveways 

• Industrial Facilities 

Critical Infrastructure

Loading Docks

bi-folding gate

Bi-Folding Gate

Best used in spaces with limited room, where traditional swing or sliding gates are impractical and don’t require tracks to follow. They are ideal for areas where a gate needs to open quickly without encroaching on the surrounding space. They offer a space-saving design, faster opening times, and can be customized to fit various architectural styles.

Common use cases:

Residential driveways 

• Narrow Entrances 

• Parking facilities 

• Industrial parks

Government buildings

swing gate

Swing Gate

Swing gates are versatile and used in various settings due to their ease of installation and relatively lower cost compared to other gate types. While they require more space for operation, they offer a traditional and clean look. Available in various designs and safety situations. Can be made to be crash rated.

Common use cases:

Residential Driveways

• Private Communities

• Equestrian Properties

• Safety Gates (industrial)

cantilever gate

Cantilever Gate

Cantilever slide gates are ideal for locations that demand reliable, high-security access with minimal maintenance. Unlike V-track gates, they do not require ground-level tracks, making them perfect for uneven terrain or areas prone to debris. These gates are especially well-suited for wide openings, high-traffic environments, and applications where security is critical—such as industrial facilities, commercial properties, and secured installations.

Common use cases:

• Industrial facilities 

• Military bases 

• Airports 

• Nuclear plants

• Commercial properties

Utility facilities

pivot gate

Pivot Gate

A vertical pivot gate swings upward on a vertical axis, rather than sliding or swinging horizontally like traditional gates. This design is ideal for locations with limited horizontal space or uneven terrain, where conventional gate systems may be impractical. Vertical pivot gates also open and close more quickly than traditional swing or slide gates, allowing for faster vehicle processing and improved traffic flow. They provide efficient and reliable access control, making them a smart solution for secure sites with space constraints or challenging ground conditions.

Common use cases:

• Luxury estates 

Government buildings 

Gated communities

Self-storage centers

• Industrial applications

crash-rated gate

Vertical Lift Gate

LorA vertical lift gate is a security or access control gate that opens by rising vertically, rather than sliding or swinging. This design is ideal for locations where horizontal space is limited or where wide, unobstructed openings are required. Vertical lift gates are commonly used in loading docks, parking garages, and industrial facilities, offering a space-efficient solution that ensures smooth, reliable access in demanding environments.em

Common use cases:

• Prisons 

• Airports 

• Military

Loading docks

• Transportation terminals

• Flood control

Which gate is right for you?

What level of protection are you looking for?

Our automated gates offer a reliable and efficient solution for effective vehicle and pedestrian access. If you’re looking for high security options with crash-rated protection, all our automated gates offer some type of crash-rated or crash-tested design.

Is your gate being installed on an uneven surface?

Most gate operators are designed to open and close gates on flat and level grades. However, if you’re installing on uneven or less-than-ideal surfaces, Cantilever gates, Bi-fold gates, and Vertical Pivot gates are great options.

Do you have excavation limitations?

The surrounding space around a gate and/or excavation limitations can play a major role in the automated gates available. If you’re tight on space or require minimal excavation, slide gates, bi-fold gates, vertical lift gates, or vertical pivot gates are the most ideal.

Do you have harsh weather or extreme conditions?

If you’re in an area with extreme heat or freezing temperatures, high winds, or heavy snow, that can quickly degrade certain types of automated gates. For harsher conditions, your best options are cantilever gates, bi-fold gates, vertical lift gates, or vertical pivot gates.

Are there access control systems you need to integrate?

Automated gates can be integrated with a variety of other security solutions, such as security barriers, access control systems, and intrusion detection, to maximize protection and streamline operations.

How large is the opening where the gate is being installed?

The overall size of the opening where the gate will be installed is one of the most important factors when choosing a gate. For larger openings, cantilever gates, bi-fold gates, vertical lift gates, and vertical pivot gates are designed to operate efficiently with a long lifecycle if properly maintained.

How quickly do you need your gate to open and close?

A gate that doesn’t operate fast enough can encourage “tailgating” and other security violations. Cantilever gates, bi-fold gates, vertical lift gates, vertical pivot gates, and slide gates offer faster operation and operate efficiently in high cycle count scenarios with industrial-grade operators.

Things to consider

Automated Gates

Comparison chart

AESTHETICS
OPERATION
SECURITY LEVEL
COST
Slide Gate
Minimalist to traditional designs with clean lines, quality materials.
Moves horizontally on track via motorized or manual operation.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
💲💲
Bi-Folding Gate
Modern metal, warm wood, or ornate traditional iron designs.
Two leaves fold together to open, reverse to close.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
💲💲
Swing Gate
Classic, elegant design with ornate details and decorative patterns.
Hinged door swings inward, requiring clear space for panels.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
💲
Cantilever Gate
Sleek, minimalist design with clean lines and smooth operation.
Rollers behind fencing keeps gate suspended while operating.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
💲💲💲
Pivot Gate
Bold, frameless design creating a grand entrance.
Lifts upward on base pivot to reach full vertical position.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
💲💲💲
Vertical Lift Gate
Elegant wrought iron, sleek modern lines, or functional wood gates.
Lifts vertically with a counterbalanced or hydraulic system.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
💲💲💲💲

Get in touch with our team.

Contact us and schedule a consultation today.

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