Swing Gate Automation 

The right operator for your swing gates

Swing gates are the most common type of domestic gate, and there is more than one way to automate them. Underground operators hidden beneath the gate posts. Ram arms that push the gate open from the post. Articulated arms where the posts are set back from the opening. The best choice depends on the gates, the posts, the slope, and the space behind them.

We are not tied to a single manufacturer.

We install swing gate automation systems across the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Mid Wales. Every system is specified to match the gates and site, installed to safety standards with photocells and safety edges, and fully commissioned before handover.

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Black slatted double gates across a gravel drive in front of a brick barn conversion

Types of swing gate operator

Underground Operators sit in a foundation box beneath each gate post. The mechanism is hidden below ground, so all you see is the gate itself. This gives the cleanest possible appearance and is the most popular choice for residential installations where aesthetics matter. Underground systems require a concrete foundation, so they are most easily installed as part of a new gate project.

Ram Arms mount to the gate post and push the gate open via a telescopic arm. They are a practical and cost-effective option that works well for both new installations and retrofits. The arm is visible when the gate is closed but reasonably discreet.

Articulated Arms use a folding arm mechanism and are useful where the gate posts are set back from the opening or where the geometry does not suit a ram arm. They require a bit more clearance behind the post.

Underground gate operator in its open foundation box at the foot of an iron gate post
Underground operator
Ram arm operator fitted between a timber post and an oak driveway gate
Ram arm

Choosing the right system

The best system for your gates depends on several factors: the weight and width of the gates, the position and material of the posts, whether the ground slopes, how much space is available behind the posts, and your budget.

We assess all of this during the site survey and recommend the option that makes most sense for your situation. We are not tied to a single manufacturer, so we can specify the best product for each job rather than making everything fit a single brand.

Black-framed timber double gates between brick piers, a house behind
Gate control panel inside an open weatherproof cabinet

What is included

A typical swing gate automation installation includes the operator units, control panel, remote handsets, photocell safety beams, and commissioning. We also install safety edges, key-operated manual release mechanisms, and any additional access control you require.

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