Overhead Slide Gate Designs

There are two basic types of overhead slide gate:

One where the overhead support beam spans the opening and continues for the full travel distance, and the other type which has the beam across the opening only.  This style gate has the front end of the frame attached to the upper track with one truck assembly and the other end is connected using rolling gate hardware attached to the fence line posts.

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Two types of overhead slide gates are shown here, one with the full overhead beam and one with a beam at the opening and a lower track.

Vital Reasons Why Cantilever Gates Are So In Demand

Cantilever gates have become popular choice mainly for the commercial businesses that desire a more high-security entrance gate. These cantilever gates are a kind of sliding gate that do not need a track across the roadway entrance.

These gates are so much in demand as they span to larger widths, can be installed on uneven ground and need no road track for a set-up. 

Cantilever literally means hangover, it gets the name from this very concept. It is supported from the rail that runs along the insides of a fenced structure. They are wider than the usual sliding gates as they provide a perfect counter balance to the structure where the gate is supported. Since there are no rollers on the ground there is no ground obstruction created by these cantilever gates. This is one of the biggest reasons why cantilever gates are the preferred choice for heavy-duty and industrial gate applications.

With the help of this unique feature no part of the gate comes in direct contact with the ground. If the frame of a cantilever gate is constructed properly then the gate shall be able to withstand forces of gravity and wind. The construction of trusses and diagonal bracing helps the gate from sagging.

Cantilever Gate Basic Principles

The gate is supported by two (counterbalance) posts.

The "gate proper" should be equal to 50% (minimum) of the gate proper.

The important element of the "counterbalance" is not weight, but length.

Pickets are not necessary on counterbalance portion, unless required by design.

Make sure you refer to UL325 for safety elements in design.

Gate must be properly braced (or trussed).

If gate is square tubing, top rail must be 2" X 2".

If gate is round pipe, top rail must be 2  1/2"  O.D. fence pipe.

Counterbalance posts must be 4" O.D. square tube or 4" O.D. round fence pipe.

E/Z Slide Track mounts to top rail of gate and counterbalance (i.e. overall length).

If top rail is steel IGD mounting brackets are provided; if aluminum either mounting brackets can be used or stitch welding.

Trucks (trolleys) are mounted to counterbalance posts.

Trucks run inside the E/Z Slide Track. The trucks do not move, they are fixed.

The track and attached gate slide on the trucks.

Lower guides are provided to keep gate plumb.

What Does "Cantilever" Mean

              WHAT DOES “CANTILEVER”  MEAN

  A PROJECTING BEAM OR OTHER HORIZONTAL MEMBER SUPPORTED AT ONE OR MORE POINTS BUT NOT AT BOTH ENDS. 

 ANY RIGID CONSTRUCTION EXTENDING HORIZONTALLY WELL BEYOND ITS VERTICAL SUPPORT, USED AS A STRUCTURAL ELEMENT OF A BRIDGE, BUILDING FOUNDATION, GATE, ETC.

“ANY BEAM BUILT INTO A WALL WITH A PROJECTING FREE END FORMS A CANTILEVER.  CANTILEVERING CAN BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTIONS AS SIMPLE AS BOOKSHELVES OR AS COMPLICATED AS BRIDGES.” 

Cantilever Gate System Vs. Swing Gate

Cantilever Gate System VS. Swing Gate

         (Cantilever gates have many advantages over swing gates) 

1. Cantilever gates take up less space
Single cantilever gates move in one direction, often directly parallel to an existing fence line. This efficient use of space makes a cantilever gate an ideal choice when designing a property's perimeter fence and security system.

2. Cantilever gates are safer than swing gates
Safety devices are strongly recommended, if not required, when automating a gate. Such safety devices may include safety photo beams, safety edges, and loops and loop detectors. Safety devices are designed and installed to protect against the gate closing on a vehicle. Due to the linear movement of a sliding cantilever gate, the path of the gate is limited in comparison to a swing gate which swings in an arc approximately 90 degrees.

3. Cantilever gates are less expensive
In some instances, when a double swing gate and a single cantilever gate is to be considered, a single cantilever gate will be less expensive to automate since it requires only one gate operator instead of two.

4. Cantilever gate are easier to maintain
Cantilever gates may be installed with nylon cantilever rollers with sealed bearings or with an aluminum track with internal 4 bearing truck assemblies. The nylon rollers do not require greasing and the nylon roller itself and cover will not rust. Further, cantilever rollers will install to posts with bolts which are easy to adjust at a later date if necessary. The brackets which typically connect a gate operator to the gate also are usually installed with bolts that will be easy to adjust later. Conversely, swing gates often have hinges which require repeated greasing. These hinges will also often be welded to the gate post and gate making them difficult to adjust if necessary. Lastly, consider snow removal in northern locations. The single path a cantilever gate travels will often be easier to keep clean of obstructions compared with a swing gate and it's wide swing.

5. Cantilever gates simple look and operate better
The smart appearance, efficient design, and craftsmanship in a cantilever gate is sure to impress owners, visitors, and customers visiting the property.