Which Linear Actuator is Best for a Sliding Gate at a Cottage?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting a suitable linear actuator for a sliding gate at a cottage. Participants explore various actuator types, manufacturers, and considerations related to the gate's weight and dimensions. The conversation includes technical aspects of actuator functionality and potential alternatives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on the best type of linear actuator for a sliding gate, noting the wide range of prices and options available.
  • Another participant questions whether a rotary actuator might be more suitable than a linear actuator for opening and closing the gate.
  • Concerns are raised about the gate's movement distance, with a suggestion that chain and sprocket systems are commonly used for such applications.
  • Participants provide specific details about the gate's weight (150 kg) and width (3.4 m) while discussing potential actuator options.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the stroke lengths of the suggested linear actuators, which are noted to be less than 3m, prompting questions about how to achieve the necessary stroke length.
  • One participant proposes attaching the actuator not close to the far side of the gate or using a telescopic tube to extend the effective stroke.
  • A reference is made to a heavy-duty gate used at a local airport, highlighting the manufacturer and the gate's operational features, including remote control and detector loops.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the best actuator type and how to address the stroke length issue. No consensus is reached on a specific solution or recommendation.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various actuator options without resolving the technical challenges related to stroke length and gate operation. The conversation reflects a range of assumptions about actuator functionality and suitability for the described application.

Kapitonov
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I want to put myself a linear actuator on the sliding gate to the cottage. I looked in the internet, there are a lot of offers and the prices are very different. Maybe there are people here who understand this and can advise me what type of actuator is better, manufacturer and where to buy? I will be very grateful.
 
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Welcome to PF.Are you opening and closing the gate?

How heavy is it?

You could probably use a rotary actuator ratchet than linear.
 
How far does the gate need to move? I think chain and sprocket systems are used commonly for that...

http://www.globalmarket.com/product-info/chain-drive-automatic-sliding-gate-motor-1759806.html
244114
 
I still stuck with this problem. Can't decide which is better. Any help?
 
berkeman said:
Those linear actuators have stroke lengths a lot less than 3m. How are you going to lengthen the effective stroke to open that 3m gate?

I thought to attach it not close to the far side of the gate.
Or use something like telescopic tube,
 
Here's what the local airport uses for a gate about the size you mentioned:
Gate Opener.jpg

The manufacturer is Tymetal: https://www.tymetal.com/. This particular gate is controlled by detector loops in the road, plus the airport manager has a remote for it. There are pushbuttons inside the panel. This is a heavy duty gate designed for many years of use in a climate with summer temperatures over 90 deg F, and winter temperatures less than -30 deg F. So it will not be cheap.
 

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