Large Overhead Track Slide Gates

Large overhead track slide gates make good sense when you have a heavy use facility entrance and need a highly reliable slide gate. Because these gates do not need a counter balance like a cantilever gate; these gates place far less stress on the gate hardware and gate operators.  These gates also use heavy duty hardware that is designed for continuous duty with very little wear and tear.  Because these gates have a track that extends above and through the opening; the gate is far more rigid under high winds and severe weather conditions. 

These gates use a large 6” or 8” I-Beam that spans over the opening and travels long enough to support the gate in the full opening.  This I-beam is the gate track.  It borrows a trolley design from the material handling industry to support the gate along this I-beam track.  These trolleys are often times rated for several thousands of pounds and use high quality sealed bearings.  Depending on the gate opening, two to three trolleys will more than adequately support the weight of the gate.  The I-beam track is placed at such a height to accommodate truck traffic which is limited to 14’ overall clearance unless a special over-height permit is obtained.  

The gate frame may be aluminum or steel.  The gate panel is typically the same height as the adjoining fence.  It is extended to the height of the track with vertical uprights and attached to the trolleys.  Though overhead track slide gates do not require a counter balance; the rear of the gate must be slightly extended if the gate is to be automated.  This is necessary to extend the gate operator chain beyond the gate operator.  Large overhead slide gates are an excellent choice for high speed automation needed in secure facilities and airports.  With the large rigid track extended above and through the opening this prevents the gate from bouncing up and down due to the torque of the gate operator.