Swing Gate vs Sliding Gate Automation: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Automating your main gate means you never have to step out of the car in the rain again. But before choosing a motor, you need to know which kind of gate you have, or are about to build. Swing gates and sliding gates are automated in completely different ways, and the right choice depends on your driveway more than on the motor.
Swing gates open like a door; sliding gates run along the wall. Photo: Unsplash
How each type works
A swing gate opens like a door, on hinges. It is automated with a pair of linear actuator arms, one per leaf, fixed between the gate and the gate pillar.
A sliding gate rolls sideways along a track. It is automated with a single motor on a concrete base beside the gate, driving a rack fixed to the bottom of the gate.
Side-by-side comparison
- Space needed: a swing gate needs clear space inside the compound for the leaves to open, and a level driveway. A sliding gate needs a clear wall length beside the opening for the gate to slide into.
- Slopes: if your driveway slopes up from the gate, a swing gate may scrape the ground. Sliding gates handle slopes better because they move parallel to the road.
- Gate weight: sliding gate motors handle very heavy gates (up to 2,000 kg with the right model). Swing gate arms are rated per leaf, for example 300 kg per leaf.
- Wide openings: both work. Swing arms suit leaves up to about 3 metres each; sliding gates suit long single-piece gates.
- Wind: large solid swing leaves catch wind. Sliding gates are less affected.
- Look: double-leaf swing gates suit classic bungalows and farmhouses; sliding gates suit modern, flat facades.
OTODOR Pellidium, our sliding gate motor.
Which OTODOR system fits
For sliding gates: Pellidium
The OTODOR Pellidium comes in models for 600, 1,200, 1,500 and 2,000 kg gates, with a magnetic limit switch, up to 20 remotes, optional Wi-Fi and a key-release override for power cuts. Read our sliding gate motor price guide for what affects the cost.
For swing gates: Blanco ARM
The OTODOR Blanco ARM is a complete kit for double-leaf gates: two linear arms and a controller, rated 300 kg per leaf and leaves up to 3.0 m, with Wi-Fi, 2 remotes, obstacle detection, auto-stop and manual override.
Five questions to settle before you decide
- How much space is there inside the gate, and beside it?
- Is the driveway level, or does it slope?
- How heavy is the gate, and what is it made of?
- Where is the nearest power point?
- Do you want to open it from your phone as well as a remote?
Photo: Unsplash
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my swing gate into a sliding gate?
Sometimes, if there is enough wall length beside the opening. It usually means new fabrication, so most people automate the gate they already have.
Which is cheaper to automate?
It depends on the gate. A light single sliding gate is often simpler; a heavy double-leaf swing gate needs two arms. A site survey gives you an exact figure.
Will the gate still open in a power cut?
Yes. Both Pellidium and Blanco ARM have a manual override so you can open the gate by hand.
Not sure which one your gate needs? Send a photo of your gate on WhatsApp at +91 72068 95607, or explore entrance automation, and we will plan a free site survey.
