Home 
FAQs
FAQs
Sliding Gates FAQs
1. Are sliding gates better than hinged gates?
Not necessarily so - it's more a question of what's right for an individual site. However, sliding gates are more appropriate when:- A relatively high level of security is needed
- There is insufficient space for the swing of a hinged gate
- The size of the opening is very wide and therefore impractical for a hinged gate (in part because of the previous point)
2. What's the difference between a tracked sliding gate and a cantilever sliding gate?
A tracked sliding entrance gate has a steel rail set into the ground along which wheels on the base of the gate run. A cantilever sliding entrance gate has no rail or wheels, and instead the entrance gate is suspended from a structure. In practice the two do the same job, but there are reasons to have one rather than the other...3. Which is better - a tracked or cantilevered sliding gate?
All factors being equal (which they often aren't of course), at Procter Sliding Entrance Gates we favour the cantilever option every time. However, there are instances where a tracked gate would be the better, and perhaps the only, option. To summarise the advantages and disavantages of the two:Tracked Sliding Gates:
Advantages:- They can span wider openings (as the gate is fully supported along its run)
- Relatively simpler mechanically
- The ground surface must be level
- The rail must be kept clear of debris (so for some sites this might need frequent attention)
Cantilever Sliding Gates
Advantages:
- No need for a rail and therefore less groundwork when installing
- No need to keep the area below the gate completely clear of debris
- Quieter operation
- Can be used on uneven ground
- More space is required to the side of the gate to accommodate the additional structure
- Less suitable for very wide openings
4. Which of the two gate types is cheaper - tracked or cantilever?
For the actual gate itself, the answer is tracked and that's because it's a simpler structure that requires less components and fabrication. However, overall the cost of the two is very much the same, because the cost of installing the rail into the ground for the tracked gate evens things out.5. Should I have automation for my gate or operate it manuallly?
In most cases automation is necessary. The exception might be on a gate which had very infrequent use, with a relatively low level of security needed, and with someone always available to manually operate it. In all other cases though, automation is necessary to ensure the maximum benefits are achieved from the gate. Click here to go to Sliding Gate Automation6. Can I have automation retro fitted to an existing sliding gate?
Yes; that's usually no problem for us and we'd be very happy to install it.7. What about access control - there just seem so many options?
Yes that's very true and the number of possible solutions, given some will include more than one method of access control and can also be integrated into existing systems for other access points within a site, is almost infinite. At Procter Sliding Entrance Gates we fully understand access control and will always be able to advise our customers on the best possible solution for any set of circumstances. Click here to go to Access Control8. Your range of Pro-glide sliding gates seems extensive but do they all operate in the same way and to the same standard?
Putting aside the differences between tracked and cantilever gates, yes, all operate in the same way and to the same high standard. The differences between our series 10, 20 and 30 sliding gates has more to do with aesthetics and added features. Click here to go to Sliding Gates Range9. The gate I need would have to span a huge gap because it's used at an airfield. Is that possible?
Yes it is and a up to 25m clear opening can be covered with cantilever sliding gates and A pair of Pro-glid tracked gates can cover an opening in excess of 30m. If you want a relatively basic design then our Series 10 Pro-Glide Tracked Sliding Gate would be ideal, with the Series 20 being the solution if aesthetics were more import. Click here to go to the Sliding Gates Range10. The gate I need would have to visually tie-in with architectural features of our property. Can you do that?
Definitely. Our Series 30 Pro-glide gates can be designed and manufactured to do just that. Click here to go to the Sliding Gates Range11. Do you use your own team for installation or contractors?
Always our own team, and all of them are highly experienced and skilled in what they do.12. What about the safety of your gates? How do I know they're as safe as possible and conform to an legislation?
We put a huge emphasis on safety, and all our gates have features built into them to ensure that they are as safe as possible and conform to current and forthcoming European directives. To prove this, every gate we manufacture and install carries the CE mark.13. Do you cover the whole of the UK or just some regions?
We cover the whole of the UK and will happily travel to any site regardless of where it is.14. How long does installation take on site?
We can usually do it in just one or two days, and that's because the gate comes largely assembled on one of our trucks and we simply lift it off the lorry and crane it into position on pre-prepared foundations.
