There are plenty of possible designs that you can use on your driveway gate if you want to raise your home’s curb appeal. However, you mustn’t overlook the quality of the individual parts that make up your gate.
One of these parts is the opener. In this article, we’ll share the five best types of swing gate openers available and provide you with some tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.
1. Chain Drive Swing Gate Opener
If you’re looking for the best type of swing gate opener, chain drives are usually at the top of a lot of lists. Chain drives are strong and can handle large weight capacities. They may be a bit pricey, but they can be worth the investment because they will last for many years with minimal maintenance.
- Expert Tip: If you have a heavy gate, it will require a stronger type of opener. Aside from chain drives, it would be best to look for a swing gate opener with a belt or screw drive.
2. Belt Drive
Another great type of swing gate opener is the belt drive. Like chains, they are incredibly strong and can handle large weight capacities. They are also comparably priced to chains, so they offer good value for your money.
- Expert Tip: Keep in mind that belt drives are not as strong as chain drives, so they may struggle to open very heavy gates.
3. Screw Drive
A screw drive type of swing gate opener works similarly to belt drives, but they’re a little bit cheaper and don’t have as much power as belt drives do.
- Expert Tip: Screw drives are also known for being a bit more susceptible to wear and tear than other types of swing gate openers.
4. Direct Drive
Direct drive is the fourth-best type of swing gate opener. While direct drives can handle large weight capacities like most other drive types, they have a limited lifespan of just three to five years. They’re also comparably priced to screw drives.
- Expert Tip: In most cases, direct drives are ideal for light gates. Lower motor wattages will also be a better fit if the gate is lightweight.
5. Jackshaft Swing Gate Opener
Last but certainly not least is the jackshaft opening system. Like direct drives, jackshaft systems can handle large weight capacities. The major difference between the two is that jackshaft systems are not as cost-efficient as direct drives are. However, jackshafts are known to have a limited lifespan.
- Expert Tip: Jackshaft systems are ideal for heavy gates and high motor wattages. In this case, a direct drive would not be capable of handling the gate.
Ask For Advice
These five types of openers are special in their own right, so it’s important to do further research before making a final decision. If you’re not sure which type of opener is right for you, don’t be afraid to ask a professional installer for advice. They will be able to help you find the perfect opener for your needs and budget.
