Pros and Cons of Automatic Swing Gate Openers

Though swing gates look grand, they can be a pain to manually open every time you need to get your car in and out of your property. Luckily, there are options to make opening your fence gate easier.

There are a number of automatic swing gate openers that will do the hard work for you. However, automatic gate openers aren’t the perfect solution for everyone, so it’s important to understand how they work and understand your options.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of automatic swing gate openers, and give you some options to help you decide whether this type of gate opener is for you.

What is an Automatic Swing Gate Opener?

An automatic swing gate opener is meant for large swing gates that you find on estates or farms. They’re primarily for security purposes to prevent unwanted visitors from accessing your property, especially by vehicle.

Since these properties are usually on significantly sized land, it can be a hassle to go outside and open a swing gate, especially if you already have a security system that lets you know that your guests have arrived.

That’s why automatic swing gates are a great solution. They let you control your gate using a remote, keypad, or even your cell phone as an electric gate opener.

Most automatic gate openers work with both single and dual gates, with many giving you the option to only open one gate if you wish. Some even allow you to open your gates in either direction.

If versatility is important to you, it’s something to keep in mind when shopping for the best automatic swing gate opener.

Best Automatic Swing Gate Openers

Automatic gate openers have a variety of benefits, and there are a lot of options to choose from that can be installed onto your swing gate.

Here are some of our top picks for automatic swing gate openers.

LiftMaster LA400PKGUL Swing Gate Opener

This automatic gate opener package from LiftMaster is an affordable option for those who enjoy staying comfortably in their car as they open their driveway gates.

Equipped to handle up to 1000 cycles a day, this automatic swing gate opener comes with a number of features, including:

• Security +2.0 Radio receiver to protect against interference
• Safety reversing to detect obstacles in the gate’s path
• App integrations for your smartphone
• Quick closure feature to prevent tailgaters

Made from cast aluminum, this swing gate opener is constructed with zinc plate chassis to prevent rust and maximize use.

LiftMaster LA500PKGUL Swing Gate Opener

Next on the list is the A8 automatic swing gate opener kit from LiftMaster LA500PKGUL Swing Gate Opener.

This heavy-duty automatic swing gate opener features a full-time AC-run operation 120V/230V Single Phase that allows for a powerful 300 cycles a day on continuous duty.

This gate opener will work on a swing gate as large as 18 feet long, and a maximum weight of 1600 pounds, made from most materials, including vinyl, steel, and wood, as well as produces a 90-degree opening in as little as 15 seconds.

Installation is easy as this package comes with the hardware for full mounting and easy installation instructions. You don’t need anything more than the common tools you already have.

The best part about this gate is the battery backup, which provides up to 500 cycles or 24 hours of standby. Use the myQ app to control the gate from anywhere.

LiftMaster LA412PKGUL Dual Solar Swing Gate Opener

If you have a dual swing gate, it’s best to have an automatic swing gate opener that can handle both parts of your gate. This solar automatic gate opener from LiftMaster is meant for the job.

Featuring a primary arm, a secondary arm, and a battery backup control board, this automatic swing gate opener is solar system-ready for areas where power isn’t readily available. It won’t only save you money, but is also an energy-efficient option.

What are the Pros and Cons of Automatic Swing Gate Openers?

Automatic Swing Gate Opener Pros

There are a lot of reasons to add an automatic swing gate opener to your gate, the main reason being the convenience.

As mentioned, an automatic gate opener eliminates the need to manually open your gate every time you need to enter or leave your property. They also automatically close, depending on how long you program them to remain open.

What’s more is that automatic swing gates are safe, as they can detect different obstacles that may be in the way of the gate safely opening.

Automatic Swing Gate Opener Cons

Despite the convenience of automatic swing gate openers, they aren’t for everyone.

First of all, automatic swing gate openers require a lot of clearance for operation. If your swing gate is relatively close to your home or other obstacles, you may have trouble finding enough space.

There are two varieties of gate openers: those that swing open and those that slide open. Under circumstances where space is an issue, a gate opener that slides instead of swinging may be a better option for you.

Swing gates are usually found on residential properties, which means a power source might not be readily available. This can make hardwiring complicated and expensive in order to get the gate opener to work if you don’t get one that’s battery-powered.

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy staying warm and dry in your vehicle or home on a rainy day, automatic swing gate openers are worth it.

However, it’s important that you spend the time shopping for the right one that fits your swing gate as well as your lifestyle. With so many options, it’s likely you’ll be able to find the right one.