Key takeaways

  • Pair your sliding gate opener with the ButterflyMX video intercom for the best gate access control system across commercial and multifamily properties.
  • A sliding gate opener automates the process of opening and closing the gate for fast and secure access.
  • Sliding gate openers use a power source that stems from solar-powered AC or DC electricity-powered motors.
  • Sliding gate openers are great for multifamily apartments, gated communities, commercial buildings, and gated industrial properties.

 

Opening a gate with an automatic sliding gate opener at a gated community.

 

Streamlining access to your property begins at your front gate. One way to streamline access is with a sliding gate opener. These automate the process of opening and closing your gate for fast yet secure access to your property.

Read on to learn what a sliding gate opener is and if they’re a worthy investment. Next, explore the best-sliding gate openers on the market. Finally, discover the best gate access control system for residential and commercial properties.

In this post, we cover:

 

The 4 best sliding gate openers to buy

Are you looking for an electric gate opener that will automatically open your sliding gate? Several models on the market offer a variety of unique features for your property.

Here’s our round-up of the best-sliding gate openers on the market:

  1. LiftMaster
  2. Ghost Controls Heavy-Duty Solar Automatic Gate Opener Kit
  3. ALEKO Heavy-Duty Sliding Gate Opener
  4. CO-Z Automatic Sliding Gate Opener

 

1. LiftMaster

LiftMaster sliding gate operators are a safe, simple, and secure solution for commercial and residential properties.

A LiftMaster sliding gate opener offers:

  • Heavy-duty construction. LiftMaster automatic gate openers are great for high-traffic areas — offering options that can support gates up to 5500 lbs.
  • Advanced safety features. LiftMaster automatic gate openers offer state-of-the-art security features like motion detection sensors and obstruction detection.
  • Smooth and quiet technology. Advanced noise reduction technology makes this opener great for residential properties.

Price: Ranges from $1,179 to $3,340, depending on the model.

Read the full LiftMaster review »

 

2. Ghost Controls Heavy Duty Solar Automatic Gate Opener Kit

Ghost Controls offers the top-rated DIY solar automatic sliding gate operator — making it the most sustainable option on this list.

The Ghost Controls solar sliding gate opener features:

  • Solar-powered. Ghost Controls offers a solar-powered sliding gate opener, so there’s no need for electricity or extensive wiring.
  • Exceptional range. With a range of up to 1,000 feet, the Ghost Controls remote can operate up to two different gates.
  • Party mode feature. Ghost Control’s ‘party mode’ capabilities allow you to disable the auto-close feature and keep the gate open for delivery couriers, service providers, and visitors.

Price: $629

Read the full Ghost Controls review »

 

3. ALEKO Heavy-Duty Sliding Gate Opener

ALEKO offers a range of premium sliding gate opener kits that elevate security at an affordable price point.

An ALEKO gate opener offers:

  • Easy setup. ALEKO sliding gate kits come with everything you need for easy installation, including a remote control gate opener, electric sliding gate motor, and mounting hardware.
  • Durable construction. The ALEKO sliding gate operator is built to handle up to 1,000 feet of aluminum or iron gates weighing up to 2,500 lbs each.
  • Anti-theft protection feature. The ALEKO sliding gate has a programmable keypad and an automatic timer-to-close for added convenience and security.

Price: $749

Read the full ALEKO review »

 

4. CO-Z Automatic Sliding Gate Opener

CO-Z automatic gate operators offer security, convenience, and peace of mind for residential properties and businesses.

The CO-Z automatic sliding gate operator features:

  • Affordable. CO-Z gate openers are all less than $500, with the most affordable option priced at just under $200.
  • Offers solar options. CO-Z solar-powered gate opener kits are an eco-conscious solution for sustainable buildings.
  • Quality construction. CO-Z electric gate openers are constructed from high-quality aluminum alloy with corrosion-resistant copper motors.

Price: $199

 

What is the best gate access control system?

ButterflyMX is the best gate access control system for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings.

ButterflyMX gate access control products include:

  • Vehicle readers and windshield tags. The ButterflyMX vehicle reader automatically reads a vehicle’s windshield tag for convenient hands-free access. What’s more, vehicle readers are durable, weatherproof, and easy to install. You can also track who enters your gates.
  • Video intercoms. Video intercoms empower visitors to request gate access via a two-way call. As a result, residents know exactly who they’re letting in, and they can grant access to visitors from anywhere.
  • Keypads and card readers. If your gate only provides access to authorized tenants and staff, you may want to use a simpler solution, like a ButterflyMX keypad or card reader.

More features to expect from ButterflyMX intercoms include:

  • Modern design that’s inviting, and instantly improves the aesthetic of your gated community or property.
  • Two size choices include an 8” inch screen or a 12-inch LED screen.
  • A 156-degree wide-angle camera that captures the full scope of visitors and surrounding views.
  • A highly-rated smartphone app that empowers users to simply swipe-to-open when they approach the gate.
  • 5GHz WiFi.
  • RFID for users who prefer key fobs and key cards to apps.
  • Weatherproof and vandal-resistant

 

ButterflyMX CTA

 

What is a sliding gate opener?

A sliding gate opener is a device that automatically opens and closes your gate with the touch of a button. When a user presents an authorized credential, an automatic gate opener instructs a gate to slide into and out of place, allowing drivers to enter the premises.

With an automatic gate operator, users don’t have to manually open and close the gate. As a result, sliding gate openers help to significantly reduce wait times and vehicle pile-ups at your gated community.

 

How do sliding gate openers work?

Sliding gates move across a driveway or opening and are secured to a solid post. While old-school sliding gates may have been manual, most modern sliding gate operators are powered by a motor connected to a power supply that automatically opens and closes your gate.

There are several types of motors on the market:

  • AC motors. AC motors are ideal for commercial use because they’re optimized to open heavy gates that are used every day.
  • DC motors. DC motors are energy-efficient and aren’t as loud as AC motors — making them great for gated residential properties.
  • Solar motors. Powered by solar energy for electricity, solar gate openers are the most cost-effective and sustainable option. The motor itself features a solar panel.

 

What are the benefits of automatic sliding gate openers?

The advantage of sliding automatic gate openers is that:

  • Larger vehicles can enter your property more easily thanks to slide gates that automatically open.
  • You won’t have a need for in-person slide gate operators.
  • Visitors need a gate opener to access your property, ensuring that only authorized people have access.
  • An automated system with adjustable auto close capabilities won’t accidentally close on vehicles and people, unlike a manually operated gate.
  • Sliding gate openers can also be integrated with other technology, such as access control systems and video cameras.

 

The wheels of a sliding gate opener.

 

What should you consider before buying a sliding gate opener?

There are a number of factors that determine the best automatic gate opener for your sliding gate.

You should consider:

  • A loop detector. This is a safety feature that detects whether something is blocking the gate, preventing it from closing on the vehicle, person, or object.
  • Gate size. The length of your gate will determine whether a sliding gate opener even makes sense for your property. If you have a longer gate, you will need a system that features a longer chain or even an extra chain.
  • Daily users. You’ll want to account for a high-end sliding gate opener if your property sees a high number of daily users. A high-end sliding gate opener will feature an electric gate opener and stable power source that is less likely to burn out from repeated use.

 

Discover how ButterflyMX works:

 

Types of sliding gate openers

So, you’re interested in investing in an automatic sliding gate opener. Well, they’re a convenient, cost-effective, and secure solution. But what are the types of sliding gate openers, and where can you install them?

Automatic gate openers can be installed at many property types, including:

  • Multifamily apartments. A residential gate opener can be installed at the front of a large multifamily parking garage to ensure that only credentialed drivers can enter.
  • Gated communities. A sliding electric gate opener is the perfect solution for gated communities. Install a gate opener at each entry point to ensure only authorized residents, guests, and staff can enter.
  • Commercial office spaces. A sliding motorized gate can modernize access to your commercial office, shared coworking space, or multi-use building. By installing a sliding gate in your parking garage, only authorized drivers can park in the secure areas. Other drivers, including retail guests, have access just to first-level guests parking.
  • Industrial facilities. Industrial facilities often need a secure gate access control system to restrict access for unauthorized individuals. In this case, a heavy-duty gate opener is great.

 

What is the price for an electric sliding gate?

Commercial automatic gate openers typically cost anywhere from $400 to $5,000 for the hardware itself.

Additionally, installation costs can range anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the size of the project.

 

if you need gate access control, try ButterflyMX

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Author

Tiara Sutton

I’m an Atlanta-based writer who enjoys exploring the ways that tech benefits residents & tenants of multifamily & commercial properties.

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