Help! Need strong actuator for heavy sliding gate automation
Hi everyone. I want to automate my big metal sliding gate. It weighs about 350 kg. I need something strong that can push and pull reliably outdoors. Speed is not very important, but it must work in rain and cold weather. Electric option is preferred because I don’t want to deal with oil or air systems. What model should I choose? Any advice? Thanks!
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For heavy outdoor gates electric linear actuators are usually the best choice. They are clean, simple to install and need almost no maintenance. An actuator is a device that converts electrical energy into straight-line mechanical movement. It works like muscles — takes power and creates push or pull force. Electric models use a motor, gears and a lead screw to move the shaft back and forth. They have limit switches inside so they stop automatically at full extension or retraction. Compared to hydraulic or pneumatic types, electric actuators are much easier to use — only 2 wires in basic versions, no pumps, no hoses, no fluid leaks. They are also eco-friendly and quiet. For your 350 kg gate I recommend looking at models with high force (at least 1000–2000 N or more depending on angle and friction). Very important factors are: load capacity, stroke length (how far the gate moves), IP rating for water/dust protection (IP65 or better), and 12V or 24V power. You can see many options here: electric actuators. They have micro, mini, standard, industrial and tubular types.