Collection: Gate Openers

Which gate opener suits your gate?

The right gate opener depends on how your gate moves. An automatic gate that swings open on hinges needs a swing gate opener — an electric gate motor, with an arm or ram that pushes each leaf. A gate that rolls sideways on a track needs a sliding gate opener with a motor and rack. A single gate needs one motor; a double gate needs a kit for both leaves. Work out whether your gate swings or slides, and whether it's single or double, and the opener type follows. The gate's weight and width then decide the motor size.

How do you match the motor to your gate?

The motor must suit the gate's weight and size. Every gate opener is rated for a maximum gate weight and length or width — exceed it and the motor strains, overheats and fails early. Weigh or estimate your gate honestly, including any solid infill that adds weight, and choose a motor rated well above it for a long life. A heavy timber or steel gate needs a stronger motor than a light aluminium one. For a sliding gate, the track and rack must suit the gate length. Match the motor rating to your gate with headroom.

Swing or sliding — which do you need?

It's decided by your gate, not preference. A swing gate opener suits gates hinged to swing inward or outward, using an articulated arm or a ram per leaf — the common choice for driveways with room to swing. A sliding gate opener suits gates that roll sideways on a track, great where there's no room to swing or on a slope. Most openers include remotes, and many add safety sensors, keypads or solar power options. Match the opener to how your existing gate moves, then choose the motor for its weight.

What we'd tell a friend before they buy a gate opener

Here's the technical bit. Match the motor rating to your gate's real weight with headroom, since an under-rated motor strains and burns out — weigh the gate including any solid panels. Safety sensors that stop the gate on an obstruction are worth having, especially with kids or pets. Consider a solar-powered opener if running mains power to the gate is hard. And professional installation ensures it's set up and safe. Buy on the correct motor rating for your gate type and weight, and prioritise the safety sensors.

FAQs – get the answers you need

Swing or sliding gate opener — which do I need?
It depends on your gate. A swing gate opener suits hinged gates that swing open; a sliding gate opener suits gates that roll sideways on a track. Match it to how your gate moves.

How do I choose the right motor size?
Match it to your gate's weight and width, choosing a motor rated well above them. An under-rated motor strains and fails early, so weigh the gate including solid panels.

Do gate openers come with remotes?
Most include remote controls. Many also offer keypads, safety sensors, intercoms and solar power as options or add-ons for convenience and security.

Are gate openers safe with kids and pets?
Look for safety sensors that stop or reverse the gate when it detects an obstruction. These are important where children or pets are around the gate.

Can a gate opener run on solar?
Many offer a solar power option, useful where running mains power to the gate is difficult. A solar panel and battery keep the motor running off-grid.

Complete the entrance

A gate opener pairs with security and access gear. Add garden lights to light the driveway, and outdoor storage for tools and gear near the entrance.

Paying over time is easy — a $299 gate opener is four fortnightly payments of $74.75 with Afterpay, and Zip, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4 work the same way. Everything ships from our Australian warehouse within 1–2 business days, carries a 12-month warranty, and comes with 30 days to change your mind. We're family-run and Australian, at this since 2016, rated 4.66 out of 5 across 5,363 reviews.