How to service a gate motor.

A gate motor or gate operator, much like a car, will provide many years of excellent service if a proper maintenance schedule is followed at regular intervals. By performing these basic checks and repairs on time, you can ensure that your gate motor functions optimally for an extended period.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for several reasons:

Prevents breakdowns: Early detection of minor issues can prevent them from escalating into major breakdowns, saving you time and money on repairs.
Ensures safety: A well-maintained gate operator functions smoothly and safely, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
Extends lifespan: Proper care helps your gate operator to last longer, delaying the need for costly replacements.

Types of gate motors and how to service them

Gate motors for driveways falls into two categories; swing gate operators and sliding gate motors.

While many maintenance aspects of these two types of installations overlap there are some differences. Sliding gate motors pushes or pulls a gate with wheels along a track fixed to the ground while swing gate operators generally use some kind of arm to open or close a gate attached with hinges onto a gate post or pillar. Of course to every rule there are exceptions and there are some exotic swing and slide gate motors around that function differently.

Gate Motor Maintenance Schedules

Here are recommended maintenance schedules to keep your gate operator in top condition:

Sliding gate motors:

Task	Frequency	Description
Clear away debris	Weekly	Regularly remove dirt, sand, stones, foliage, and any objects that might obstruct the gate’s path or hinder its movement.
Check gate travel	Monthly	Disengage the gate motor (consult the user manual if you don’t know how to do this) and ensure the gate opens and closes smoothly without scraping or binding along its path of travel. This helps to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the motor. Re-engage the gate close to the position where you disengaged it.
Record pull force	Monthly	Invest in a fish scale to measure the gate pull force in both directions. To get the gate moving, there will be an initial starting pull force but once it is moving, the force should drop to a consistent running force. Record both the starting and running forces. Over time these forces will change as the gate ages and they can be your first indication that something is going wrong. The forces should always be less than the motor specifications and should be available in the user manual.
Inspect the motor lid	Monthly	Check for cracks or damage caused by weather elements or debris. A damaged lid can allow water and dirt to enter the housing, potentially harming the controller. Replace a cracked lid promptly.
Prevent infestations	Monthly	Look for signs of insect or reptile infestations within the operator housing. Seal any gaps where pests might enter, and consider using repellents such as moth balls or ant poison if necessary.
Inspect guide rollers	Every 6 Months	Check the gate’s guide rollers for wear and tear. Worn-out rollers can increase friction and cause misalignment that may put strain on the motor.
Check gate wheels	Every 6 Months	Lift the gate up and check that the wheels are rotating freely. Worn out gate wheel bearings are one of the most common failures and can cause additional load on your gate motor.
Check for oil leaks	Every 6 Months	While uncommon, oil leaks can occur during the initial months after installation. Inspect the motor for leaks and clean them up if found.
Check for sagging	Every 6 Months	As the gate components start to wear in, the gate can sag and eventually “ride” on the motor pinion. There should always be a gap of about 2mm between the rack and the motor pinion. The pinion should be able to rock backwards and forwards slightly if pushed by hand. (N.B. Rocking the pinion by hand can be extremely dangerous! Make sure that the operator is switched off completely before checking this.)
Inspect battery and connections	Every 6 Months	Check the battery for leaks that could damage wiring. Additionally, ensure the controller, accessories, and marker magnet on the gate are securely fastened and not loose. A loose marker magnet might require reprogramming the gate limits.
Inspect electrical connections	Every 6 Months	Look for any loose or corroded wires within the gate motor’s electrical connections. Address any such issues to prevent malfunctions.
Remote control check	Annual	Replace remote control batteries annually to ensure you don’t get stuck outside your property.

Swing gate motors:

Task	Frequency	Description
Clear away debris	Weekly	Regularly remove foliage and any objects that might obstruct the gate’s path or hinder its movement.
Check gate alignment	Weekly	Ensure the gate opens and closes smoothly without scraping, binding or any collisions. This helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the motor.
Inspect the motor cover	Monthly	Check for cracks or damage caused by weather elements or debris. A damaged cover can allow water and dirt to enter the housing, potentially damaging the motor. Replace a cracked cover promptly.
Prevent infestations	Monthly	Look for signs of insect or reptile infestations within the operator housing. Seal any gaps where pests might enter, and consider using repellents if necessary.
Inspect hinges	Monthly	Check the gate’s hinges for wear and tear. Worn-out hinges can cause the gate to sag or bind increasing friction and strain on the motors.
Lubricate moving parts	Every 6 Months	Lubricating the hinges and other parts can dramatically extend the operator life. While the gearbox often cannot be opened and is grease filled, other parts such as crank arms and hinges will benefit from some lubrication.
Inspect battery and connections	Every 6 Months	Check the battery for leaks that could damage wiring. Additionally, ensure the controller and other accessories are securely fastened and not loose.
Inspect electrical connections	Every 6 Months	Look for any loose or corroded wires within the gate motor’s electrical connections. Address any such issues to prevent malfunctions.
Remote control check	Annual	Replace remote control batteries annually to ensure you don’t get stuck outside your property.

Conclusion

By following these maintenance schedules and addressing any concerns promptly, you can ensure your gate operator functions reliably and safely for many years to come. Here are some additional tips to maximize your gate operator’s lifespan:

Use high-quality lubricants: When lubricating moving parts, opt for high-quality lubricants that will not become hard over time. It is always good to clean off old lubricants first before putting new lubricant on if possible.
Keep records of your gates performance: Keeping track of pull forces, and battery voltage after a run can give you early indication of potential components that might need replacing.
Keep your proof of purchase: Many manufacturers offer a 2 year warranty on their products. This warranty is often from date of purchase. It is also a good idea to keep your installers contact details with your proof of purchase. DACE recommends stapling your receipt inside your gate motor’s user manual.

For any complex maintenance issues or if you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional gate motor technician or contact DACE directly. Their expertise can ensure your gate operator receives proper care and continues to function optimally.