Before you make the leap into securing or modernising your home’s entrance, it’s crucial to understand your options thoroughly.
Far too often, people are swayed by smooth-talking salespeople into investing in automatic sliding gates when a swing gate can do the job just as well—if not better—for a fraction of the cost.
Let’s break this down, and hopefully, help you make a choice that’s right for you, using information that aligns with reality, rather than marketing hype.
The True Cost and Engineering Challenges: Sliding vs Swing Gates
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: cost.
Many of my clients come to me concerned about break-ins, ease of access during the wet season, and overall convenience as they age. These are all valid concerns. However, I can’t stress enough how much more expensive sliding gates can be compared to swing gates.
Sliding gates require extensive foundational work. This means digging up your garden, your driveway, and laying tracks along with pouring concrete and installing posts.
These aren’t minor adjustments; they are major undertakings that add significant time and money to your project.
Generally, turning existing swing gates into automated ones costs far less than half what it would amount to for a new sliding gate system.
This is partly because swing gates don’t require the same level of structural upheaval. You can have an existing, perfectly functional gate retrofitted with automatic motors without tearing up your property.
Yes, there are scenarios where sliding gates make sense—such as limited space that doesn’t allow for outward swinging gates.
But, if you’re not unhappy with your current swing gates, why opt for a costlier alternative with more upkeep and higher odds of structural failures over time?
Why Some Companies Push Sliding Gates Over Swing Gates
Sad but true—many companies push sliding gates not because they are better for you, the customer, but because they are easier for them.
Swing gates do pose a few more challenges depending on the lay of the land and other specifics of your property. They can be a bit finicky and require more precise motor installation.
However, Duntech Automation motors specialise in overcoming these exact challenges. It’s their bread and butter.
It’s important to note that there are companies out there that simply don’t have the expertise or, frankly, the inclination to do the job right with swing gates.
They’ll recommend sliding gates, even if it’s overkill for your situation, because it’s easier for them to install and entails more profit.
Be cautious of this practice—it’s a subtle way to up-sell you on something pricier.
The “Dunwrights” Rule: Go for The Strongest Motor You Can Afford
Here’s a principle I stand by: always opt for the most robust motor you can afford.
The Duntech Automation motors we supply are essentially over-engineered.
We offer swing gate motors that can handle weights from 250 kilos per side to a whopping 550 kilos per side.
These motors are resilient, durable, and can stand up to the unique stresses posed by Darwin and Palmerston’s extreme weather conditions, from massive gusts of wind during storms to the soaking effects of heavy downpours.
Having heftier motors doesn’t just mean they can handle your gates better on a day-to-day basis but also during extreme conditions, ensuring you aren’t left struggling to close or open your gate when you need it most.
Plus, it really pays off in longevity—you won’t have to worry about replacing these motors anytime soon.
Duntech Automation: Parts and Labour Warranty
Fair warning: many companies offer limited parts-only warranties. This isn’t just a small detail; it’s a significant caveat.
Why?
Because when something goes wrong, you want a company that stands behind both their parts and their labour.
Duntech Automation offers comprehensive parts and labour warranties. They believe in their products so much that if there’s something wrong, they’ll cover it—all of it. Of course, terms and conditions apply.
This is less common than it should be, and it’s an essential point if you want a worry-free, long-lasting gate motor system.
Tailored Solutions and Whole Package Approach
At Dunwrights Doors & Gates, we don’t just install automatic gate motors; we ensure the entire system is optimised for your unique requirements.
We offer solutions that include everything from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access controls to phone kits and even solar-powered options designed to handle northern Australia’s infamous blackouts.
All our installations are overseen by qualified electricians, ensuring compliance with all safety standards.
And we don’t just install and forget; we believe in hands-on aftercare, ensuring all customers get the most out of their investment.
In Conclusion
When making the choice between sliding and swing gates, don’t be swayed by the easier sell.
Weigh your options carefully, take into account the installation complexities and costs, and think about the long-term advantages of a higher-quality motor.
At Dunwrights Doors & Gates, our mission is to provide a solution that genuinely serves your needs without unnecessary expenditures. And that could start now by sending in your enquiry about automatic gates motors.
And remember, the best part of getting a swing gate with robust Duntech Automation motors is that you won’t have to get out of your car during those torrential wet season downpours.
You’ll remain secure and dry—just as it should be.