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Kit Diamond 230v – FAQ’s
Will my gates still open in the winter when it is very cold and icy?
Climate conditions do affect how the internal mechanics operate. During periods where the outside
temperature can drop as low as -20 degrees in some parts of the UK, the motors can physically have
trouble starting, just like a motor vehicle. Although the internal gears are protected by machine
grease, of course anti-freeze cannot be used. If the motors do struggle to push and pull the gates
and you are finding them closing short or opening short, a simple adjustment to the torque force is
required to give the motors an extra helping hand. This adjustment will increase the power output to
the motor to help it mobilise. During the summer season or where the temperature increases, this
torque force adjustment may need to be reversed as the mechanics will be able to move a lot more
freely and you may find your gates closing quicker or over closing / opening. For the GateMotors Kit
Diamond and Aster, if you are finding ice forming on the motor arms, wiping the arm with liquid
paraffin will help reduce ice formation. Due to the unique way the motors are fabricated, no ice will
get into the motor via the arms, however if it has settled and compacts when the arm retracts to
open your gate, the ice build-up may force the arm not to fully retract.
How can I be sure that the gates are securely closed to keep unwelcome visitors out and
my children and dogs in?
Each GateMotors
control has the option of operating the motors in one of two ways:
-
Full Automatic mode
where a press of the transmitter button will open the gate and hold it
open for a predetermined time (adjustable to between five & 90 seconds) and then close it
automatically.
This way no one needs to remember to shut the gate.
-
Semi Automatic mode
where one press of the button will open the gate as before, but it
won't close automatically until the button is pressed again.
What if I am delayed and the gates start to close before I am through the entrance?
Included in each GateMotors kit is a pair of safety photocells that are normally mounted on each
gatepost and project a beam across the entrance. If your car or any object (e.g. child or pet) breaks
this beam the gate will either not move, or if it has already started to close, stop moving then
reverse open again. If you have large / deep gates then an additional pair of photocells should be
purchased and mounted on posts just beyond the leading edges of the open gate (see accessories);
these will protect the full radial sweep of the gate.
Do my motors require maintenance?
Unlike hydraulic motors, GateMotors electromechanical motors need virtually no maintenance. The
internal gears and mechanisms to control the ram arm motion are protected by Machine Grease. All
that is required is to keep the motors and the control boards associated safety devices (photocells /
anti-crush barriers) free from grime and obvious obstructions including fallen branches et cetera,
and to grease any pivot points regularly including the motors pivoting brackets and your gate hinges.
It is recommended to have the gate automation serviced by professional gate installers / gate
maintenance specialists to ensure your automation is working safely and efficiently. Installers /
Maintenance teams can be found in local directories and internet search engines.
