Cantilever Slide Gates

There are several forms of slide gates, to include cantilever, overhead and versions that include a ground track and wheels. The main difference is that Cantilever slide gates are not supported by an overhead track or a ground wheel/track system. Cantilever slide gates are supported by either two or four support posts placed to one side of the gate opening. The cantilever gate panel includes one or two tracks, interlocked and welded to the upper horizontal gate frame member. Truck/trolley assemblies are connected to the support posts and the gate panel with track are slid over the truck assemblies.  The gate panel can now easily slide open or closed.  Cantilever gates also include a counterbalance portion, which is 50% of the clear opening width. While increasing the length and weight of the gate panel, the counterbalance portion allows the gate to span greater distances. TYMETAL’s use of custom aluminum extrusions and welding techniques enable our cantilever slide gates to span single clear openings up to 60′.

Other forms of slide gates require ground wheels and a ground track or an overhead track. Overhead I beams  and ground tracks are costly, particularly that associated with the excavation and installation of a ground track.  Grade variations are harder to address, making it more difficult to accommodate normal drainage requirements. .

While cantilever slide gates require more space on one side of the gate opening than other gate styles, if space is available it is often the most efficient and cost effective way to span a vehicular gate opening.

Learn more about cantilever gates vs roller gates.

All TYMETAL cantilever slide gates can be motorized.  Based on size, weight and performance requirements we can match any cantilever gate with an automatic slide gate operator that will deliver reliable performance with low maintenance. We also offer a number of access control systems and related design and layout support.

When choosing your cantilever gate, consider factors such as:

• Elevation: A cantilever slide gate must be installed level. It’s recommended that the bottom of the gate panel be 5″ above grade, although it can be more or less. If less than 5″ clearance is needed it’s advisable to check with the manufacturer.
• Storage: The space you reserve for your cantilever gate should include room for the counterbalance or the additional length of the gate that goes past the opening length.  The overall length of the gate panel is 1-1/2 times the clear opening width, which is the storage requirement when the gate is in the open position.
• Infill type: Typical infills include steel 2″ x 2″ x 9 gauge chain link, ornamental pickets, anti-climb panels, expanded metals and other. When selecting infill it is important to consider weight and density.
• Single track, double-track or box frame configuration: The Heavy Duty (single track) Cantilever Slide Gate can span clear opening widths up to 30′. Structural (double-track) Cantilever Slide Gates can span clear opening widths up to 40′.  Box Frame Cantilever Slide Gates can span clear opening widths up to 60′.
• Opening width: Your cantilever gate’s opening width will determine the style of cantilever slide gate that is most suitable.
• Gate height: While not as important as your gate’s opening width, your cantilever gate’s height will also influence your gate’s overall structure. Height affects the gate’s wind load, determining what infill materials, hardware and supports you need to use.
• Gate weight: Most aluminum cantilever gate weights do not exceed 2,000 pounds. When selecting an infill component it is important to consider weight and density. Typical 2″ x 2″ x 9 gauge chain link and most aluminum picket configurations are well within weight and density limitations. When selecting heavier or denser components it’s best to check with the manufacturer first.

TYMETAL also offers a variety of options in ornamental cantilever gates that provide optimal security along with an attractive design and finish. Frames and pickets are fabricated from aluminum alloy extrusions with Internal, External, Flat-Top or Smashed Point styles available. Ornamental cantilever slide gates also come in convex or concave configurations, with a choice of milled aluminum or baked-on powder coating in standard or custom colors. These additional options help bring your aesthetic vision to life.

TYMETAL offers a full range of services before, during, and after the sale of our cantilever slide gate systems. Whether you’re in the market for the Heavy Duty, Structural or Box Frame design, we provide complete specifications and CAD drawings. Visit our cantilever slide gate drawings and specs page to choose the solutions that are right for you.

In addition to delivering the most robust track and gate frame combination in the industry, TYMETAL also offers fully automatic cantilever gate systems. We provide a wide variety of options in automatic slide gates and operator systems matched to your specific project requirements. From the TIGER Gate System with double clear openings up to 80 feet to the TYM HYD Box Frame Cantilever Gate System with double clear openings up to 120 feet, we offer a broad range of automatic slide gate designs. Visit our gate operator systems page for more information on the full selection available for a cantilever gate system.

Steel is corrosive and aluminum is not. Even galvanized steel can rust in some areas. Aluminum, however, is protected by a thin layer of its natural corrosion properties, aluminum oxide. The aluminum oxide is a natural, rust-resistant shield. Most important, while providing strength, aluminum is lighter than steel.  Steel is just too heavy a material for cantilever style sliding gates. The excessive weight is hard to move, stresses cause weld breaks at joints and gate operators strain to power them. TYMETAL’s cantilever slide gate systems are well engineered and manufactured in a controlled environment.  They benefit from an enclosed track and truck/trolley system that is protected from debris and weather.  The combination of custom extrusions, hardware and manufacturing technique insure superior performance over time – and a solid long term investment.

We’re a recognized industry pioneer in producing custom-fabricated cantilever slide gates and matched access control systems. When you purchase commercial-grade cantilever slide gates from us, you gain the support of a dedicated partner with the experience to deliver a system designed to meet the specific requirements of today’s most demanding customers.

When it comes to closing openings, trust TYMETAL. Contact us today for more information about our cantilever gate systems or give us a call at 888-978-4283 to receive guidance on which gate works best for your needs.