Cantilever Sliding Gates

A cantilever gate is a sliding gate with a clever difference: there's no track across the entrance. Instead, the gate has an extra "tail" section that runs on heavy roller carriages fixed to one side of the opening. The gate effectively hangs off the rollers and floats across the gap.

Why choose a cantilever gate?

• Nothing on the ground across the entrance – no track to trip on, clog with gravel or fill with leaves
• Great for uneven or sloping ground across the opening, where a track wouldn't sit level
• Snow, ice and debris don't stop it – there's no track to get blocked
• Clean look – nothing to break up the driveway surface
• Very strong – common on commercial and industrial sites

The catch

• More space needed. Because of the tail, the gate needs a longer clear run beside the opening than a standard sliding gate – often around half as much again as the opening.
• More steel. The gate is longer and stronger, so it costs more than a tracked sliding gate.
• Solid foundations for the roller carriages are essential.

Automating a cantilever gate

Cantilever gates automate in the same way as other sliding gates – a motor beside the gate drives a rack fixed along it. I fit DEA System sliding gate motors, sized to the gate.

The usual safety rules apply: photocells, safety edges, guarding of the trapping points between the gate, rollers and posts, and force testing to BS EN 12453.

Is it right for you?

A cantilever gate is a great choice if you have the side space and the entrance is gravel, uneven, or used by people on foot as well as vehicles. If space is tight, a standard tracked sliding gate or swing gates may be better.

Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433 – I'll check the space and give you a price.

Questions people ask me