FenceTrac gates can accommodate automated openers for both residential and commercial applications. FenceTrac does not manufacture or supply the gate opener, but the gate structure supports aftermarket automation hardware. On custom steel welded gates built by FenceTrac, mounting brackets for the opener can be incorporated during fabrication. On standard aluminum gate kits (4-foot and 6-foot single, 8-foot and 12-foot double), the installer can provide and field-install opener brackets on smaller gates.
The Short Answer
Yes. Automated openers work with FenceTrac gates. The key distinction is that FenceTrac supplies the gate, not the opener. The automation hardware is sourced and installed separately. For custom gates, FenceTrac can weld mounting brackets directly into the gate frame during fabrication. For standard gate kits, the installer attaches the opener hardware in the field.
How Automation Works with Standard Gate Kits
FenceTrac’s standard gate kits are aluminum-framed assemblies that accept the same infill as the fence panels. They ship with stainless steel hinges and a lockable latch.
To add automation to a standard gate kit, the installer selects a compatible aftermarket gate opener and mounts it to the gate and post structure in the field. The installer is responsible for selecting an opener rated for the gate’s weight and size, mounting the opener arm or actuator to the gate frame, mounting the motor unit to the gate post or an adjacent mounting post, and wiring the opener to the power source and any access controls (keypads, remotes, intercoms).
Standard gate kits in the 4-foot and 6-foot single gate sizes are the most straightforward to automate. Their lighter weight and smaller swing arc are compatible with most residential-grade swing gate openers available from major automation manufacturers.
How Automation Works with Custom Gates
For larger or heavier gate installations, FenceTrac builds custom steel welded gates to the project’s exact specifications. Custom gates are the preferred option when automation is planned from the start.
During the custom gate build, FenceTrac can incorporate mounting brackets, reinforcement plates, and hinge points designed to work with the specific opener model the customer or installer has selected. This eliminates field modifications and ensures the gate structure is engineered to handle the mechanical forces of the opener.
Custom gates are common for commercial driveways, gated communities, industrial entries, and any application where the gate width, height, or weight exceeds the capacity of the standard aluminum gate kits.
Rolling, sliding, and cantilever gates, which are frequently automated on commercial properties, are always built as custom units with the automation mounting points integrated into the gate and track system.
Choosing the Right Opener
FenceTrac does not recommend or endorse a specific gate opener brand. The installer or property owner selects the opener based on the gate type, size, weight, and the level of access control required.
Key factors when selecting an opener for a FenceTrac gate include gate weight (heavier custom steel gates require a higher-capacity motor than lighter aluminum gate kits), gate type (swing openers for hinged gates, slide or chain-drive openers for rolling and cantilever gates), power source (hardwired electric, solar, or battery backup), and access control features (remote, keypad, smartphone, intercom, or card reader).
The installer should verify that the opener’s mounting requirements are compatible with the gate frame dimensions and post configuration. For standard FenceTrac gate kits, the galvanized G90 steel, powder-coated posts provide a solid mounting surface for opener hardware.
What FenceTrac Provides vs. What the Installer Provides
| Component | Provided By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gate frame and infill | FenceTrac | Standard aluminum kits or custom steel welded gates |
| Hinges and latch | FenceTrac | Stainless steel hinges and lockable latch included with every gate kit |
| Mounting brackets (custom gates) | FenceTrac | Welded into custom gate frame during fabrication when automation is specified |
| Gate opener motor and actuator | Installer / owner | Aftermarket hardware, selected to match gate size and weight |
| Mounting brackets (standard kits) | Installer | Field-installed to attach opener to standard gate kit and post |
| Wiring and access controls | Installer / electrician | Power supply, keypads, remotes, intercoms, card readers |
Planning for Automation
If automation is part of the project plan, communicate this to the FenceTrac sales team when requesting a quote. For custom gates, the team can design the gate with the correct mounting points and reinforcement for the opener model. For standard gate kits, the team can confirm that the gate and post configuration will work with the installer’s preferred opener.
Planning for automation upfront avoids retrofit costs and ensures the gate post is sized and set deep enough to support the added mechanical load of an opener. Commercial-grade openers exert significant force on the hinge post, so proper post sizing and footing design are important for long-term reliability.
Related Questions
What is the standard width for a single FenceTrac gate? FenceTrac single gates come in 4-foot and 6-foot widths, both with aluminum frames that accept the same infill as the fence panels.
What is the standard width for a double FenceTrac gate? FenceTrac double gates come in 8-foot and 12-foot widths, with a commercial drop rod included for securing the stationary leaf.
See Also
What is a modular fence system and how does it work for an overview of the FenceTrac frame, post, and infill system. Correct post spacing for FenceTrac fence posts for post sizing and footing guidelines that affect gate post installation.
Get a Quote for Your Gate Project
FenceTrac ships fence systems and gate kits nationally and has been manufacturing engineered fencing in the USA since 2012.
Every system carries a 20-year warranty and is engineered for long-term performance with minimal maintenance.