</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Larry,
......My question is why couldn't you have used a wheel of some kind, either a solid rubber one, or something on a track to support the end, have the gate half as long, and just push it throught the snow? Does the snow really cause that much resistance? Seems the gate would be half as heavy if it was half as long, and it would take have the power to open and close it. )</font>
Good question Eddie - Answer Snow, Ice, Hail & Mud.
A wheel would ride up on heavy packed snow or get frozen to the ground jamming up the gate. A track for a wheel to follow is a speed bump just waiting to be ripped out when I plow the snow. Another disadvantage to a wheel or track it that it must be level and clear of all debris at all times.
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Why did you choose to use a sliding gate over a swinging one? I've always thought a swing gate would have less moving parts resulting in less maintenance and repairs. I've heard and experienced plenty of chain issues on sliding gates that lead me to this conclusion. )</font>
A swing gate will not open in deep snow, you must first plow or (Heaven Forbid) shovel? the snow away from the gate, then open the gate then plow / shovel? the snow on the other side. With a Sliding gate – simply open the gate and keep on plowing, no inefficient back & forth motions with the tractor to clear out the snow in front of the gate before you can open it.
Chain Issues – Another good point and question, I have solved this with the unique attachment design. I have a spring attached to the chain on both ends of the gate that absorbs the start up & stopping forces on the chain, and turnbuckles to keep the chain properly tensioned. Also the limit switches work every time all the time – A major factor in keeping the chain from breaking.
Take a close look at picture # 10 for the chain attachment details.
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Isn't the main reason for a slider is lack of room for a swing style gate? If you have the room, isn't the swing gate better? )</font>
Yes and No, The main reasons around here (for a lot of things) are sometimes dictated by weather.
Swing gate vs. Slider gate in some parts of the country are a matter of preference, style or how well it might fit into the application of the individuals circumstances. My choice was a slider because I didn’t want to have to plow the snow first before I could open my gate.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to answer your questions.