We often get questions from our clients about what to consider when purchasing an entry gate for their horse farm or equine facility. Entry gates can be a great way to secure the perimeter of your property, keep your livestock in, or just provide aesthetic appeal, but what should you buy? And how should it function? Your options are endless.
Gates can be made in a variety of materials, shapes and sizes, and can swing open, slide, or lift. They can be manual or automatic, can operate with clicker, keypad, weight sensing, etc. Before you make your decision, there are a few important factors to consider.
First is location. You’ll want to make sure your gate is located far enough along your driveway that your truck and trailer can pull safely off the main road.
Another consideration will be the material of your gate. Be sure the material and construction are safe for your livestock, and not something the horses can impale themselves on or get tangled in.
A final major consideration is how the gate will function. Manual and automatic gates each have their own pros and cons. Manual gates can be a hassle to open and close, especially in inclement weather. They also can accidentally be left open. Automatic gates are more expensive and require more maintenance, but they are significantly more convenient.
How often a gate will be used will go a long way in helping you decide what type of gate you want on your property. If you have people coming and going 50 times a day, you’ll want to make sure you have a heavy-duty gate and opener. If the gate is only used from time to time, a cheaper option may work just fine.
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