Installing Electric Gate Ram Motors (Roger Technology BE200 & BE400) for All Types of Swing Gates
- info7088665
- Oct 13
- 4 min read
Serving homes, farms, estates and businesses across the South West & the Cotswolds: Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cirencester, Stroud, Swindon, Tewkesbury, Worcester, Chippenham, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Exeter and beyond.
Why choose an electric swing gate?
Electric swing gates combine day-to-day convenience with serious, long-term security. With a quality ram motor kit and a professional installation, you get:
Effortless access – open/close from your phone, fob, keypad or vehicle loop.
Real security – locked leaves resist forced entry far better than manual latches.
Controlled visitors – add an intercom or video entry to screen arrivals.
Privacy & kerb appeal – a clean, quiet mechanism that suits timber, metal or composite gates.
Weatherproof reliability – modern motors are sealed and designed for UK conditions.
Smart home ready – integrate with lighting, CCTV, alarms and geofencing.
Insurance & compliance – professionally installed systems can help meet insurer expectations and UK/EU safety standards.
Ram motors 101 (and why they’re ideal for swing gates)
“Ram” or “linear” motors sit on each gate leaf and push/pull the leaf via a robust telescopic arm. Compared with underground motors, rams are:
Easier to service (everything is above ground)
Great for retrofits (minimal civil works)
Cost-effective yet powerful
Versatile for wooden, steel or aluminium gates, on wall piers or posts
Roger Technology BE200 vs BE400: which is right for you?
Roger Technology’s BE-series ram operators are renowned for smooth operation and durability. As a rule of thumb:
BE200 – best for residential/light-duty gates: typical driveways, moderate-weight leaves, standard opening frequency. Compact body, smooth travel, precise slow-down at end of stroke.
BE400 – built for heavier or longer leaves and higher duty cycles (private roads, multi-resident entrances, light commercial and agricultural access). Extra torque and durability for wind-exposed or clad gates.
Not sure which you need? We’ll assess gate construction, hinge condition, post/pier strength, leaf length/weight, wind loading, usage pattern and power availability to specify the right kit.
What we can automate
Single or double swing gates
Inward or outward opening (subject to space and safety zones)
Metal, timber, aluminium or composite leaves
Existing manual gates (retrofit) or new builds
Flat or sloped drives (with appropriate brackets and geometry)
Our installation process (what to expect)
Free site survey & specification
Measure geometry, check hinges/posts, assess electrics, agree control options (keypad, fobs, GSM/4G, Wi-Fi app, loops, safety edges).
Safety design
We design to current safety guidance (risk assessment, entrapment points, presence detection, photocells, edges, beacons, signage).
Preparation
Align/true the gates, reinforce posts/pillars if needed, upgrade hinges if there’s play, set mechanical stops.
Fixing the rams
Precision-position the rear and front brackets to achieve correct lever angles and full travel. Secure with mechanical fixings/chemical anchors as appropriate.
Control gear & wiring
Mount the control cabinet in a discreet, weather-sheltered location. Run safe low-voltage/control cabling, earth bonding, and surge protection.
Access control & safety devices
Fit photocells, safety edges, flashing beacon/sounder, keypads/readers, intercoms, vehicle detection, and emergency release.
Commissioning
Program stroke limits, force/obstacle reversal, speed ramps, auto-close timings, pedestrian mode and remote/app credentials.
Handover & training
Demonstrate operation, emergency manual release and routine checks. Provide documentation and maintenance plan.
Security advantages of an automated swing gate
Motor-locking and geometry make it far harder to force a leaf compared with a simple latch.
Controlled entry means no more “tailgating” through a propped-open gate.
Event logging & alerts (with smart controllers) tell you who accessed and when.
Integrated perimeter security – link to CCTV, alarm triggers and security lighting for a complete approach.
Upgrades & smart options
Video intercoms (Wi-Fi or 4G) for smartphone control anywhere
Keypads & proximity readers (time-limited PINs/cards for deliveries and trades)
GSM/4G modules where broadband is tricky
Vehicle detection loops for auto-open on exit
Pedestrian mode to open a single leaf or partial opening
Solar assist (site-dependent) for remote entrances
Battery backup for power cuts
Maintenance keeps everything safe and smooth
Like any machine, automated gates need periodic care:
Lubricate hinges and check fixings
Test photocells, safety edges and obstacle reversal
Inspect cables, seals and drainage paths
Re-teach limits if hinges settle
Replace consumables (batteries in remotes, etc.)
Gatemen offers scheduled maintenance plans across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Bristol & Bath, and the wider Cotswolds to keep your system compliant and reliable.
Typical timelines & costs (guide)
Survey to quote: 2–5 working days
Install day(s): 1–2 days for straightforward retrofits; complex posts/civil works can take longer
Budget: depends on gate weight/length, civil works, access control and safety devices. We’ll give a fixed, itemised quote after survey.
(We avoid “one-size-fits-all” prices because safety hardware and geometry vary widely between properties.)
Areas we cover
South West & Cotswolds: Bristol, Bath, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Cirencester, Stroud, Swindon, Tewkesbury, Worcester, Thornbury, Yate, Dursley, Tetbury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh, Chipping Norton, Malmesbury, Chippenham, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Exeter and surrounding villages.
Why choose Gatemen?
Specialists in swing gate automation and safety compliance
Experienced with Roger Technology installations (BE200 & BE400)
Clean, courteous installs with tidy cabling and discreet hardware placement
Local support & maintenance with fast call-outs across the region
Get your free survey
Tel: 01452 447002
Email: info@gatemen.co.uk
Web: www.gatemen.co.uk
We’ll assess your gate, recommend BE200 or BE400 as appropriate, and provide a clear, fixed quotation.
FAQs
Can you automate my existing manual gates?
Yes, provided the posts/pillars and hinges are sound. We can reinforce or replace hinges if needed.
What happens during a power cut?
Systems include a manual release; battery backup is available so your gates continue to operate.
Are electric gates safe for children and pets?
When designed and installed correctly with photocells, safety edges and force limits, they’re safe. We complete a formal risk assessment and test on handover.
Will the motors be visible?
Ram motors are compact and sit neatly on the inside of each leaf; colour/positioning is chosen to blend with your gates.
How do I choose between BE200 and BE400?
We select based on gate length/weight, wind loading and usage (how many cycles per day). BE400 is preferred for heavier/longer leaves or frequent operation.
Ready to modernise your entrance?
Call 01452 447002 or email info@gatemen.co.uk to book your free survey. We’ll recommend the ideal Roger Technology BE200 or BE400 solution and handle everything—from safety design to final commissioning—anywhere in the South West and the Cotswolds.
Comments