Under-Ground Gate Motor vs RAM Arm: Which is Best for Your Gloucester Property?

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Jun 15, 2025
3 min read

If you’re planning a new electric gate installation in Gloucester, Cheltenham, or anywhere across Gloucestershire, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right type of automation. The two most common options for swing gates are under-ground gate motors and RAM arm motors. Each offers distinct benefits—and the best choice depends on your gate style, driveway layout, and budget.

At Gate Men, we install both systems and can help you choose the ideal solution based on your site’s needs. Read on for a clear comparison between under-ground motors and RAM arms, and discover which is right for your driveway.

🚧 What is an Under-Ground Gate Motor?

As the name suggests, under-ground motors are buried beneath the gate hinge, hidden from view. They’re connected directly to the gate leaf via an underground pivot arm.

✅ Key Benefits:

Discreet Appearance – No visible motors = cleaner, more premium look.
Ideal for Traditional Properties – Perfect for period homes or Cotswold stone frontages.
Smooth, Quiet Operation – Less vibration and lower noise levels.
Better Aesthetics for Hardwood Gates – Enhances natural finishes without bulky hardware.

❌ Considerations:

Higher Installation Cost – Requires groundworks and drainage.
Not Ideal for High Water Tables – Risk of water ingress if not properly sealed.
Longer Installation Time – More excavation and setup than surface-mounted options.

🛠️ What is a RAM Arm Gate Motor?

RAM arm motors (also known as articulated or piston arms) are mounted above ground on the gate post or pillar. They open and close the gate using a powered arm that extends and retracts.

✅ Key Benefits:

Quick to Install – No digging or groundwork required.
More Affordable – Lower installation and component costs.
Ideal for Retrofit Projects – Can be fitted to existing manual gates.
Works with Wider Pillars or Off-Centre Hinges – Flexible mounting positions.

❌ Considerations:

Visible Hardware – Motors and arms are exposed.
Less Aesthetic for Traditional Homes – Bulky on ornate or wooden gates.
Can Be Noisier – Slightly more mechanical sound during operation.

⚖️ Under-Ground vs RAM Arm: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Under-Ground Motor	RAM Arm Motor
Aesthetics	✅ Hidden from view	❌ Exposed hardware
Cost	❌ Higher	✅ Lower
Installation Time	❌ Longer (with groundwork)	✅ Quick
Maintenance Access	❌ Needs pit access	✅ Easy surface access
Ideal for	Heritage homes, clean design	Retrofits, cost-conscious installs
Weather Risk	❌ Prone to water if not sealed	✅ Above ground = dry

📍 Best Applications for Gloucester Properties

If you live in a listed building or a conservation area in Gloucester, such as Tuffley, Barnwood, or Longlevens, under-ground motors will maintain your home’s character while delivering seamless automation.

For homes in newer developments or farms around Hucclecote, Quedgeley, or Hardwicke, RAM arms may be the smarter choice—especially if you’re looking for cost-effective automation on existing gates.

🔧 Brands We Install

We supply and install premium gate motors from:

Roger Technology (brushless under-ground and RAM)
BFT & CAME (reliable under-ground kits)
DEA & NICE (versatile arm systems)
FAAC (trusted for commercial-grade automation)

All installations are tested and certified to EN 12453 safety standards and include photocells, obstacle detection and manual release features.

💬 Real Example: Gloucester Case Study

A homeowner in Churchdown contacted Gate Men for an upgrade to their double hardwood swing gates. Due to the classic look of the property, we recommended and installed Roger Technology under-ground motors, preserving the gate’s elegant lines. A discreet Wi-Fi intercom and smartphone app now allow remote control from anywhere in the world.

🧰 Still Not Sure Which to Choose?

Our engineers offer free surveys across Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, and the wider South West. We’ll assess your existing setup, measure hinge points, consider water table levels, and explain which motor type suits your gates best—backed by a clear, itemised quote.